Watches & Wonders 2026: Hublot Big Bang Reloaded: Usain Bolt and Kylian Mbappé Limited Editions
At Watches & Wonders 2026, Hublot will unveil two limited-edition timepieces dedicated to Usain Bolt and Kylian Mbappé, respectively. While both watches are built on the same technical platform, their design philosophies are strikingly different.
When Hublot collaborates with its brand ambassadors to develop a watch, the final product is far more than just a special edition stamped with a celebrity’s signature. Hublot doesn’t simply print the celebrity’s name on the dial; instead, it draws inspiration from the athlete’s past experiences, incorporating these elements into the materials, colors, and details. This is evident in the two new limited-edition watches. At first glance, the two watches share the same technical foundation, but their messages are entirely different: the Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt and the Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé, respectively. In terms of complications, both special edition watches are flyback chronographs, powered by Hublot’s renowned in-house Unico movement, with each limited to 200 pieces.
A touch of Jamaican flair, a hint of legend, and a dash of Bolt’s humor—this is precisely why these two watches deserve our close examination. Hublot tells two distinct stories on the same platform: on one hand, it emphasizes themes of tradition, heritage, and record; on the other, it highlights confidence, ambition, and the present.
This Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt watch is entirely tailored to the symbolic significance of the world’s fastest man: the 44mm case is crafted from black ceramic and carbon fiber, accented with gold details, while green and yellow trim subtly echoes the colors of the Jamaican flag. When Hublot takes personalization to the extreme, the allure of the Big Bang Reloaded becomes even more pronounced: if you imagine the watch spinning, the numbers between 6 and 8 o’clock form “958”—the exact number from Usain Bolt’s 200-meter world record of 9.58 seconds. Echoing this theme, the chronograph hands are designed in the shape of lightning bolts, and the case back even incorporates the original soil from Bolt’s training ground in Jamaica. Furthermore, his motto, “Anything is possible, don’t limit yourself,” is engraved on the bezel. fashion replica watch
The Big Bang Reloaded watch doesn’t take a neutral stance; it clearly expresses its own perspective. Hublot incorporates Bolt’s career, background, and public image into the design, striving for a powerful impact. This watch boasts a bold design, meticulous attention to detail from start to finish. The Bolt special edition watch stands out with its striking symbols, strong contrasts, and design that clearly conveys its message. Even the two interchangeable straps—one a gold Velcro strap, the other a black, yellow, and green camouflage rubber strap—reflect this distinct philosophy.
It’s not a defensive watch, not even in its design.
The Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé watch presents a completely different design concept. It also boasts a 44mm diameter, but the choice of materials—polished white ceramic and 18K King Gold—creates a completely different impression: the watch appears brighter, more striking, and more modern. If the Bolt watch tells a story of heritage and record, the Mbappé watch emphasizes the spiritual aspect. Therefore, the bezel is engraved with “Trust Yourself” at 6 o’clock—a motto Hublot considers central to its sporting and public image. Furthermore, the bezel is adorned with the gold number 10, representing both Mbappé’s jersey number and his identity and lucky number. The skeletonized dial, crafted from charcoal gray ruthenium metal and accented with white, gives the watch a clean and technologically advanced look. The most significant difference between the two watches lies here. The Bolt Edition draws inspiration from history, symbolism, and a tribute to an established career. The Mbappé Edition, on the other hand, emphasizes presence, speed, and a distinctly forward-thinking image. Like the Bolt Edition, interchangeable straps are part of the Mbappé Edition’s design philosophy: a gold Velcro strap and a black and white rubber strap bearing the KM logo consistently convey the idea of self-realization, with the Mbappé serving as a role model.
However, technically, the two watches share the same fundamental structure. Both are powered by Hublot’s in-house HUB1280 Unico automatic movement, featuring a flyback chronograph function, a clearly visible gear train, and a 72-hour power reserve. Hublot places particular emphasis on showcasing the intricate structure of the Unico movement and the visibility of key components such as the gear train, clutch, and flyback chronograph. This is crucial because, even with the incorporation of various symbolic meanings and personal metaphors, these elements are precisely what give both watches their essential horological significance. This demonstrates once again that the Big Bang series serves as Hublot’s platform for creating groundbreaking works—and that technology itself is by no means insignificant. https://www.whereguidewatch.com