The Large Bang Unico is without a doubt the most important novelty for Hublot in 2013. Indeed, it represents better than any other watch from the collection the strategy and the upmarket move of the brand. For plenty of years, the Large Bang proved to be the incarnation of the fusion of materials dear to Jean-Claude Biver's heart. The mechanical side was not essential, Hublot focusing mostly on reliable and simple to service 7750 movements for its chronographs even if some Large Bang could be equipped with more exclusive calibers.
Given the evolution of the watch market, it became crucial for Hublot to have its own chronograph movement to support its growth ambition. The Unico movement is however not only an in-house chronograph movement. It is actually a actual basic movement that can host other complications such the display of several timezones (Unico GMT). This is why it's a similar architecture to that of a modular movement as evidenced by the presence of the chronograph mechanism on the dial side. Beyond its clever architecture & its modularity, the Unico can let us enjoy advantageously the dial openings that reveal some elements of the chronograph mechanism like the column wheel.
If the first watches that used the new movement were the King Power, it was paradoxically a Sizable Bang which put it under the spotlight. The Sizable Bang Ferrari has met since its launch a great success and it's been able to take advantage of the whole of the benefits provided by the Unico: a 72 hours power reserve, a flyback function and the column wheel visible on the dial side without forgetting the technical specifications that make sure the reliability of the movement behavior. Unquestionably, the Sizable Bang Ferrari foreshadowed what would be today's new Sizable Bang Unico. However, thinking about the latter as a simple evolution of the Ferrari watches is a rapid shortcut. They have their own characteristics that distinguish them to the "Prancing Horse" watches.
It is true that the new Giant Bang case made its first appearance in the context of the Giant Bang Ferrari with its imposing 45mm diameter and its "One Click" technique which allows to basically modify the bracelet. I find it is virtually identical with the new Giant Bang. It is also characterized by the new screw heads whose circumference is slightly raised. They become even more visible than the former ones while improving the general perceived quality.
However, the differences with the Giant Bang Ferrari appear quickly and perhaps the most obvious can be found with the pushers. It is a cultural revolution! Are you able to imagine it? For the first time since the creation of the Giant Bang, 8 years ago, the pushers are round! I have mixed feelings with them even in the event that they look like engine pistons. From a practical point of view, there is nothing to say thanks to the Unico and their size, they can activate through them the chronograph functions without any issue. But I find that there is a kind of aesthetical gap between the pushers and the case, giving me the belief that the oblong pushers are better adapted to the geometric lines and the sharp angles of the case. I prefer the pushers of the Giant Bang Ferrari or of the Classic Fusion Chronograph. However, these round pushers have an advantage: they permit to give a personal style to this new Giant Bang in the Hublot collection. The crown with overmoulded rubber has also been modified and fits well in to the general design of the watch.
The prancing horse of the Massive Bang Ferrari left the dial & is replaced by the permanent new what has the advantage to animate the dial. The figures are now more rounded & enlarged & appear to float, like the indexes, above the open dial. I am liking the visual rendering of the dial which depicts a technical atmosphere as evidenced by the visible dates wheel. Due to the positioning of the column wheel, the date is inserted in the minute counter. I am however not as satisfied with the result as with the Massive Bang Ferrari. Oddly, Hublot took the decision to open more the date window & to make it follow the inner scale of the counter. The figures located before & after the date become partially visible & that leads, in my view, to a less legible date.
The scale of the chronograph brand new is put on the inclined flange in order to make the dial purer. However, do not hope to find 1/8th of second markers, there is not any. I understand this design trick because it is a way to visually ease the dial complicated by the numerous openings. Despite this voluntarily clutter side, the readability is excellent because the hands, numerals and indexes clearly stand out.
Thanks to its special design, the Unico is a lovely movement to watch. I like its contemporary presentation, the shapes of the bridges & its colors that highlight the mobile parts. The winding rotor made of tungsten is treated with a black satin finish, consistent with the bridges. Beneath the balance wheel, the pallet fork & escapement wheel are guessed thanks to the purple color of silicon. They must not forget that the Unico is a movement which is technically achieved, combining its simplified architecture with some innovations such as the hour counter directly driven by the barrel. Its performances are respectable: a 72 hours power reserve, a 4hz frequency, the flyback & a 60 minute counter I appreciate a lot because I find it the most logical to measure time.
