Artist editions
Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu
Since 2016 Hublot has worked with Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi on a geometric family of watches without classic hands. This guide explains the versions and what to check.
- Year
- 2016
- Artist
- Maxime Plescia-Büchi (Sang Bleu)
- Brand
- Hublot
- Edition size
- 200 pieces per version (Big Bang Sang Bleu); later series 100–200 pieces per version
Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu at a glance
The Big Bang Sang Bleu is a series of limited editions by Hublot, designed with tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi. The partnership was announced at London Fashion Week in February 2016, and the first watch came out in April 2016. Hublot followed with the Big Bang Sang Bleu II in 2019 and the tonneau-shaped Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu in 2023.
The artist
Maxime Plescia-Büchi is a Swiss tattoo artist known for precise, geometric and mandala-like designs. He founded Sang Bleu, a creative group that includes a tattoo studio, a magazine about art and culture, a clothing label and the type studio Swiss Typefaces. He designed both the case and the dial of the first watch.
Design and details
- Big Bang Sang Bleu (2016): 45 mm case with a faceted, hexagonal bezel and engraved lugs. Instead of hands, three stacked octagonal discs show hours, minutes and seconds. Numerals by Swiss Typefaces. Caliber HUB1213, a Unico movement without chronograph, 72-hour power reserve. Embossed straps by Schedoni.
- Big Bang Sang Bleu II (2019 onward): refined case and geometric carving on bezel and crystal. The 2020 versions use the HUB1240 Unico automatic chronograph.
- Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu (2023): 42 mm tonneau case, skeletonized HUB4700 chronograph (based on the Zenith El Primero), integrated rubber strap.
Edition size and release
The 2016 titanium launch model was limited to 200 pieces. Further versions in black ceramic, King Gold and titanium with diamonds were also limited to 200 pieces each. The 2023 Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu came as 200 pieces in titanium, 200 in All Black ceramic and 100 in King Gold. All were sold through Hublot boutiques and authorized dealers.
Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu on the secondary market
Because there are many versions, buyers first want to know exactly which one they are looking at. Material, generation and edition number matter. Collectors look for the original box, warranty card and the original embossed strap. Scratches on the many polished facets of the bezel are hard to remove without losing the sharp edges, so condition counts.
How to check a Sang Bleu
- The case back should show the edition number, for example "xxx/200", matching the papers.
- Check the disc display: on the first generation, the discs replace the hands entirely. Any conventional hands mean it is a different model.
- Look at the facets. Genuine bezels have crisp satin tops and polished bevels. Fakes often look rounded or uniformly shiny.
See our guide on how to spot a fake watch for general checks.
What is your Sang Bleu worth?
Upload photos of the dial, case back and papers for a free watch value estimate. For a signed document you can use for insurance or an estate, order a written appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Hublot Sang Bleu?
Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi, founder of Sang Bleu, together with Hublot.
How many first-generation Big Bang Sang Bleu watches exist?
Each version of the first Big Bang Sang Bleu was limited to 200 pieces.
Why does my Sang Bleu have no hands?
The first model shows the time with three rotating octagonal discs instead of hands. That is correct, not a defect.
Find out what your watch is worth
Upload a photo and get a free estimate in about a minute. No sign-up needed.