JEWELLERY & WATCHES 87
So , what ’ s new ?
To assert its industrial look , Ross has opted to attire all the watch case components in shiny microblasted titanium , extending this to the clasp which also features a rough laser engraving of the Hublot logo . To enhance the overall gray monochrome look , the crown is overmolded in gray rubber , while the tourbillon bridge now appears in a neutral shade enabling the watch to be easily paired with one of the three smooth full rubber straps in black , white or the pop vibes of vivid green .
“ We are focused on crafting refined , minimal and expressive timepieces . SR _ A , looks to expand , re-define and establish timeless icons of design , reflecting a spirit of innovation , optimism and craft . I firmly believe we need all three properties to usher in the next chapter of luxury .” Dr . SAMUEL ROSS , Artist and Designer
From sculpture to wearable wrist sculpture
Applying Samuel Ross ’ s artistic language to Hublot watchmaking is exactly how he envisioned the sculpture that marked the start of his creative collaboration with Hublot in 2020 : encapsulating materials in aerodynamic , simple and striking shapes incorporating imprints of Nature ’ s sacred geometry to tell 40 years of Hublot history . Building on the perfect hexagonal pattern , Ross knows how to contrast hyper-technical with traditional elements to ensure a perfect fit with Hublot ’ s Art of Fusion vision . Just as in the sculpture he created for Hublot , Ross takes on the Big Bang tourbillon by playing on transparency with holes in the structure , as well as referencing the origins of Fusion by mixing rubber with manufactured metal . By juxtaposing contrasting materials , he has created a balance between the organic and the industrial , forged through innovation .
“ What defines the true nature of a collaboration between an artist and a brand ? It is bringing together the best of two worlds while deeply respecting and building on the true nature of two visions . The Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross , launched in 2022 , has ticked all the boxes of a successful and genuine collaboration , yet one in which Ross had left a powerful imprint through his aesthetic , functional and purposeful take on our watch , remaining true to who we are while shedding light from a different angle . His new iteration represents the next steps of a never-ending story demonstrating how creativity and engineering must never be taken for granted in consistently pushing existing boundaries to enhance our own creations .” RICARDO GUADALUPE , HUBLOT CEO
Mingling sacred and industrial , organic and synthetic influences
With the hexagonal honeycomb shape and its perfect six equal sides , Ross has chosen the dominant governing pattern in the natural world recalling the functionality of a watch . Exactly like every single object he has designed , the watch is conceived as a durable , ergonomic and incredibly lightweight object – in this case made to be wristworn . Transposing this sacred geometry of Nature into the watch , Ross envisioned titanium plates to be polished , brushed , hammered and perforated in order to create a lean and imposing silhouette inducing a sense of motion .
The Big Bang Tourbillon SR _ A by Samuel Ross is driven by the accuracy and technical design of the 282-component Manufacture HUB6035 caliber beating at 3 Hz during its 72-hour power reserve .
ISSUE 61 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY