There are anniversaries, and then there are Hublot anniversaries, where innovation meets shows and timekeeping becomes a cultural event. This year at Dubai Watch Week, Hublot didn’t just show up, it took centre stage. The Maison returned to the 7th edition of the region’s most anticipated horological gathering with not one, but two milestones worth celebrating: two decades of the game-changing Big Bang and the 75th anniversary of its long-standing regional partner, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.
In true Hublot fashion, the celebration wasn’t complete without boldness dialled to the max. Together, Hublot and Seddiqi unveiled two exclusive regional limited editions: the Big Bang All Black Ahmed Seddiqi 75th Anniversary, a stealthy, full-ceramic powerhouse limited to just 10 pieces and powered by a 4N 22K gold oscillating weight, Hublot’s signature “invisible visibility” at its most poetic. Alongside it debuted the Big Bang Titanium Grey Ahmed Seddiqi 75th Anniversary, a 25-piece statement crafted in polished and satin-finished titanium, balancing refinement with modernity.
Both editions proudly feature Arabic numerals and a custom oscillating weight engraved with Seddiqi’s 75th anniversary emblem, thoughtful details that honour Middle Eastern heritage while speaking directly to the region’s sophisticated collectors. With a 72-hour power reserve and the unmistakable Big Bang DNA, these pieces are more than commemorative editions; they’re collectible symbols of a partnership built on innovation, trust and cultural resonance.
The reveal, held at the Hublot booth in the presence of Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot, and Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, drew a crowd of media, collectors and watch enthusiasts for what felt less like a product launch and more like a moment in contemporary watchmaking.
On this milestone occasion, BURO sat down with Julien Tornare for an exclusive conversation, diving into 20 years of the Big Bang, the evolution of the Art of Fusion, the rise of the Middle East as a horological powerhouse, and what it really takes to keep an icon forever ahead of its time.
DESCRIBE THE EVOLUTION OF THE BIG BANG IN THREE WORDS, ONE FOR EACH DECADE, INCLUDING THE NEXT.
If I had to capture the Big Bang’s evolution in just three words, I’d choose Revolutionary, Evolving, and Limitless. When it debuted in 2005, it marked a revolutionary shift in contemporary watchmaking, bold in form, radical in concept, and fearless in blending materials through the Art of Fusion. Over the past twenty years, it has continued evolving, introducing innovative materials, in-house movements and constant reinterpretations. And looking ahead, the Big Bang becomes truly limitless, a canvas for unrestrained innovation, creativity and technical exploration as we enter its next chapter.
WHAT DOES “FUSION” MEAN TO YOU TODAY, AND HOW HAS THE PHILOSOPHY EVOLVED WITH THE NEW GENERATION OF WATCH LOVERS?
For me, the Art of Fusion remains rooted in thinking differently, but today, it extends far beyond materials. It’s the fusion of tradition with innovation, craftsmanship with culture, watchmaking with emerging technologies. The new generation values authenticity, creativity and a strong sense of identity. Fusion evolves with them. The Big Bang reinvents itself because fusion isn’t a recipe, it’s a mindset that keeps Hublot aligned with every new era.
WHAT HAS MADE THE BIG BANG RESONATE SO STRONGLY WITH COLLECTORS, CELEBRITIES, ATHLETES AND EVEN PEOPLE BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL WATCH SPHERE?
The Big Bang immediately stood out by breaking every rule. Its bold, unmistakable design and disruptive spirit created a new visual language, one that appealed not only to collectors but to creatives, athletes and cultural figures. It’s a watch with presence and personality, capable of being technical, artistic, expressive or minimalist depending on how it’s worn. Its ability to transcend the conventional boundaries of watchmaking while staying true to Hublot’s DNA of fusion and innovation is what turned it into a cultural icon.
WHAT MAKES DUBAI A KEY CITY FOR HUBLOT, AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE MIDDLE EAST SHAPING THE FUTURE OF LUXURY WATCHMAKING?
Dubai mirrors the very spirit of Hublot, energetic, innovative, creative and boldly forward-thinking. Thanks to our long-standing partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the region has played a defining role in the Big Bang’s journey, and Dubai Watch Week has become a global stage where this connection shines. The Middle East is home to one of the most discerning collector communities, with a passion for bold design, craftsmanship and exclusivity. Their influence continues to shape the direction of luxury watchmaking, inspiring new creations, including the Seddiqi 75th Anniversary editions launched this week.
WHAT’S THE MOST “UNEXPECTED HUBLOT IDEA” THAT MADE IT INTO PRODUCTION, AND ONE THAT DIDN’T, BUT YOU SECRETLY LOVED?
Hublot’s most unexpected ideas often become our most iconic. One of my favourites is the full sapphire case, when we first explored this, creating an entire watch in coloured sapphire felt almost impossible. Today, it’s a signature expression of our playful creativity. Another example is our new Big Bang 20th anniversary campaign with Choupette, completely unconventional for the high-end watch world, yet perfectly aligned with Hublot’s irreverent spirit.
As for the idea that didn’t make it into production… let’s just say we once explored a concept mixing high-tech materials with an entirely unconventional form. I loved its audacity, but even for Hublot, it was slightly ahead of its time and needed further development to pass all our tests. Who knows, its moment may still come. At Hublot, nothing is ever off the table.
HOW IS HUBLOT SPEAKING TO GEN Z WHILE KEEPING LOYAL LONG-TERM COLLECTORS ENGAGED?
Hublot engages the next generation by doing exactly what built its legacy, innovating boldly and staying culturally connected. Gen Z seeks authenticity, creativity and strong identity, and the Big Bang embodies all three. Through our pioneering materials, in-house movements and collaborations with artists, athletes and creators, Hublot stays present in the cultural spaces where younger audiences naturally are.
At the same time, we honour and engage long-term collectors with craftsmanship, technical mastery, and meaningful limited editions, including the Seddiqi 75th Anniversary pieces that celebrate heritage and exclusivity. It’s a balance: innovating for the future while preserving the bold design language and credibility that collectors have trusted for two decades.
