Over the last seven years, Nespresso has partnered with other Swiss brands to create new products from used aluminium capsules.
Limited-edition Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin.
The Second Life project now has a new collaborator, Hublot, who shares the values of innovation, excellence and sustainability.
Accordingly, the Swiss watchmaker has caffeinated its flagship model for the limited-edition Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin with an iconic N engraved on the crown.
The Nyon-based company is renowned for developing new alloys, materials and composites. Released in 2005, the Big Bang has been a platform for movements, complications and state-of-the-art materials such as carbon, titanium, ceramic and sapphire.
Hublot Greenbox case carved from traceable oak wood.
For this sustainable project with Nespresso, the case, bezel, crown and pushers are made from recycled aluminium fused with aluminium capsules.
The 42mm case is crafted from the recycled aluminium of which 28% comes from Nespresso coffee capsules. The resulting material is anodised in green, then satin finished and polished.
The vibrant shade echoes the Master Origins Peru Organic capsule containing Arabica coffee with fruity notes accented by a smooth, toasted cereal note.
Founded in 1986, Nespresso is a pioneer and reference for high-quality portioned coffee. The firm, headquartered in Vevey, works with farmers in various countries to embed sustainable agricultural practices.
Case, bezel, crown and pushers are made from recycled aluminium fused with aluminium capsules.
Aluminium is the most effective material available for retaining the coffee’s freshness, flavour and aroma. Robust, lightweight and recyclable, it can be melted and re-shaped into any form without loss in performance.
Every capsule has the potential to become another capsule or entirely something else such as food packaging or window frames as well as car and even plane components.
A recycling system set up in 1991 enables consumers to return used capsules at boutiques, Nespresso machine retail outlets or waste collection centres.
The aluminium and coffee grounds are separated at treatment centres managed by various recycling partners.
HUB 1280 Unico self-winding chronograph movement.
Pressed into blocks, the aluminium is transported to a smelting plant, where it is melted to be reused for making other products. Likewise the coffee grounds can be repurposed for biogas and fertiliser.
For the first time ever, the recycled coffee grounds have been incorporated into materials for making Hublot’s rubber strap and a Velcro fabric version.
Rubber has been an emblematic material since it was combined with an 18-carat gold case, evoking a ship’s porthole (hublot in French), for the brand’s debut timepiece in 1980.
The alliance of materials was Hublot’s first expression of the Art of Fusion and its disruptive haute horlogerie.
Hublot’s formula has been modified with 4.1% coffee grounds and 8.2% recycled white rubber to make the rubber for the strap of the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin. The challenge was to balance the ratio of each ingredient to achieve the perfect colour and quality.
The patented One Click system allows changing this sustainable strap to a Velcro one made with SCafeĢ fabric.
Nespresso aluminium capsules are pressed into blocks before transportation to a smelting plant. (Photos: Hublot)
Made by SingTex, one of Nespresso’s partners, the fabric is composed of 5% coffee grounds and 95% recycled polyester.
The titanium deployant buckle of the rubber strap featuring a decorative recycled aluminium cap and the buckle of the Velcro strap are also in the same anodised green colour.
Working closely with Nespresso,
Hublot’s R&D took a whole year to finally achieve the perfect harmony and long-lasting uniformity of colours between seven different materials, such as the anodised aluminium, the rubber of the strap, and the varnish on the skeleton dial and hands.
Eco-titanium is used to make the caseback of the eyecatching watch, which shows how circularity can synchronise with luxury.
Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is powered by HUB 1280 Unico self-winding chronograph movement with a double coupling system and column-wheel. Its construction of 354 components has been simplified as much as possible to improve reliability and robustness while providing a power reserve of 72 hours.
The limited edition of 200 pieces is presented in the new Hublot Greenbox, which will be used for other models in the future. Designed to be reusable, the case is entirely carved from mostly massive, traceable oak wood, whose sourcing and production both promote short supply chains.
Moreover, 98% of its removable interior is made from recycled fabrics, plastic yarns and PET as well as eco-labelled recycled paper and cardboard.
For the collaboration with Nespresso, the Hublot Greenbox is decorated with the two brands’ logos, affixed by coffee grounds.
