# Hublot Square Bang – A Bold Square Take on the Big Bang DNA When Hublot announced the Square Bang in 2022, the horology world braced for a daring experiment: could the brand’s iconic Big Bang silhouette survive a 90‑degree makeover? The answer is a watch that looks like a modern sculpture you can actually wear. Built around the in‑house HUB1280 Unico automatic chronograph, encased in a transparent sapphire‑crystal sandwich, and finished with Hublot’s patented One‑Click strap system, the Square Bang is as much a statement of engineering ambition as it is a functional chronograph. Below we break down the watch’s design, movement, wearability, and overall value, pulling straight from the brand’s official data and the community’s first‑hand impressions. --- ## Design & Case | Spec | Detail | |------|--------| | **Reference** | 821.NM.0170.RX | | **Launch year** | 2022 | | **Case size** | 42 mm square (≈14 mm thick) | | **Lug‑to‑lug** | ~52 mm | | **Material** | Modular titanium‑ceramic (available also in King Gold) | | **Crystal** | Transparent sapphire‑crystal sandwich (both front and back) | | **Water resistance** | 100 m (screw‑down crown) | | **Strap** | One‑Click transparent rubber strap (quick‑change system) | The Square Bang’s case is a study in contrast. Its 42 mm square footprint is large enough to command attention but, thanks to the lightweight titanium‑ceramic blend and the “sandwich” sapphire construction, it feels surprisingly airy on the wrist. The transparent case turns the movement into a visual centerpiece, a choice that Hublot touts as “wearable sculpture.” Hodinkee praised the design for “retool[ing] the shape of its own watch while still maintaining the look and feel of the classic Big Bang,” and aBlogtoWatch noted the engineering feat of achieving 100 m water resistance on a square chassis—a challenge that most manufacturers shy away from. **Pros** - Striking square silhouette that stands out in a sea of round watches. - Transparent sapphire case showcases the movement and reduces perceived bulk. - One‑Click strap system makes strap swaps effortless. **Cons** - At 42 mm the case can feel bulky, especially on smaller wrists. - The circular Unico movement is visually at odds with the square case, breaking the harmony for some observers. - Limited edition runs (e.g., 250 All‑Black pieces) may frustrate collectors seeking broader availability. --- ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the Square Bang sits Hublot’s HUB1280 Unico Manufacture automatic chronograph. This in‑house calibre comprises 354 components, beats at 4 Hz (28,800 vph), and offers a 72‑hour power reserve. The chronograph functions are driven by a column‑wheel architecture, delivering a crisp, tactile push‑button feel that enthusiasts associate with high‑end Swiss chronographs. The movement is fully visible through the sapphire‑crystal case back, and because the case itself is transparent, the dial essentially becomes a window onto the beating heart of the watch. While the circular architecture of the Unico is technically flawless, WatchAdvice points out that “circular movement on a square case is visually noticeable in sapphire form, slightly breaking harmony.” Nonetheless, the consensus among the community is that the Unico is “one of the best modern chronographs,” offering reliable timekeeping and a satisfying power reserve for a daily driver. **Performance highlights** - **Chronograph accuracy**: Within ±2 seconds per day in most conditions, matching the performance of comparable Swiss chronographs. - **Power reserve**: 72 hours, allowing the watch to sit idle over a weekend without winding. - **Frequency**: 4 Hz provides a smooth sweep of the seconds hand, a subtle but appreciated detail for chronograph purists. --- ## On the Wrist The Square Bang’s ergonomics are a direct result of its modular construction. The case’s 14 mm thickness and the rubber‑over‑moulded crown keep the watch from feeling overly top‑heavy. The One‑Click strap system, featuring a transparent rubber band, adds a tactile softness that balances the metallic case. ABlogtoWatch measured the lug‑to‑lug distance at roughly 52 mm, which translates to a comfortable spread on most wrist sizes, though the square silhouette naturally occupies more surface area than a round counterpart. Wearers report that the watch “feels lightweight, transparent, and comfortably sits on the wrist” – a sentiment echoed across forums and the Hodinkee hands‑on review. The transparent rubber strap, while visually striking, does have a practical caveat: prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause slight discoloration over time, a point raised in several user reviews. The date window, positioned under the transparent sub‑dial, can be difficult to read through the sapphire, a drawback for those who rely heavily on the date function. Overall, the watch scores high on comfort for daily wear, especially for those who appreciate the novelty of a square case that doesn’t sacrifice ergonomics. --- ## Value & Verdict **Price** – The sources do not disclose an official retail price for the Square Bang. Hublot’s Big Bang line typically sits in the high‑luxury bracket (US $12‑15k depending on material), and the Square Bang’s premium materials and in‑house movement suggest a comparable price point. **Tier** – Positioned within Hublot’s flagship “Shaped Collection,” the Square Bang is unequivocally a high‑end luxury piece, aimed at collectors who value both brand heritage and avant‑garde design. **Community rating** – While no aggregated numerical rating is published, the watch enjoys strong approval across watch‑enthusiast platforms. Positive comments dominate, highlighting the design daring, the Unico movement’s performance, and the One‑Click strap convenience. Negative feedback is limited to aesthetic mismatches (circular movement in a square case) and practical concerns (date readability, strap discoloration). ### Verdict The Hublot Square Bang is a polarising yet technically impressive reinterpretation of the Big Bang DNA. Its bold square architecture, transparent sapphire case, and in‑house Unico chronograph combine to create a watch that feels more like a kinetic art piece than a conventional timekeeper. For collectors who appreciate Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy and are comfortable with a slightly larger wrist presence, the Square Bang delivers a unique blend of visual drama and solid chronograph performance. If you value pure symmetry and a classic round silhouette, the Square Bang’s visual discord between the circular movement and square case may be a deal‑breaker. However, for those willing to embrace Hublot’s experimental spirit, the watch offers a rare glimpse into how a luxury brand can successfully reshape its iconic model without losing its core identity. **Bottom line:** The Square Bang is a high‑end, statement‑making chronograph that rewards boldness with engineering excellence. Its few ergonomic quirks are outweighed by its striking design and the reliability of the HUB1280 Unico, making it a worthy addition to any serious collector’s roster—provided you’re prepared to pay the premium that such innovation commands.