Hublot and Samuel Ross Unveil the SR_A HUBLOT 3.0: A Masterclass in Iterative Design

Last week, Hublot introduced the third and final timepiece in its collaborative series with renowned artist and designer Samuel Ross. Known for founding the fashion label *A-Cold-Wall* and his design studio SR_A, Ross has cemented his status as a leading figure in the design world. His partnership with Hublot traces back to 2019, when he was awarded the Hublot Design Prize—an initiative launched in 2015 under the guidance of watch industry legend Jean-Claude Biver to recognize emerging design talent. This multi-year collaboration between Ross and Hublot has resulted in a trilogy of visually striking, forward-thinking timepieces that push the boundaries of horology and design.

A Collaborative Journey: From 2019 to Present

Hublot’s relationship with Samuel Ross has been one marked by creativity, experimentation, and a shared commitment to innovation. Ross, celebrated for his multidisciplinary approach to design, has brought a unique perspective to Hublot’s horological landscape. His experience with global brands such as Nike and Beats by Dre has enabled him to balance conceptual ambition with practical execution—an ability that has defined his collaboration with Hublot.

The journey began in 2022 with the launch of the first Samuel Ross-designed Hublot tourbillon. The debut timepiece made an immediate statement with its bold, monochromatic orange color scheme and distinctive design. Limited to just 50 pieces, this inaugural release captured significant attention for its unconventional aesthetic, establishing the SR_A collaboration as a space for groundbreaking ideas. The second installment followed in 2023, presenting a more subdued yet no less striking version of the original concept. Crafted in titanium and featuring a vibrant green strap, the second iteration showcased the collaborative duo’s commitment to refinement.

Now, in 2024, Hublot and Samuel Ross have unveiled the SR_A HUBLOT 3.0—a culmination of their shared design philosophy and a striking evolution of the original concept. This time, the focus shifts to an interplay of color and material, introducing frosted grey carbon and a bold blue aesthetic.

The SR_A HUBLOT 3.0: Design and Materials

At first glance, the SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 appears familiar, a testament to the iterative nature of Ross’ and Hublot’s collaboration. With a 44mm case diameter and a thickness of 13.75mm, the timepiece retains the bold proportions of its predecessors. However, despite its size, the watch remains remarkably lightweight thanks to its advanced materials and construction.

Innovative Case Design

The SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 introduces frosted grey carbon as the primary material for the exterior case shell. This carbon construction gives the watch a distinct, metallic appearance, with each piece showcasing a unique pattern. The use of carbon aligns with Hublot’s reputation for material innovation, blending aesthetics with performance. Complementing the carbon case, the bezel and movement plate are crafted from titanium in various finishes, enhancing the watch’s futuristic appeal.

Dial and Movement

The dial design remains consistent with earlier iterations, embracing a skeletonized aesthetic that reveals the intricate components of the in-house HUB6035 tourbillon movement. At 12 o’clock, the micro-rotor takes center stage, while the tourbillon cage occupies the 6 o’clock position. The hour markers appear to float, held in place by sapphire sections that create a sense of depth and lightness. Completing the dial is a honeycomb motif—a recurring design element across the trilogy—that extends to the backplate and strap.

The HUB6035 movement exemplifies Hublot’s expertise in haute horlogerie. This automatic movement features a 72-hour power reserve, ensuring exceptional performance. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and equipped with 26 jewels, the HUB6035 combines precision and artistry.

Strap and Clasp

The SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 features an integrated dark blue rubber strap, further accentuating the watch’s bold aesthetic. A redesigned clasp—the result of meticulous refinement—offers improved functionality and comfort. According to Ross, small adjustments in shape, dimensions, and typeface positioning required significant investment in tooling, highlighting the collaborative team’s dedication to detail.

Hublot’s Commitment to Innovation

The SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 exemplifies Hublot’s ability to merge cutting-edge technology with avant-garde design. Since its founding in 1980, Hublot has maintained a reputation for challenging traditional watchmaking norms. The brand’s collaborations with artists and designers—including Takashi Murakami, Shepard Fairey, and now Samuel Ross—reflect its commitment to innovation and creativity.

Hublot’s partnership with Ross is particularly notable for its depth and longevity. Unlike many design collaborations, which may involve superficial contributions, Ross’ involvement has been hands-on throughout the process. His frequent visits to Hublot’s manufacture in Switzerland underscore the collaborative nature of the project. Ross has worked closely with Hublot’s engineers and artisans, ensuring that each design element aligns with his vision while adhering to the highest standards of watchmaking.

Pricing and Availability

The SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 is a limited edition of just 50 pieces, reinforcing its exclusivity. Priced at $143,000, the timepiece reflects the craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry that define both Hublot and Samuel Ross’ design ethos. The watch is available now through select Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers.

Key Specifications

Brand: Hublot  

Model: SR_A HUBLOT 3.0  

Reference Number: 428.NQ.0100.RX.SRA24  

Case Material: Titanium and frosted grey carbon  

Case Diameter: 44mm  

Case Thickness: 13.75mm  

Dial: Grey and sapphire with floating hour markers  

Indexes: Applied  

Lume: SuperLuminova  

Water Resistance: 30 meters  

Strap: Dark blue rubber with an additional black rubber strap and deployant clasp  

Movement: HUB6035 Manufacture Calibre  

Functions: Hours, minutes, tourbillon, micro-rotor  

Winding: Automatic  

Power Reserve: 72 hours  

Frequency: 21,600 VpH (3 Hz)  

Jewels: 26  

Price: $143,000  

Availability: Limited edition of 50 pieces, available now  

The Legacy of the SR_A Trilogy

The SR_A HUBLOT series represents more than just a design collaboration; it is a testament to Hublot’s philosophy of “The Art of Fusion.” By bringing Samuel Ross into its creative fold, Hublot has successfully blended contemporary art, industrial design, and horology into a singular vision. Each watch in the trilogy has built upon the last, showcasing incremental refinements and innovations.

The bold orange of the first edition, the subdued green of the second, and now the striking blue of the SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 reflect Ross’ ability to evolve a concept while staying true to its core. The use of advanced materials, including titanium and frosted grey carbon, further reinforces Hublot’s position as a leader in material innovation.

For Samuel Ross, the collaboration has been an opportunity to translate his design language into the world of luxury watchmaking. His hands-on approach and attention to detail have ensured that the SR_A HUBLOT series is both an artistic statement and a functional masterpiece.

Conclusion

The SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 is the final chapter in a groundbreaking trilogy that redefines the possibilities of design and horology. By combining Hublot’s technical expertise with Samuel Ross’ visionary approach, the collaboration has resulted in timepieces that are both avant-garde and timeless. Limited to just 50 pieces, the SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 stands as a celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and artistry.

As Hublot continues to explore new frontiers in watchmaking, collaborations like this one pave the way for future creative partnerships. The SR_A HUBLOT 3.0 is not just a watch—it is a statement of design excellence and a symbol of what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation.

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