Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue and Summer Purple

Hublot’s summer editions use colour as part of the case architecture rather than as a simple dial change. The Big Bang Unico Summer Purple of 2022 and Sky Blue of 2023 share a 42 mm format, an openworked chronograph display and the automatic HUB1280 Unico movement, but their case materials create noticeably different effects. Bringing both releases together makes the comparison more useful: one shows what anodised aluminium can do, while the other demonstrates Hublot’s brightly coloured ceramic.

Summer Purple and anodised aluminium

The Summer Purple surrounds the open dial with satin-finished and polished purple aluminium. Anodising colours the surface while preserving the light weight that makes aluminium comfortable in a substantial case. The monochrome approach extends across the bezel, case components and strap accents, yet the skeletonised dial prevents the watch from becoming a flat block of colour. On an interpretation, compare the tone across separate components. A bezel, case and crown that shift to unrelated purples under the same light will weaken the design.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue and Summer Purple detail 2

Sky Blue and coloured ceramic

The Sky Blue edition moves to polished and satin-finished ceramic. Hublot described it as a 200-piece release and paired it with both a hook-and-loop fabric strap and a lined white rubber strap. Ceramic gives the pale blue a cleaner, denser appearance than anodised aluminium and offers high resistance to everyday surface scratching. The six visible bezel screws, white hands and hour markers create contrast, while the open dial reveals the column wheel side of the HUB1280 architecture. The result is brighter and visually cooler than the purple model.

The shared Unico layout

Both watches depend on the layered Big Bang construction. The bezel sits above an open dial, the chronograph registers are integrated into the movement view and the date is worked into the display rather than placed on a separate conventional dial. The genuine HUB1280 is a self-winding flyback chronograph with a stated 72-hour power reserve. When comparing an alternative movement, focus on whether the subdials perform the correct functions and whether the visible bridges and column wheel occupy the right positions. A printed imitation of depth is easier to spot from an angled photograph.

Case and strap checks

A 42 mm Big Bang can wear larger because of its broad bezel and projecting crown guards. Look at the full side profile, not diameter alone. The case layers should remain distinct, the bezel screws should sit evenly in their recesses and the pushers should align with the movement. Hublot’s quick-change strap system is part of the practical design, so the release buttons and end pieces should fit closely. Check both supplied strap styles against the original edition rather than accepting any colour-matched rubber strap as correct.

Which colour tells the stronger story

Summer Purple feels warmer and more metallic, with changes in tone created by the brushed and polished aluminium. Sky Blue is more uniform and depends on the crisp surface of ceramic. Neither is inherently more faithful to the Big Bang idea; both use modern materials to turn the case into the main visual event. The useful question is whether every colour, finish and component belongs to the same documented release.

More release and construction notes appear in our Hublot Big Bang replica watches archive. Use the BuyWatches UK homepage to compare other brands and collection structures.

Christine

Christine writes for BuyWatches about watches that attract attention for their design, history and distinctive details. Her interests range from familiar Rolex references such as the Submariner, Datejust, Daytona and Oyster Perpetual to popular collections from Omega, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and other well-known names.

Rather than relying on broad claims about quality, Christine prefers to look closely at the details that separate one watch from another. Her articles often cover case proportions, dial layouts, bezels, bracelets, reference changes and the visual differences between generations.

When discussing replica watches, she aims to clearly separate the specifications of the genuine reference from the characteristics that may vary between replica versions. This gives readers a more useful point of comparison without suggesting that every watch shares the same materials, movement or construction.

Christine writes with UK readers in mind and keeps her articles straightforward and easy to follow, whether she is looking at a newly released dial, revisiting an older reference or comparing details across a familiar watch collection.