Hublot Big Bang Unico Gourmet: Damascus Steel Becomes Newest Gimmick

Damascus Steel is the newest gimmick from Hublot on their Big Bang Unico Gourmet. ...
All images credited to Hublot

Hublot have discovered their next gimmick by using Damascus Steel on their newest Big Bang Unico. It’s a uniquely patterned steel that many top chefs favour as it’s both hard and flexible whilst maintaining a sharp edge. So is this Big Bang sharp? Well… it’s a Big Bang.

Considering that chefs aren’t allowed to wear watches in the kitchen due to health guidelines, the Big Bang Unico Gourmet isn’t going to be seen in the kitchen. That’s not to say a chef wouldn’t wear one, but would you wear a watch that constantly reminds you of the workplace?

It isn’t really for chefs, it’s merely a nod to them and an excuse to use an interesting material for the case. Granted, Damascus steel looks cool, and something like this is on brand for Hublot. It’s really whether you like Hublot’s brand, but you probably already knew that.

At least Damascus Steel is incredibly resilient. The folds are made from a mixture of 304L and 316L alloys which are then folded and hammered to give you this unique pattern. So you don’t have to worry about damaging it much.

Technically, Damascus Steel doesn’t really exist anymore, as the technique to make the original Damascus Steel (which also didn’t originate from Damascus) has been lost to time. Today, Damascus Steel is the widely accepted term to describe modern pattern-welded steel blades. And to be fair, Hublot do mention this on their website.

Despite this being a 200-piece limited edition release, Hublot aren’t jacking up the price too much for the simple inclusion of fancy steel. The $33,600 AUD price tag is consistent with Hublot’s ceramic and titanium Big Bang Unico’s priced at around $27,800.

Other than that, this is a Big Bang Unico. You know what you’re getting and you either love it or hate it – there is no in between.

At A Glance

Reference: 441.DS.1170.NR.GAS22

Size: 42mm

Case: Polished Damascus Steel

Bezel: Polished Damascus Steel

Strap: Black Velcro fastener fabric

Water Resistant: 10 ATM (100m)

Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-reflective Treatment

Dial: Matte Black Dial

Movement: HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Chronograph Flyback Movement with Column Wheel

Power Reserve: 72 hours

Clasp: Titanium Deployant Buckle and Microblasted Black Ceramic Sport Buckle

For more, check out the Curom Admiral 45 Cortina Watch.

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