Swiss watchmaker Hublot has once again fused cultural symbolism with its renowned craftsmanship, unveiling the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake. This limited-edition watch celebrates the upcoming Lunar New Year, marking another chapter in Hublot’s series of special editions designed to honor the Chinese Zodiac. Since 2016, Hublot has released a unique tribute to each zodiac animal, with this year’s release focusing on the snake, a symbol of wisdom, charm, and transformation in Chinese culture.
The Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake features a striking tonneau-shaped design, with a 42mm case diameter and 14.1mm height. Crafted from micro-blasted and polished black ceramic, the case is adorned with a gold-plated miniature snake that coils around the counters of the sapphire dial. The watch’s dial is a work of art, with openworked hands and markers in a matching gold hue, enhancing the overall snake motif.
A special engraving on the bezel further ties in the snake theme, with a snakeskin texture that flows seamlessly onto the rubber strap. This watch is as practical as it is beautiful, offering a one-click interchangeable strap system for easy customization, complemented by a black ceramic and titanium folding buckle.
At the heart of this masterpiece lies the automatic calibre HUB4700, a high-frequency integrated column-wheel chronograph. This movement, visible through both the sapphire dial and caseback, is a Hublot adaptation of the Zenith El Primero. It beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour and boasts a 50-hour power reserve, ensuring precision and reliability. The modern finishes include a skeletonized date disk, and the escapement wheel is crafted from silicon, underscoring Hublot’s commitment to innovative watchmaking.
Limited to only 88 pieces, the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is an exclusive timepiece with a retail price of $35,100 USD (EUR 36,500). This exceptional watch combines Hublot’s mastery of fine watchmaking with a tribute to the cultural significance of the snake, marking the Year of the Snake with unparalleled elegance and craftsmanship.
