One of Hublot’s most enduring artistic collaborations has been its relationship with Sang Bleu, a Swiss creative agency and tattoo studio. Founded by Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi – who happens to be a bona fide watch aficionado himself – one of Sang Bleu’s signature tattoos is a symmetrical, geometric pattern made up of triangles, which was converted into an unusual time display for the Sang Bleu wristwatch.

While the original Sang Bleu watch was time only, the Big Bang Sang Bleu II is a chronograph – with triple Sang Bleu indications, for the time, as well as the two chronograph registers.

Clad in blue and available in titanium or 18k gold, the Sang Bleu tells the time via two large, latticework hands – the classic Sang Bleu motif – that have luminous paint on their tips.

Similarly, the chronograph hands are rendered as open-worked octagons. Reminiscent of a kinetic sculpture as the hands move, the look is striking and unique, although it doesn’t help with legibility.

Sang Bleu finishing

The triangular Sang Bleu motif continues onto the bezel and case, which is essentially a geometrically-shaped variation of the tradition Hublot Big Bang.

Notably, because of the alternating brushed and polished surfaces that cover the case, the brushed surface is actually a laser engraved linear pattern, because of the impossibility of creating alternating finishes on the same plane.

Because the Sang Bleu II is a chronograph, it’s a large watch that’s 45 mm in diameter and 16.5 mm high, making it quite a bit chunkier than the original time-only Sang Bleu.

The watch is powered by the HUB1240.MXM UNICO, an in-house movement that has a modular construction, with an automatic base calibre below and a chronograph module under the dial.

Key facts and price

Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II
Ref. 418.NX.5107.RX.MXM20 (titanium)
Ref. 418.OX.5108.RX.MXM20 (King Gold)

Case diameter: 45 mm
Case height: 16.5 mm
Material: Titanium or 18k gold
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: HUB1240.MXM UNICO
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Blue rubber

Limited edition: 100 pieces in titanium, 200 in King Gold
Availability: From Hublot boutiques and retailers
Price: US$25,200 in titanium; US$47,300 in King Gold

For more, visit Hublot.com.