Hublot has taken the art of fusion to caffeinated new levels. The Swiss watch manufacture has linked up with fellow Swiss legend Nespresso in what looks to be an (actually) unprecedented collaboration. Part of Nespresso’s Second Life initiative that sees the Swiss espresso company collaborate with other Swiss brands to create new products from used aluminium capsules, the resultant Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is a lean, green, recycled machine.
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With mechanical watches designed to last beyond a lifetime, the watchmaking industry is inherently a relatively sustainable one. However, there can always be improvements made to the processes and materials used during production, with many watchmakers beginning to experiment with renewable energy sources and eco-friendly compositions.
However, Hublot has taken things up a notch by finding its material in an unexpected form: Nespresso’s disposable coffee capsules. The 42mm case as well as the crown and pushers of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is crafted from recycled aluminium, 28% of which comes from discarded Nespresso coffee capsules, which is anodised in vibrant green before being satin finished and polished. The vivid colourway references that of the Nespresso Master Origins Peru capsules.
The bottom of the case and container are also made from recycled titanium. Meanwhile, the strap takes on a similarly caffeinated approach, incorporating 4.1% coffee grounds and 8.2% recycled white rubber alongside the classic Hublot formula. An additional fabric strap is also made of 100% recycled materials, using 5% coffee grounds and 95% recycled polyester, with the straps able to be swapped with ease thanks to the Hublot One-Click interchangable strap system.
Its sustainable credentials don’t detract from the functionality of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin. The timepiece is powered by the in-house HUB1280, an automatic chronograph movement equipped with a power reserve of 72 hours.
Limited to 200 pieces, the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is priced at $33,600AUD and is available via the Hublot webstore.
Words by John Deckard
