Swiss luxury watchmaker HUBLOT teams up with A-COLD-WALL*‘s creative director Samuel Ross for Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross limited-edition timepiece. As a part of “Hublot Loves Art” initiative which invites the most talented artists and designers to give their touch to Hublot’s collections, the brand invited Samuel Ross, 30-year-old multi-disciplinary artist, filmmaker, fashion designer and winner of Hublot Design Prize in 2019, to update their signature Big Bang Tourbillon watch. The deceptively simple, industrial form of the 40cm high artwork Ross has made for Hublot’s 40th anniversary has now been reinterpreted in the 44mm Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross – Ross’s first wristwatch collaboration with Hublot. Ross’s signature use of colour and love of stark geometry and urban design, come together with the innovation and precision that prevail in the work of both Ross and Hublot. To celebrate the launch, Ross’s signature colours will envelop Hublot’s 5th Ave boutique in New York City. The takeover will be repeated in Hublot stores across the globe, bringing the Samuel Ross universe to the world of horology.
WATCHES
The youngest artist we have ever worked, Samuel Ross’s 360-degree approach is unique and intelligent, incorporating the watch, packaging, communication, and visual identity. What is so special about this collaboration is the direct interaction between design and object, ideas, and form. Samuel has pushed our team to work with new and innovative materials and shapes. It’s a really dynamic and fulfilling partnership. – Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO
The distinctive, stylised hexagon of the Big Bang case is reflected in the titanium honeycomb mesh used on the sapphire dial, case, case back and strap. A basic building block of nature (seen in environments from beehives and snake’s scales to pineapple skin and snowflakes) the robust and efficient shape, that can be repeated without gaps or overlapping, has been appropriated as a standard for modern-day construction and design thanks to the seamless fit of each unit. Here the hexagon is a visual symbol of the functionality of the watch – a key strand running through all of Ross’s design. Although it may be a wearable sculpture, Ross never loses sight of the need for it to be durable and ergonomic, the lightweight, openworked titanium structure and malleable rubber strap ensuring its comfort on the wrist. A proponent of colour theory, Ross has chosen orange – representing energy and optimism – for the strap and accents on the crown and tourbillon bridge and lateral bumpers that protect the case, a glowing contrast to the sober grey of the satin-finished case and bezel. The 282-component, manufacture HUB6035 calibre within beats at 3 Hz and gives 72 hours of power reserve. Just 50 pieces will be produced, each one a piece of art that brings a new perspective and a new visual language to watchmaking. – from Hublot
Hublot personifies velocity, precision, and exploration. Pairing the unparalleled craft and expertise of Swiss watchmaking alongside a spirit of sharp, innovative thinking and design solutions, crystallised the cadence between Ricardo & I. Our goal is to create a universe that leverages the strengths of contemporary engineering, spatial design and digital. This is reflected in the focus on fine details, with striking, bold & unapologetic results. We see the future of luxury as a lateral experience, offering a multigenerational access point that enables luxury to engage global audiences. – Samuel Ross
