Honeycomb Blues: Samuel Ross and Hublot’s Luxe Lab Experiment.
Beyond the Bezel: Is Hublot’s Art of Fusion Still a Masterpiece?
Hublot’s latest collaboration with Dr. Samuel Ross, MBE, debuted at Miami Art Week with the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A 3.0, an artful continuation of their partnership. But while this limited-edition marvel is undeniably striking, it begs the question: is Hublot innovating, or simply iterating on a well-trodden formula of “art meets horology”?
Faithful to its mantra, the Art of Fusion, Hublot is known for blending avant-garde design with advanced material science. Past collaborations have included legendary names such as Takashi Murakami, whose playful smiley faces brought whimsy to haute horology, and Richard Orlinski, with his angular, sculpture-like designs. These partnerships have cemented Hublot’s reputation as a creative force that bridges fine art and luxury craftsmanship.
Samuel Ross, a prodigy of modern design and founder of A-Cold-Wall and SR_A, seems like a natural fit for Hublot’s ethos. His aesthetic—marked by architectural rigor, geometric precision, and bold color—has been lauded in the worlds of fashion, art, and now watchmaking. The new SR_A edition introduces a refined blue palette and a frosted carbon honeycomb motif, paying homage to both innovation and Ross’s signature style.
However, the $200,000 question (yes, that’s the rumored price tag) remains: does this watch push boundaries, or does it merely align with an audience eager to acquire wearable status symbols?
The artistry is undeniable. The honeycomb pattern, sapphire dial, and skeletonized HUB6035 caliber elevate this piece into horological art. Yet, one wonders if this represents a true evolution of the brand’s creative narrative or a safe bet for an audience enamored with scarcity and exclusivity.
Samuel Ross’s work typically embodies a critique of modernity, engaging with the tension between industrial aesthetics and human connection. But does a $200,000 luxury watch resonate with those ideas? Or is it simply a beautiful object divorced from the principles that made Ross a standout innovator?
Perhaps, like much of contemporary art, the value lies not in the answers but in the questions the piece provokes. The Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A is undeniably beautiful, meticulously crafted, and thoughtfully designed. Whether it represents a true artistic breakthrough or an extravagant indulgence will depend on how it is received—not just by collectors, but by the culture it aspires to influence.