WatchDNA founder Thomas J. Sandrin, accompanied by Cagdas Onen, visited Hublot’s pop-up shop at Holt Renfrew inside Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The visit offered an opportunity to learn more about this temporary space, understand its purpose during the renovation of the brand’s boutique, and discover some of Hublot’s latest releases, including the Big Bang Reloaded collection and its newest ceramic creations.

A temporary space during the boutique renovation

During the visit, Jonathan explained that Hublot has been present at Yorkdale since 2019 and that the time has come to revamp its boutique. As part of this transition, the brand will relocate to a new space within the shopping centre, just across from its current location. The tentative opening date was set for October 2026.

In the meantime, Hublot has partnered with Holt Renfrew to offer local clients a different experience during the summer. The pop-up shop provides a dedicated space for the brand throughout the transition while presenting some of its latest releases in an environment different from its regular boutique.

Big Bang Reloaded: bringing the mechanics into view

One of the main highlights of the visit was the Big Bang Reloaded, a collection introduced in 2026 that brings together five different configurations. Each version combines materials and colors in its own way while retaining the unmistakable identity of the Big Bang. The lineup includes a version with a titanium case and black ceramic bezel, as well as another that embraces an all-black ceramic aesthetic.

Beyond their visual differences, one of the most interesting aspects of these watches is the way they showcase their movements. The Unico 2 manufacture caliber features an architecture designed to reveal mechanical elements that would normally remain hidden inside the case. The column wheel, visible at six o’clock, and the double oscillating clutch, positioned between seven and eight o’clock, are part of this presentation. Both components are identified directly on the watch, making the mechanics a more visible part of the wearing experience.

The flyback chronograph function also plays an important role in this approach. Its indication appears on the watch itself and is complemented by the pusher used to operate the function. Rather than simply housing a sophisticated movement, the Big Bang Reloaded invites the wearer to observe and better appreciate its components and functions.

Big Bang Unico Sapphire: transparency takes center stage

Another watch that stood out was the 42 mm Big Bang Unico Sapphire, featuring a case made entirely of sapphire crystal. This material allows the movement to be viewed from different angles, making transparency a defining part of the watch’s visual identity.

Instead of concealing the mechanics within the case, the design allows the construction of the movement to be seen directly. Its architecture is exposed, creating a visual connection between the exterior design and the watchmaking engineering that brings the timepiece to life.

The watch also features Hublot’s One-Click system, which makes changing the strap easier. In this version, the transparent strap extends the visual concept of the case and reinforces the continuity of the design. The result is a watch that first catches the eye through its transparency, then encourages a closer look at its mechanical details.

Hublot Summer 2026: ceramic in pastel shades

Since 2017, Hublot has used the Mediterranean summer as a source of inspiration for its seasonal releases. In 2026, this approach focuses on high-tech ceramic and its ability to combine material innovation with a seasonal aesthetic.

The Big Bang Summer collection features two models that share a multicolored case and interchangeable straps with the One-Click system. The 42 mm version is powered by the HUB1280 UNICO manufacture caliber, a self-winding flyback chronograph with a column wheel and an approximate 72-hour power reserve. Limited to 200 pieces, it offers water resistance to 100 meters.

The 44 mm version features the HUB6035 automatic tourbillon caliber, a micro-rotor visible from the dial side, and a 72-hour power reserve. Its transparent pink sapphire crystal dial reveals the movement, while water resistance reaches 300 meters. This edition is limited to just 10 pieces.

Both models come with white-lined rubber straps in sky blue, mint green, and pink, secured by a titanium deployant buckle clasp. Their interchangeable design allows wearers to change the look while maintaining the collection’s shared identity.

New Big Bang ceramic editions: a monochromatic aesthetic

Hublot expands its collection with three monochromatic ceramic versions of the Big Bang: Peach Ceramic, Mint Green Ceramic, and Petrol Blue Ceramic. For the first time, the 33 mm models are presented without diamonds, allowing color to take center stage.

All three share a polished 33 mm ceramic case, a self-winding three-hand movement with an approximate 40-hour power reserve, and water resistance to 100 meters. Matching dials and straps reinforce their uniform aesthetic.

The collection also includes the 42 mm Big Bang Titanium Peach Ceramic, which combines a satin-finished and polished titanium case with a peach ceramic bezel. Its skeletonized dial continues the same color scheme while revealing the HUB1280 UNICO manufacture caliber, a self-winding flyback chronograph with a column wheel and an approximate 72-hour power reserve. The structured rubber strap maintains the monochromatic look, while the case back combines titanium with anti-reflective sapphire crystal. With water resistance to 100 meters, this model pairs a summer-inspired aesthetic with the technical features associated with the Big Bang collection.

A visit connecting retail, design, and watchmaking

Thomas and Cagdas visit to Hublot’s pop-up shop at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale offered a closer look at both the purpose of this temporary space and the different directions the brand is exploring through its Big Bang collections. From the visible architecture of the Unico movement and the transparency of sapphire to new interpretations of ceramic, the watches presented illustrate different ways of bringing materials, design, and mechanics together. As Hublot prepares to open its renovated boutique in a new location within the shopping centre, the pop-up provides an opportunity to experience these releases firsthand and see how one of the brand’s most recognizable collections continues to evolve.