Hublot King Power Unico Ceramic King Gold: Brains and Brawn

The 48mm Hublot King Power Unico Ceramic King Gold is proof-positive that Hublot grew up fast. From the Big Bang-powered re-launch of the Hublot brand in 2005 to the Unico movement’s 2009 debut. Timely, handsome, and state-of-the-art, the Unico caliber 1240 put Hublot on a more even footing with its arch rival Audemars Piguet.

“King Power” is Hublot’s code language for a “bigger” Big Bang. While the original Big Bang measured 44mm, the 48mm King Power ups the ante. Hublot’s signature “big watch” ergonomic voodoo is present and prominent. Despite its colossal size, the King Power wears comfortable on an average sized wrist.

Ceramic construction is a big part of Hublot’s ergonomic secret sauce. Despite the size of this case, a layered case of titanium, ceramic, and composite reduces the total mass to a very acceptable heft. Even better, the ceramic structure is nearly scratch-proof. Its black surface is nearly as hard as sapphire crystal, and only diamond can reliably scratch the material.

Rich King Gold bezel, crown, and dial details explode from the black backdrop of the Hublot King Power Unico Ceramic King Gold. The big machine’s signature precious metal features a deeper red tone than conventional rose gold, and 18-karat King Gold is an Hublot exclusive. Its deft use in a supporting role produces impressive visual impact.

Hublot’s legendary natural rubber makes prominent cameos in the bezel guard and the gloriously comfortable strap.

The in-house Unico caliber 1240 movement represents a huge step forward for the flamboyant watchmaker from Nyon. It’s an automatic integrated flyback chronograph designed and built in Hublot’s own facility. The Unico’s 72-hour power reserve goes toe-to-toe with Rolex’s industry-standard Daytona, and the flyback complication is a refinement for which the AP Royal Oak Offshore has no answer.

Unico combines more than complications; it’s a refined device. Silicon escapement components resist fluctuations in temperature and magnetic shock from high-powered electronics. Adding a column wheel actuator isn’t the cheap way to design a chronograph, but it remains the finest system for a premium product. Crisp, precise, and beautifully displayed at 6 o’clock on the dial, this column wheel is the centerpiece of Hublot’s flagship movement.

This Hublot Big Bang King Power Unico Ceramic King Gold Ceramic can be viewed in high-resolution images on www.watchuwant.com.