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New Launch: Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin 42mm Made With Recycled Coffee Capsules

Sustainability is high on the horological menu today as Hublot drops a new watch collab with of all brands Nespresso.
Entitled Second Life, used coffee grounds and recycled polyester Nespresso capsules are given new birth on this timepiece as part of the brand’s repurposing project.
The perfect summer watch, this follows the introduction of the limited edition Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue earlier this month, forming part of their uber colourful and pioneering ceramic models, dating back to 2019.

Looks like things are being well and truly shaken up over at Hublot. It’s time to spill the beans (timekeeping not coffee!) as we deep dive into the new launch of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin.

Has Hublot Gone Too Far This Time?

Where do we begin? Now, watch collabs are a huge thing in the industry…if done right. There’s the iconic Rolex Daytona with its powerful connection between watches and motor sport. This has further been strengthened with Rolex becoming an official timepiece partner of F1 since 2013.

Who could forget to mention the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional alongside Snoopy, released in 2020. With a nod to the “Silver Snoopy Award,” this special timepiece was released marking 50 years since this coveted award was given to Omega by NASA astronauts back in 1970. Let’s not forget the Kermit Oris either, launched at Watches and Wonders 2023 which made many enthusiasts green with envy!

Source: Oris

But then there’s the wrong sort of watch drops. Invicta and Spongebob Squarepants and the bizarre Vivienne Westwood X Swatch spring to mind. Unveiled in 1992, it’s presented in a golden royal orb, reminiscent of something you might have seen at the Coronation of King Charles III.

Vivienne Westwood X Swatch circa 1992, Source: Sotheby’s

Fast forward nearly three decades and Hublot have introduced a rather odd combo alongside Nespresso…the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin. Anyone for coffee? Sure, George Clooney might be their brand ambassador but we all know Hublot’s obsession with materials and unique hues.

Undertaking more experiments than your usual boffins in a lab, they have come up with super lightweight materials, sapphire cases and one of a kind colours like neon, found in the Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon SAXEM Act II.

But this horological partnership sees recycled capsules and coffee grounds with a recycled cap made from aluminium and a recycled velcro strap. Featuring 28% recycled aluminium coming directly from Nespresso capsules, this is used across a host of the watch elements such as the crown, case, pushers and even the clasp.

This level of sustainability is unprecedented in the horological industry. The guys at Stirworld similarly thought the same in their “Hublot and Nespresso create a watch with recycled aluminium and coffee grounds” article. They acknowledged that “sustainability has become the guiding force behind so many creative decisions and pragmatic choices” and so, Hublot has opted to utilise “recycled Nespresso aluminium capsules and coffee grounds.” That’s how you save the environment!

Personality Of The Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin

“The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is a watch born out of a close collaboration between the product development teams of Nespresso and Hublot, two pioneering Swiss brands, both of whom were founded in the 1980s…It took the R&D teams a whole year to achieve the uniformity of colour of the watch’s seven different materials, find the right balance of ingredients and perform the quality and durability.” Richard Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Source: Hublot

Handy as both corporate brands are within close proximity of each other, Nespresso, part of Nestlé, is based in Vaud on the outskirts of Lausanne, while Nyon is where Hublot is located, just 30 minutes away by car. Makes perfect sense right?! The scheme is thanks to Second Life initiatives, which was introduced in 2016 by Nespresso. Oh, this is a first alright as coffee grounds or recycled capsules have never been used before in a timepiece.

Delivering sustainability, innovative spirit and values is one thing. After all, capsules still create enormous havoc with the environment and is believed to make over half a metric ton of waste. Ouch. But let’s wake up and smell the coffee for a second. Is this really going to be your cup of Joe or will it be smarter than the average horological bear? Let’s find out the time peeps.

Colour wise, this isn’t going to be an everydayer. We don’t know quite what to make of it. It’s no Rolex Hulk and the anodized green accent is not even passable for Starbucks. Imagine the greens from the Amazon rainforest or those fresh unroasted Arabica coffee beans before they are grounded. Got it?

As ever, we are pressed for time so here’s the scoop. Measuring 42mm, the anodized green will suit some enthusiasts looking to buy a Hublot with verve, panache and dare we say a tad of flamboyance. The eco-friendly green hue that is the identical colour to Nespresso’s Master Origins Peru Organic capsule won’t suit everyone.

Recycled titanium can be seen on the caseback and the container which is home to the HHublot Big Bang Unico’s movement. Notice the varnish which can be seen on the hands as well as the dial with the six signature screws surrounding the case.

Source: Hublot

Then there’s the crown debate. No, we’re not talking about when the next series will be hitting Netflix, but rather the oddly engraved “N”. This is a nod to the coffee company's participation in the watch which can be viewed on the crown. A real hot topic of debate if you show this off at a dinner party…especially rounding off your meal with a fancy coffee!

Providing 100 metres of water resistance, rest assured you can take this timepiece for a dip but not in your espresso or macchiato! Style stakes wise, it’s a tough one to call. However, you could pair it with a neutral white shirt or green polo to offset the Grinch like green effect of this timepiece.

The Strap

That’s straps to you and me as there are two to choose from. Crafted from “eco” material, the main strap contains more than 8% (8.2% to be precise) recycled rubber and 4.1% of recycled coffee grounds taken from Nepresso capsules.

Source: Hublot

On the other hand, the second strap has been manufactured by SINGTEX. This Taiwanese firm is already responsible for utilising recycled coffee grounds to produce a fabric known as S.Café.

Composed of a melange of 95% percent recycled polyester together with 5% recycled coffee grounds which results in the first appearance of this material on a watch strap. The interchangeable one-click system ensures users can swap over both straps effortlessly and without the requirement for tools.

The Movement

Inside the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, enthusiasts will find the impressive HUB1280 Unico self-winding movement.

Source: Hublot

Delve inside this automatic movement and you will find it boasts an equally impressive power reserve of 72 hours. Enough time for you to jet off for a weekend partying in Marbella or soaking up some rays in the South of France.

This in-house chronograph movement is very much Hublot…different, tough and openworked, it should captivate even the nerdiest of watch fanatics thanks to its creative design. Boasting 354 components, it has a column wheel and is incredibly reliable.

Specs:

Reference: 441.UG.5220.RX.NES23 / Bezel: Satin and polished green recycled aluminium / Crystal: Sapphire / Dial: Matte Green Skeletonized / Case: Satin and polished green anodized recycled aluminium

What's In The Box?

Raw and recycled materials dominate the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, showcased in a fetching Hublot Greenbox case. With sustainable materials very much on the horological menu, this new case is another first for Hublot.

Source: Hublot

It will be made exclusively from traceable oak for all upcoming new watch collections and models. Right down to the hinges. In fact, 98% of the interior is produced from eco-friendly materials that are reusable with several elements utilised including plastic yarns, recycled textiles and cardboard. Emblazoned with the infamous Nespresso logo, great care has been taken into the production of the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin’s box.

Gen Z, Sustainability And Luxury Watches

As the luxury watch market continues to grow, especially the pre-owned market, Gen-Z are very much the driving force behind socially responsible watches and a conscious attitude to reducing waste.

And this is no doubt reflected in the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin. Gen-Z are as impatient as London commuters waiting for the Tube. This new generation has a burning desire for luxury brands to replicate their philosophy and ethos towards sustainability and manufacturing procedures.

In this way, with Greta Thunberg turning as many heads as Donald Trump, the spiel is that the time is now to make a change. They want to see luxury watch brands do the same and make a change for the better, offering clarity and a solution to avid enthusiasts or would-be collectors. Chopard and Ulysse Nardin have already gotten in the act with a sustainable edge with some watches made from plastic bottles. Or like Panerai who has created e-steel, a brand new recycled steel.

Where Can You Buy The Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin?

Limited to 200 pieces, horophiles can buy a Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin for the retail price of £20,800 at the time of writing.

What’s Our View?

For the man about town who wants to be seen and most certainly heard, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin stands out for the right and wrong reasons. We are all for sustainability but you wouldn’t know it was a Hublot watch due to the “N” crown etching.

Although the powerful movement and openworked skeletonization will tempt many, this might be a step too for those looking for a greener alternative. If you want that, check out our best green Rolex watches to give you a little timekeeping pizazz or inspiration.

Conclusion

It appears that these could be a little bit like Marmite watches. If sustainability is your bag then you will enjoy those recyclable materials made from coffee capsules that have gone into many parts of this timepiece.

Love it or hate it, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin will be an interesting point of horological conversation. This Swiss brand is all about making firsts. Whether it's new materials, pioneering properties such as ceramic or its “Art of Fusion”, it appears their Research and Development team have been working overtime on this particular model.

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