Swiss watchmaker Hublot has entered the kitchen with a limited edition watch made from the uniquely patterned steel favored for knifes by the world’s top chefs.
Hublot have discovered their next gimmick by using Damascus Steel on their newest Big Bang Unico. It’s a uniquely patterned steel that many top chefs favour as it’s both hard and flexible whilst maintaining a sharp edge. So is this Big Bang sharp? Well… it’s a Big Bang.
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Gourmet is a 200-piece limited edition with a case and bezel made from Damascus Steel, which displays each and every one of the folds that make for some of the most resilient steel on the planet, used by armorers and swordsmiths for centuries and now adopted for the best chef’s knives.
For the launch of the watch in Paris, Hublot tasked Anne-Sophie Pic & Yannick Alléno – two of its Michelin-starred associates – to create a dinner befitting the watch for 100 guests.
Technically, Damascus Steel doesn’t really exist anymore, as the technique to make the original Damascus Steel (which also didn’t originate from Damascus) has been lost to time. Today, Damascus Steel is the widely accepted term to describe modern pattern-welded steel blades. And to be fair, Hublot do mention this on their website.
Rather than being in the Syrian capital where the technique originated in 300BC, the steel used for the Hublot Big Bang Unico Gourmet is made in Sweden by Damasteel, a folded and hammered mix of 304L and 316L alloys, creating a pattern that is unique in each use.
The Unico 2 caliber was designed to equip smaller chronographs and also open the world of Hublot to new enthusiasts. It retains the unique design of its former version with a double coupling system visible from the dial side as well as a 72-hour power reserve. But thanks to various technical optimizations, including the introduction of a new, flatter automatic winding system, it has been reduced by 1.3 mm in thickness.
The culinary theme continues on the velcro-fastened strap, which is cut from the fabric of chef’s aprons.
Despite this being a 200-piece limited edition release, Hublot aren’t jacking up the price too much for the simple inclusion of fancy steel. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Gourmet is available now at Hublot boutiques and selected stores worldwide, priced €25.200. Come into the beautiful and timeless world of Hublot.
Yakymour Men 