Hublot Celebrates Life With Three Exquisite Big Bang Calaveras

As one of Mexico’s largest watch shows, the SIAR, marks its 10^th anniversary this week, Hublot pays tribute to one of the country’s most famed rituals.

The Swiss horologer has just unveiled three extremely limited watches that embody the liminal spirit of El Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a UNESCO world cultural heritage tradition. The Big Bang Calaveras comes in three 44mm versions that together amount to only 60 pieces.

Some 30 of the models are swept in ceramic, 20 in steel and mere 10 in red gold. Although rendered from disparate materials, all the watches of this peculiar capsule collection tick with HUB1401 self-winding movement.

Adorned with exquisite skull motifs (the calaveras), the timepieces represent the complexities of El Dia de los Muertos. This ancient custom might commemorate the dead, but it also celebrates life – a duality that Hublot channeled by embossing the skulls with floral and carved details that resemble intricate embroideries, which swirl over the straps as well.

“By wearing a representation of a “calavera” on our wrist, we become aware of the fact that death is a part of life, and that every moment we are given must be enjoyed to the full,” said Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe. “It is also a symbol of remembering life and a message of hope, which is very poignant in Mexico. At Hublot, we love the positive, vibrant attitude of the Día de los Muertos.”

All three versions rest on black rubber straps that are engraved with the MEX17 logo.