A tattoo artist with countercultural inclinations may seem like an odd ambassador for Hublot, maker of luxe Swiss watches that cost a small fortune. Even so, Hublot’s new Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu collection is undeniably beautiful.
Maxime Pleschia Buchi, founder of the Sang Bleu creative studio that’s spawned a subculture magazine, fashion brand and high-end tattoo shops, first “inked” the partnership in 2016 with an intense geometric pattern on the face of Hublot’s flagship Big Bang.
Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang collection, featuring barrel-shaped cases, is his latest non-human canvas.
“The aim is to incorporate the DNA of the Big Bang Sang Bleu II into the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu,” Buchi said. “The result is a similar geometric aesthetic with a new interpretation of shapes and volumes. This creation is guided by perfectly proportioned shapes that interact and overlap to create a unique, distinctive design while enhancing the ergonomics for the wearer.”
The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Blue features a trio of case materials: 200 examples in titanium, 200 in all-black titanium, and 100 in gold. Additionally, exactly one gold and one titanium watch each set with 180 diamonds (about 2.4 carats’ worth) will be produced.
All feature “geometric tattoos” that alternate and overlap the case—the central piece is 3D-diamond firmed by several layered triangle and pyramid shapes. A sapphire dial displays the HUB4700 automatic skeleton chronograph movement through disc hands bearing more geometric patterns. The caseback features a riff on Maxime’s original Big Bang design, which was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.
Maxime also customized several other components with unique markings, including the watch’s 6 H-shaped titanium screws running through the bezel, signature lugs, and screwed crown over molded rubber.
Priced from $28,500 to $70,400, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu collection is available to shop now.
