The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sorai Limited Edition

Photo: Forbes

The third item in a current partnership between Swiss Hublot and another of its brand ambassadors, Kevin Pietersen (ex-cricket player), is the 44-millimeter Big Bang Unico X Sorai in a special edition for 2023. Strong bonds with brand ambassadors are vital to the success of Hublot as a label. Besides, this is certainly not the first instance Hublot has created timepieces to encourage the endeavors and interests of its close-knit group of devoted brand supporters. 

Additionally, this wristwatch is built on the Big Bang theory and is a limited edition with distinctive colors and materials. The Big Bang, introduced in 2005, enhanced the original Fusion concept and strengthened the reputation of the 1980 piece.

Photo: Monochrome

Overall, it matters that many of Hublot’s timepieces have attractive designs, like this new reference 421.FX.8099.NR.SOA23. It features a trendy orange and purple camouflage-inspired strap as well as a dial with hues motivated by South African nightfall.

The acronym Sorai means “Save our Rhinos Africa India.” Thus, as the name suggests, the company’s goal is to aid in protecting rhinoceroses, critically endangered creatures. It’s also worth noting that Sorai is more akin to a fundraiser group than a charity. For instance, Sorai appears to be established to produce items such as this exclusive Hublot piece and other goods in order to raise funds for the “rescue the rhinos” mission. Currently, a significant portion of the funds is directed to Care for Wild. This is a sizable wildlife sanctuary specifically dedicated to sheltering rhinoceros species, per the Sorai webpage. 

The Sorai label on the Hublot watch has a good sparkle to it. Likewise, the dial’s subsidiary seconds display at nine o’clock features a stunning geometrical rhino emblem.

Photo: Monochrome

The matte-gray ceramic Big Bang Unico Sorai casing is 44mm in diameter and was likely designed with inspiration from rhinoceros skin color, obviously in an animal safety way. Moreover, with a sapphire crystal covering the dial, the casing is 14.5 millimeters wide, has a waterproof level of up to 100 meters, and is highly durable. Similarly, the semi-skeletonized dial strives to highlight the lovely color scheme discreetly yet playfully by using the sunset hue gradient exclusively for the hour markings.

On the other hand, the Hublot MHUB12800 UNICO 2 manual movement is housed within the Big Bang Unico Sorai. This seems to be an improvement over a Unico automated chronograph from a preceding generation. What’s more, the flyback feature has been added to the 12-hour column-wheel controller. 

Photo: Monochrome

Furthermore, this MHUB12800 UNICO 2 movement has a date, time, and 30-minute chronograph complication. It also has an astounding 354 components, runs at 4Hz, and has a 72-hour power reserve. 

Lastly, the 2023 Big Bang Unico Sorai watch comes with two straps from Hublot: an orange and purple camouflage-decorated rubber band with a gray material strap. The straps also have a folding over deployant fastening composed of black ceramic and titanium that is effortlessly removed, thanks to Hublot’s efficient “One-Click” release mechanism. 

Photo: Monochrome

Overall, only 100 copies total of this new 2023 Hublot Big Bang Unico Sorai special edition will be produced.