Hublot Big Bang Unico ‘O Ka Mua

Quick specs Hublot Big Bang Unico ‘O Ka Mua
Price: $ 25,700 | € 27.900 | £ 23,100 | CHF 24’400
Size: 42 mm
Reference: 441.CL.0197.VR.HAW24 – limited to 25 pieces

The Hublot Big Bang Unico ‘O Ka Mua is a homage to Hawai’i, the island, not the state, where the Hublot Honolulu Ala Moana boutique is not located. And if you think we misspelled something wrong, the island is spelled as “Hawai’i”, the state is spelled as “Hawaii”. Which is a collection of 137 volcanic islands. And Hawai’i itself is one of the 8 main islands of this state or archipelago, and it is also known as “The Big Island”. As it is the biggest.

Hublot didn’t name this timepiece Hawai’i or Hawaii but ‘O Ka Mua which means “the first”. As this is “the first limited edition designed exclusively for Hawaiʻi”. Although their boutique is in Ala Moana, a residential district in the capital of the state Hawaii, Honolulu. Which is located on another Polynesian island (named Oʻahu or Oahu). Confusing? Nah.

Polynesian design elements

Let’s forget the topographical puzzle and look at the watch itself. It features symbols of the Polynesian culture and pays homage to Polynesian artistry. You can see concentric patterns that are nature inspired forms with the sun as central point. It is framed by designs reminiscent of turtles, weaving patterns, waves, and shark teeth.

These cultural symbols all have a deeper meaning, from longevity and peace (turtle, called the “honu”) to life, change, and the unknown (waves). Yes, the dial is busy, but the symmetry and use of just two colors keeps it the readability on a good level. The dial design also comes back on top of the box the watch comes in.

The Hublot Big Bang Unico ‘O Ka Mua has a power reserve of 72 hours

The movement of the Hublot Big Bang Unico ‘O Ka Mua is the Hublot caliber HUB1280. It is executed with a flyback column-wheel chronograph and has a date complication (at the 3 o’clock position). The power reserve is 72 hours. It’s also visible through the black ceramic and sapphire case back, on which the Hawaiian Islands are depicted.

This Big Bang Unico comes on a blue calf leather strap embossed with motifs that are also on the dial. Additionally, you will get a blue lined rubber strap, plus a black ceramic and black titanium deployant buckle. The model is limited to just 25 pieces, only available on Hawaii. Not Hawai’i.