Hublot and British artist Samuel Ross have partnered to create a limited-edition masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of watchmaking and design: the Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A. Priced like some of the most expensive watches in the world at an astonishing $127,000, the watch is anything but ordinary. Samuel Ross, celebrated for his modern luxury brand A-COLD-WALL, lends his meticulous artistic touch to this project, making it a convergence of top-notch mechanical engineering and cutting-edge fashion.
Crafted to perfection, the Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A boasts a 44mm micro-blasted titanium body, making it a striking example of contemporary craftsmanship. The strap comes in a variety of colors, with Vivid Green being the most eye-catching, complemented by a shiny titanium clasp (be sure to check our list of the best titanium watches). Alternatives in black and white rubber straps are no less appealing, as they blend seamlessly with the micro-blasted titanium case and bezel. The watch’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by a series of hexagonal patterns – reminiscent of a honeycomb – that extend from the case to the strap, a tribute to the collaboration’s focus on innovative design.
The watch’s exclusivity goes beyond its visual appeal, only 50 of these creations will ever see the light of day. For those who may wonder why it’s more expensive than a brand-new 2023 Porsche 911 and the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition watch combined, the answer is straightforward: rarity and high-caliber luxury. Tourbillon watches represent the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking, and the Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A is no exception.
Mechanically, the watch is a marvel. Housing the HUB6035 automatic tourbillon movement, it promises a 72-hour power reserve, a feature not commonly found in other watches. In contrast to standard chronograph watches, this timepiece uses a highly complex mechanism to counteract the effects of gravity on timekeeping. The mainspring helps maintain a rotating wheel’s balance, which must be wound by hand after the power reserve is depleted. Given its 72-hour charge life and a water resistance of up to 30 meters, it’s clear that the watch’s engineering matches its aesthetic brilliance.
Inside the case, a myriad of 243 components make up the automatic tourbillon system, arranged in a precise manner that occupies a space of 33.8mm x 33.8mm x 7.37mm. A micro-rotor sits at the core, driving the automatic winding system. Additionally, the watch features a skeletonized dial backed by sapphire bridges and titanium components, providing an intimate view of its internal complexities.
Clearly, the partnership between Hublot and Samuel Ross, which began in 2020, has reached an exciting milestone with the release of the Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A. This timepiece is not just a watch, but a symbol of mechanical brilliance and artistic vision. With its limited availability, superior design, and mechanical excellence, the Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A is a true collectible for the discerning connoisseur.
