zelin0802 / May 11, 2023

Proprietary, patented, stainless steel and Swedish steel.

As a watchmaker constantly experimenting with new materials, Hublot has once again employed a new type of alloy in its typical sports chronograph. Inspired by the brand’s celebrity chef brand ambassadors, including Anne-Sophie Pic and Yannick Alléno, the Big Bang Unico Gourmet features a case in Big Bang Steel, a striking patterned steel commonly used to make High-end knives.

Unico Gourmet is typical of Hublot because it uses novel materials to create visual effects. For that reason, it’s sure to appeal to existing fans of the brand who love the Hublot aesthetic.

But the case material is Damascus steel—not ordinary Damascus steel, but a proprietary alloy made by Swedish experts using a patented process. While this alloy has previously been used in watches, it is more commonly used in expensive custom knives. The unusual metal means this watch will appeal to nerds who appreciate materials technology.

This watch just happens to look good, and it’s also different than the average Hublot. The patterned steel echoes the aesthetics of the skeletonized movement, creating a harmonious combination of textures. In other words, this material is perfect for a big bang. In contrast, it’s easy to imagine a plain round online luxury watch with a traditional dial being overwhelmed by Damasteel’s intricate texture.

Since the watch’s bold graphic is already loud, it’s wise to shrink it down to just 42mm, which is small for a Big Bang. Therefore, it fits most wrists.

high-tech powder steel
Historic Damascus steel, also known as Wootz steel, is a mysterious alloy whose secrets have long been lost (although it has reportedly been rediscovered by scientists). Originating in India and famous by the knife makers of Damascus, it is exceptionally sharp and ideal for edged weapons.

However, modern Damascus steel is essentially an alloy consisting of two steels welded together and then folded multiple times to create a unique texture. Therefore, this Damascus steel is also called pattern steel.

Damasteel, on the other hand, is a proprietary steel manufactured by Swedish powder metallurgy specialist Erasteel. Dagang steel is naturally produced from powdered steel, by first atomizing various steel alloys into powder, and then pressing in a furnace under high temperature and pressure.

The result is a hybrid steel alloy that is available in a variety of patterns, making it a favorite of hand knifemakers because patterned steel inevitably adds an artistic touch (no pun intended) to the blade.

This characteristic pattern is actually the steel structure layer in the big steel. Since each type of steel reacts differently to acids, large steels are etched with various acids to take on a layered texture. Special types of large steels used for Unico Gourmet include 304L and 316L, both of which are widely used in Popular watch cases.

The steel inside Damasteel explains its unusual properties and most important quality: it is a stainless steel alloy. Stainless steel patterned steels are rare because they are harder to forge than regular high carbon steels.

While the material is a first for Hublot, the case construction is standard Big Bang. It’s essentially a sandwich consisting of Damasteel plates on the front and back, with a black carbon composite in the middle of the case.

Inside is the in-house HUB1280, a modular chronograph movement so the column wheel is visible on the dial at six o’clock.

The movement has a flyback function that instantly restarts the chronograph without resetting it. Like most Hublot movements, it has been partially skeletonized, with most parts finished in matte black. Shopping cheap watch

Hublot Big Bang Unico Gourmet
Ref. 441.DS.1170.NR.GAS22

Diameter: 42mm
Height: 14.5mm
Material: polished damasteel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 meters

Movement: HUB1280
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph
Watch Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Rubber strap with folding buckle and additional fabric strap with Velcro closure