Hublot and Nespresso partnered for the creation of the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, partly made from recycled coffee grounds and capsules. Price
Hublot and Nespresso have entered a special partnership for an innovative project based on recycling and circularity: the creation of a Big Bang timepiece partly made from recycled Nespresso coffee grounds and capsules.
The partnership between the two brands appears to be a proper match considering their values and pioneering spirit. Hublot is a master in the development of new alloys, materials and composites. On the other hand, since 1991 Nespresso designed a recycling system that separates the aluminium from the coffee grounds, enabling each component to be repurposed.
The result of the collaborative effort is the new Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, a wristwatch that makes use of recycled aluminium fused with the capsules’ aluminium for case, bezel, crown and pusher as well as of transformed used coffee grounds from the capsules for the strap.
The only signature sealing the partnership is the Nespresso “N” engraved on the crown, and the special green colour – a nod to the Master Origins Peru Organic capsule.
Measuring 42mm x 14.50 mm and water resistant to 10 ATM (100 metres / 330 feet), the case of this model is crafted in recycled aluminium with 28% of this aluminium coming from Nespresso coffee capsules, anodised in vibrant green, then satin finished and polished.
The crown and pusher undergo the same treatment. The bottom of the case and the container are both made from Eco-Titanium (recycled titanium).
The openworked dial showcases gears, the chronograph column wheel and the date disc. The chronograph 60-minute counter at 3 o'clock is visually balanced by the skeletonised sub-dial displaying the running seconds at 9 o'clock.
The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin comes with two straps, one in rubber, the other in fabric. Both are equipped with the patented One Click interchangeable strap system.
To create the rubber strap and achieve the perfect colour and quality, Hublot has balanced the ratio of each ingredient fusing 4.1% coffee grounds, 8.2% recycled white rubber and the usual Hublot formula.
For the fabric strap, Hublot has collaborated with SingTex, one of Nespresso’s partners who was already using recycled coffee grounds to produce a fabric called Scafé. This 100% recycled fabric (composed of 5% coffee grounds and 95% recycled polyester) is being used for the first time to make a watch strap.
The titanium deployant buckle of the rubber strap, with its decorative recycled aluminium cap, and the sport buckle of the Velcro strap are also the same anodised green colour.
One of the challenges that Hublot had to face was the achievement of a perfect harmony of colours between seven different materials that make up the watch, from its case to its straps (anodised aluminium, the varnish on the dial and hands, the Hublot logo decal on the glass, the rubber of the strap, and the fabric, lining and hook & loop tape of the Velcro strap) and to ensure that this uniformity of colour would stand the test of time.
Visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back secured with six screws, the automatic HUB1280 calibre beats at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). The openworked rotor builds a power reserve of 72 hours.
The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin will come in the Hublot Greenbox case, a brand new case developed by this watchmaking manufacturer that will be used for all its watch collections in the future. Created entirely from oak, including its hinges, it is carved from mostly massive, traceable wood, whose sourcing and manufacture both promote short supply chains. It is designed to be a reusable item, with 98% of its removable interior made from eco-friendly and recycled components.
The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin ref. 441.UG.5220.NR.NES23 is a limited edition of 200 pieces with a suggested retail price of CHF 22,900 / Euro 24,100 / US$ 20,800. hublot.com
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