The Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A by Samuel Ross is a monochromatic titanium horological beast Hublot is keen on collaborations, but apparently their already talented roster isn’t enough, because in 2020 they’ve added another creative line: British designer, artist and all-around prospect Samuel Ross . As the designer behind popular ceramic-fired streetwear brand A Cold Wall*, Ross’s work continues to expand to include clothing, bikes, sculptures, paintings and more. After several years of collaboration, we present their latest collaborative watch, the new Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A by Samuel Ross, a new monochrome version of the first watch they launched together last year.
Conceptually, the new watch is very similar to the previous version. It has the same 44mm case, with hexagonal honeycomb mesh ventilation on the lugs (critical space not needed to protect the movement) and dial (protected by a sapphire crystal), embodying the lightweight, aerospace style Ross favored. , industrial futurism.
This feel is enhanced by replacing the previous orange element with micro-sandblasted polished titanium, which, while not as striking as the original, gives the watch a cooler monochromatic design. The tourbillon cage has also faded, but it's still a tourbillon, so it's still impressive. With its integrated rubber strap and visible screws, the new Big Bang is a sci-fi opera created by the Gerald Genta of horology.
Of course, that's not to say it's all monochromatic. The one-piece rubber strap also features a series of honeycomb perforations and is available in white, black and vibrant lime green. The raw titanium of the metalwork means it will work in any of the three colourways, but let's be honest, if you're wearing this version and you like the impact of it, that probably means you'll want it on the greens.
This aesthetic is backed by one of Hublot’s more technical movements, one that’s more noteworthy than the iconic tourbillon complication. The HUB6035 movement is an in-house movement, an actual manufactured movement consisting of 282 components. It beats at 3 Hz, has a 72-hour power reserve, is as solid as a modern tourbillon should be, and with all these components clearly visible, it fully embodies the intense mechanical nature of the Big Bang Tourbillon.
Unlike the original Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross, the new Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A designed by Samuel Ross does not break new ground. However, it did refine the concept, just like the second draft of the sketch. It makes more sense both visually and on the wrist (its 44mm case is just as eye-catching as before, yet lightweight to wear) and offers more options among three straps, all made with the same fabric, cut from the same blueprint.
So, can we expect more of the same in the future? perhaps. If we look at the Orlinski and Sang Bleu versions produced by Hublot, they tend to be very close to the originals once you own your first watch. There are different colors and materials of course, but other than that just provide variations on the theme. It’s almost certain that if this particular version isn’t for you, a different color Big Bang Tourbillon is expected to appear in the near future.
Given that they are all very strictly limited editions – like this latest model. But for someone as creative and knowledgeable as Ross, it would be a bit disappointing if Hublot didn’t go the same route for its next collaboration. Although the lime green color on the case certainly creates a visual impact.
At least the Samuel Ross-designed Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A illustrates how to make a proper collaborative watch. This is not just a recolor of Hublot watches, but a real watch collaboration. It won’t be to everyone’s taste – it’s fair to say that no Hublot is to everyone’s taste – but that’s not the point. It was Roth’s design manifesto, experimentation and drawing board designed to test his abilities in the field of horology. Despite his efforts on the Big Bang Tourbillon, there are still a lot of boundaries to push.
Model: Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A by Samuel Ross Reference number: 428.NX.0101.RX.SRA23 Case: Diameter 44 mm, micro-sandblasted titanium Dial: Skeleton Water resistance: 30m (3 bar) Movement: Hublot caliber HUB6035, automatic, 22 jewels Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz) Power reserve: 72 hours Functions: hours, minutes, tourbillon Strap: bright green smooth rubber