The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent already nicknamed 'Camouflage' presented at Baselworld 2016 breaks free in a camouflage version for the urban peace-lover. This new limited edition in partnership with Italia Independent, is the result of the continued collaboration between Hublot and Italia Independent per their 3-year agreement. Italia Independent, a fashion 'think tank' launched in 2007 for the Pitti Uomo in Florence was founded by Giovanni Accongiagioco, Lapo Elkann and Andrea Tessitore. Its mission and philosophy, is to be a source of inspiration seeking the use of new materials in the fashion industry. This year the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent brings a different pattern in its Carbon Texalium case rather similar to the previous version presented last year as we reported here.
Just like last year, Italia Independent is introducing a limited edition collection of sunglasses to accompany the watches. The sunglasses are lightweight and resistant, underlining the know-how of the two companies. The glasses have a classic timeless shape that uses precious metals and are embellished with a detail in Texalium, the same material used in the watch collection. The logos of Italia Independent and Hublot can be found at the ends of the temples; the logo Hublot is also present on one of lenses that have high-quality protection and excellent filtering properties. The sunglasses are not individually sold and will only accompany the purchase of the timepieces.
The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent a.k.a. 'Camouflage' is available in three different colors: blue, black and olive green. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent a.k.a. 'Camouflage' Blue ref. 411.YL.5190.NR.ITI16 comes in a limited edition of 500 pieces and features black PVD treated titanium pushers and crown. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent a.k.a. 'Camouflage' Black ref. 411.YL.1198.NR.ITI16 comes in a limited edition of 250 pieces and features 18K king gold pushers and crown. Lastly, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent a.k.a. 'Camouflage' Green ref. 411.YT.1198.NR.ITI16 comes in a limited edition of 250 pieces and features 18K yellow gold pushers and crown.
Fusing carbon fiber and Texalium, the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent 'Camouflage', retains the strength and lightness of carbon whilst offering the infinite spectrum of colors and eye-catching metallic effects of Texalium. The most famous of all military motifs is printed on a veil of silk laid over the Texalium. Through the transparency, the pattern and texture of Texalium can be glimpsed. Texalium is a glass fiber fabric with an aluminum coating on its surface. The case on the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent 'Camouflage' maintains the 45 mm size of its predecessor and is equipped with the 'one click' interchangeable bracelet system.
The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent 'Camouflage' features a varnished and skeletonized dial with a matte finish carrying a message of peace by incorporating a peace symbol to the subsidiary running seconds indicator at 9 o'clock. The dial features a 60-minute chronograph register at 3 o'clock with date aperture.
To round out the uber cool design of this watch, the timepiece is supplied with two different straps. The first cut from the famous chino fabric —ultra soft combed cotton— and lined with black rubber, while the second features the innovative SuperFabric, an ultra-high performance "armoured" fabric which is strong yet flexible and light. All three watches come with a deployant folding clasp with carbon fiber insert.
The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent 'Camouflage' is powered by the in-house automatic movement HUB 1242 fully developed and manufactured in-house by Hublot. The movement features an automatic flyback chronograph with column wheel and double clutch mechanism and provides a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound.
On the wrist, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent 'Camouflage' Limited Edition wears just like any other Big Bang Unico in terms of size and comfort. While the black version seems easier to go with just any outfit, the hue of the blue and green versions is just out of this world. Our personal favorite is the blue version as we are suckers for everything blue. We have included three wrist shots so that you can see how differently each color wears.
Sticker Price $26,200 USD for blue and $29,400 USD for black or green. For more info on Hublot click here and for Italia Independent here.
