Hublot recently introduced its third collaboration with Save Our Rhino Africa India (SORAI), an organization working to protect rhinos threatened with extinction from poachers. SORAI was founded by Hublot brand ambassador Kevin Pietersen, and the partnership naturally took shape with its first collaborative timepiece released in 2019, and its second in 2021. The new Big Bang Unico SORAI uses grey and sunset colors for its design, a palette evocative of the heightened danger rhinos face as the night falls.
Hublot opts for a zirconium-based ceramic case and bezel, resulting in a robust and almost entirely scratch-resistant exterior. The grey case and bezel are alternatively microblasted and polished to give the watch a rugged, yet refined, appearance. Measuring 44mm in diameter, the warm-toned case also offers 100 meters of water resistance.
The dial features a skeletonized design made from the same grey tone as the surrounding bezel and case. The indices stand out atop of the dial and are colored in a gradient of yellow, orange, red, purple, and all of the shades in between. At 9 o’clock is a sub-dial with a bold orange rhinoceros applique, emblematic of the partnership as well as the sunset colors on the remainder of the dial. The seconds hand ticks with the Hublot “H” logo at its end, just underneath a sapphire crystal which encloses the entire dial and is printed with the Hublot logo as well.
Ticking inside the watch is the HUB1280 UNICO caliber, a self-winding chronograph flyback movement featuring a column wheel. Thanks to a host of technical optimizations via manufacture, the mechanism offers a flatter automatic winding system than its predecessors, resulting in a thinner and cleaner look. The manufacture caliber also offers a power reserve of 72 hours and is visible via exhibition caseback, which is engraved with the SORAI logo.
Pricing for the Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI is marked at $24,100 and production is limited to 100 pieces. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each watch will go to SORAI. Each watch is presented on a grey fabric strap with an additional black rubber strap with black, orange, and purple camouflage also included.
To learn more, visit Hublot here.