Hublot: The History Behind the UNICO Movement

New York City played host to a rare kind of horological event this week—one that cut through the noise to remind collectors what true innovation looks like. On October 17, 2025, Hublot gathered a small circle of journalists, collectors, and industry insiders to celebrate its in-house UNICO chronograph movement, the technical heartbeat of the Big Bang and a genuine expression of the brand's Art of Fusion philosophy. Moderated by Wei Koh, the evening's panel—featuring Julien Tornare, Samuel Morel, and collector Roman Sharf—brought nuance and expertise to a space often muddied by online speculation. The message was clear: the UNICO isn't marketing—it's mechanical mastery.

​Developed entirely at Hublot's manufacture in Nyon, the UNICO movement stands as one of modern watchmaking's rare achievements. Its architecture is unapologetically bold: the column wheel and dual-clutch system are visible from the dial side—a technical and aesthetic flex that few brands dare attempt. Beneath that striking surface lies serious engineering: a flyback chronograph capable of instant reset, a direct-drive hour counter for improved reliability, and silicon components that enhance precision and reduce wear. Protected by five patents, the UNICO HUB1280 movement is the product of more than a decade of refinement—proof that Hublot's commitment to performance is as rigorous as its design language.

​As Julien Tornare noted during the discussion, Hublot's goal was never to imitate the past but to invent the future of the chronograph. The UNICO's 72-hour power reserve, modular construction, and visible mechanics speak to that mission. For collectors and critics alike, this is where opinion gives way to fact: the UNICO isn't just an in-house caliber—it's one of the few modern chronographs that marries industrial precision with artistic audacity.

​The night ended, fittingly, with hands-on watchmaking at the Hublot Watch Academy, where guests (including myself) examined the intricate anatomy of the UNICO for themselves (and failing miserably at screwing in the world's tiniest screws). Under the extraordinary glow of the New York skyline, the brand once again proved that its fusion of science, style, and soul isn't a marketing slogan—it's the very mechanism of its success.