Hublot Big Bang Soldier All Black: an artist’s edition in black ceramic

With the Big Bang Soldier All Black, Hublot translates the visual language of Leonard Iheagwam, known as Soldier, into a mechanical chronograph. At its heart is the toy soldier: a motif through which the Lagos-born, London-based artist explores military symbolism in everyday life. His first watch design took shape over two years and is released in an edition of 50 pieces. Its technical foundation is a 42 mm Big Bang powered by the automatic manufacture calibre HUB1280 Unico.

The toy soldier as an artistic motif

Soldier is a visual artist, designer and skateboarder. Self-taught, he left home at sixteen, co-founded the Motherlan collective in Lagos and has exhibited at venues including London’s Saatchi Gallery. His artist name refers to his appropriation of military camouflage patterns, the wearing of which by civilians is restricted by law in Nigeria.

For his collaboration with Hublot, he turns to the familiar form of the toy soldier. His interest lies in what happens when symbols of power are placed in an unfamiliar context. The wristwatch thus becomes a canvas for a motif poised between childhood play and the depiction of conflict. The collaboration began at the Hublot boutique in London, whose coordinates appear on the caseback.

Black, defined by contrasting finishes

The edition’s design builds on Hublot’s All-Black concept, introduced in 2006. The case and bezel are crafted from black ceramic with microblasted and polished sections. Black-coated titanium completes the construction. The monochrome design is thus defined primarily by the interplay of matt and glossy surfaces.

The sapphire dial reveals the architecture of the movement. Above it sweep black-coated hands with satin-brushed and microblasted finishes. The HUB1280 Unico comprises 354 components, winds automatically and offers a 72-hour power reserve. The chronograph calibre is developed, engineered and assembled at the manufacture in Nyon.

Red and green on the undersides of the straps

The watch comes with a black textile strap and two additional rubber straps with red and green undersides respectively. The colours have a specific connection to Soldier’s work: in his book published in 2024, which brings together paintings, sculptures and conversations, red represents the present and green the past. He carries this symbolism through to the straps.

The Big Bang Soldier All Black is available through selected Hublot boutiques and retailers, as well as hublot.com. The press material provided does not state a price.