Hublot Master of Sapphire Set: SAXEM Technology and Colorful Crystal Innovation
Mastering the Art of Sapphire Crystal Watchmaking
Hublot has established itself as the undisputed master of sapphire crystal watchmaking with the launch of the Big Bang 20th Anniversary "Master of Sapphire" set. This extraordinary collection of five colorful sapphire Big Bang watches demonstrates the brand's unparalleled expertise in working with one of the most challenging materials in haute horlogerie.
The Five Sapphire Masterpieces
Each watch in the Master of Sapphire set showcases a different color of sapphire crystal, with the neon yellow version featuring Hublot's revolutionary SAXEM technology:
- Red Sapphire - Deep crimson transparency
- Blue Sapphire - Classic ocean blue clarity
- Green Sapphire - Emerald-inspired hue
- Purple Sapphire - Royal violet tones
- Neon Yellow SAXEM - Revolutionary color saturation
SAXEM vs Traditional Sapphire
| Feature | Traditional Sapphire | SAXEM |
|---|---|---|
| Color Saturation | Moderate | Exceptionally Vivid |
| Brightness | Standard | Enhanced Luminosity |
| Material Composition | Aluminum Oxide | Sapphire + Rare Earth Minerals |
| First Used by Hublot | 2016 | 2019 (Big Bang MP-11) |
Movement and Performance
The Master of Sapphire set is powered by the manual-winding HUB1201 movement, delivering an impressive 240-hour power reserve (10 days). This exceptional power reserve ensures reliable timekeeping even when the watch is not worn for extended periods.
Pricing and Exclusivity
The complete Master of Sapphire set is priced at $605,000, reflecting both the rarity of the materials and the extraordinary craftsmanship required to produce sapphire crystal cases. Each piece undergoes hundreds of hours of machining and hand-finishing.
The Challenge of Sapphire Crystal
Working with sapphire crystal presents unique challenges:
- Extreme hardness (9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond)
- Brittleness requiring precision machining
- Complex polishing to achieve perfect transparency
- Limited equipment capable of processing the material
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sapphire crystal so expensive?
Sapphire crystal is extremely hard and difficult to machine, requiring specialized diamond-tipped tools and hundreds of hours of processing. The material's scratch resistance and transparency make it ideal for luxury watches but significantly increase production costs.
How does SAXEM achieve brighter colors?
SAXEM combines aluminum oxide with rare earth minerals, creating a material that absorbs and reflects light differently than traditional sapphire, resulting in more saturated and luminous colors.
Are sapphire watches durable?
While sapphire crystal is virtually scratch-proof, it is more brittle than steel or titanium. Hublot addresses this through careful case design and engineering, ensuring each watch meets the brand's durability standards.
Learn More
Discover the complete guide to sapphire crystal watchmaking and explore our Big Bang collection overview.
Sources: aBlogtoWatch, Monochrome Watches, Hublot Official