Hublot Big Bang

The Genevan luxury watch manufacturer Hublot first introduced the Big Bang in 2005. Since then, it has come to play an important role as the company's flagship collection. The Big Bang is a true eye-catcher and head-turner. Fans of complicated movements – as well as of exclusive materials like Magic Gold (a ceramic and gold alloy), King Gold (a rose gold and platinum alloy), or carbon – certainly get their money's worth with these timepieces.

One reason for the Big Bang's success is its unique way of combining contrasting details. The watch's outer design is quite imposing, emphasized by case sizes of up to 45 mm and a wide bezel. The bezel has edges on a 90-degree angle and is held in place by six prominent H-shaped screws.

The Big Bang is a watch of many faces. Models in the One Click series feature bright, bold hues, while the Big Bang Italia Independent offers a rather casual look. Versions with cases smaller than the standard 45-mm size are also available for men or women with slimmer wrists. In 2020, Hublot launched the Big Bang Integral line, which contains models with integrated bracelets in materials like titanium, King Gold, or ceramic.

This massive 45-mm chronograph is available in a wide range of case materials, including titanium, carbon, sapphire, King Gold, and ceramic. Prices largely depend on the material used. For example, a red sapphire Big Bang Unico 45 costs around 58,500 USD.

At about 16,500 USD, the titanium Unico 45 is much more affordable. You can purchase the King Gold edition for roughly 30,500 USD. If you're interested in a Unico 45 with a sapphire case and diamonds, it will set you back well over 80,000 USD. Entry-level models come with quartz calibers and stainless steel cases. One example, the 38 Steel, demands around 8,300 USD.

Thanks to its modular design, it's easy to outfit the Unico movement with additional complications such as a second time zone or perpetual calendar. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that this series contains such a wide variety of timepieces, with the Unico 45 leading the charge.

GMT, Ferrari, and a Perpetual Calendar

The titanium Unico GMT is a relatively affordable Big Bang model. While it lacks a stopwatch function, this timepiece offers a second time zone and day-night display. You can tell the time in another time zone using the additional hour hand and titanium bezel with a 24-hour scale. The Hublot caliber HUB1251 ticks away inside this timepiece and provides it with its 72-hour power reserve. The final watch is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) and comes on a blue rubber strap. You can call this model your own for about 16,000 USD new and 13,500 USD pre-owned.

The carbon edition features the same technology and sells for between 15,000 and 19,000 USD. A never-worn Big Bang Unico GMT in King Gold costs a solid 33,500 USD. Used models remain a rare sight.

The Big Bang Unico Ferrari has been a part of the Hublot catalog since 2012. The result of a collaboration with the legendary Italian sports car company, it has a sporty design with red or yellow numbers and matching stitching on the strap. Carbon and ceramic models dominate the series, though King Gold and Magic Gold versions are also available. The Unico Ferrari watch gets its power from the chronograph caliber 1241, which includes a flyback function. The ceramic edition changes hands for about 24,000 USD in mint condition, while used watches demand significantly less at around 15,500 USD. Depending on the material, prices for a Unico Ferrari can exceed 36,500 USD, as is the case with the King Gold version.

In-House Tourbillon Caliber With a Huge Power Reserve

Hublot reached the pinnacle of watchmaking with the caliber HUB6016. The movement features a tourbillon, which has a delicate frame that turns the balance wheel 360 degrees once every minute, thereby negating the effect of gravity on the oscillation system and resulting in more accurate timekeeping. Tourbillons are one of the most difficult complications to produce and are, therefore, reserved for the highest-quality watches. The HUB6016's massive power reserve of around 115 hours is also very impressive, and a subdial at 9 o'clock serves as the power reserve indicator.

Of course, Hublot creates these timepieces using a variety of materials. Cases in gold, titanium, sapphire, or ceramic are paired with straps made of rubber or alligator leather. A version with a diamond-studded bezel joined the Tourbillon family in spring 2018. The titanium Big Bang Tourbillon costs around 79,000 USD. Models in ceramic, gold, or sapphire go for between 85,000 and 110,000 USD.

The power reserve is the most important element of the Big Bang Meca-10 and Big Bang MP-11. The manual caliber HUB1201 powers the Meca-10 and can run for ten days straight when fully wound. Announced at Baselworld 2018, the MP-11 boasts an even more impressive 14-day power reserve. This is thanks to the caliber HUB9011 with a row of seven barrels. Multi-barrel movements are what lend the watches in Hublot's MP series their astounding power reserves. However, this extraordinary technology comes at a price. A black carbon MP-11 costs around 65,500 USD, while sapphire models sell for about 85,000 USD. These price tags make the Meca-10 look like a bargain at "only" 15,500 to 30,000 USD, depending on the material.

If you'd prefer something a bit less imposing, you should take a look at the standard edition Big Bangs. These watches are 38, 39, 41, or 44 mm in diameter, making them interesting for men and women alike. It's not only size that differentiates these timepieces from their sister models, they also have solid dials. Hublot uses colorful gems on the bezel and bright, flashy bands for added pizazz. What's more, each size is also available with diamond embellishments for those wanting an extra level of luxury.

Hublot equips the two larger versions with automatic chronograph calibers, namely the HUB4100 and HUB4300. Both have a 42-hour power reserve. Expect to spend roughly 12,000 USD on models with a steel or carbon case. Those in gold with diamonds on the bezel can easily cost up to 27,500 USD.

The 38 and 39-mm editions are both three-hand watches, the smaller of which features a quartz movement. The case of the 38-mm model comes in gold, steel, or ceramic and is adorned with diamonds. This timepiece goes for anywhere from 9,100 to 18,500 USD. The Big Bang 39 is also known as the "One Click." Hublot outfits it with a system that makes changing its band quick and easy. These watches also feature diamonds or colorful sapphire crystals on their bezels and cases. Prices fall between 12,000 and 24,500 USD.

Limited Editions: Büchi, Rimowa, and Depeche Mode

Hublot's seemingly constant flow of limited-edition watches has earned the company plenty of attention. The Big Bang collection also includes some of these exceptional pieces, such as the Big Bang Sang Bleu designed by Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Büchi. Büchi is known for his geometric style, which he used for the Sang Bleu. Instead of hands, this timepiece tells the time using three skeletonized octagonal overlapping disks. The Sang Bleu is available in titanium, gold, steel, or ceramic. The case comes in two sizes, 39 or 45 mm, and with or without diamonds. Plan to spend between 18,000 and 43,000 USD on one of these watches.

Synth-pop band Depeche Mode and Hublot have had a partnership for several years. In this time, there have been many special models made in the band's honor. Most are reworked versions of the Big Bang Unico with a rubber strap and a studded calf leather cuff. The Depeche Mode collection "The Singles" was released in 2018 and is strictly limited. Each of the 55 individual watches represents one of the group's 55 singles. The bands match the dial, which features the respective single's cover art. These timepieces are sold in a Rimowa suitcase with the corresponding 12-inch vinyl single and a Roland JP-08 synthesizer. Set aside around 28,500 USD for one of these pieces. If you want something a bit less exclusive, you can get the standard version of the Depeche Mode watch, which is limited to 250 pieces, for about 6,100 USD less.

Hublot also has a strong relationship with soccer. Fans of FC Bayern München, Juventus FC, SL Benfica, and FC Chelsea can buy special, club-specific timepieces for between 13,000 and 24,500 USD. What's more, Hublot releases limited-edition models for major events such as the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, European Championship, and FIFA World Cup. Prices for these watches begin around 21,500 USD. Hublot released the first smartwatch in the company's history for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: the Big Bang Referee. This watch was limited to 2,018 pieces and costs about 6,300 USD.

Dials with Embroidery and Denim

The colorful Broderie, Pop Art, and Tutti Frutti models were part of the Big Bang collection until 2017. The Broderie features embroidery on its dial, bezel, and strap. Matching sapphire crystals also ornament most of the bezels. Depending on the case material, plan to spend between 11,500 and 20,500 USD on a Big Bang Broderie.

The Pop Art series is dominated by bright colors, combining pink, orange, turquoise, and green all on one watch. These timepieces cost anywhere from 12,000 to 22,000 USD. The Tutti Frutti is slightly less colorful. Most models have a matching dial and band in orange, pink, or blue. Some editions feature a white or black dial combined with a colorful band. These timepieces demand between 14,500 and 30,500 USD.

The Big Bang Jeans looks especially casual and is also no longer in production. Hublot created this watch using blue denim for the strap and dial. The Swiss manufacturer conquered the challenge of combining conflicting materials by enhancing some Jeans models with diamonds on their dials and bezels. A Big Bang Jeans costs around 12,000 USD.

Hublot presented several new Big Bang models between 2018 and 2020. Take the Unico Magic Red, for example, which debuted at Baselworld 2019. This timepiece is limited to a run of 500 pieces. Hublot crafts its 45-mm case out of bright red ceramic. With a hardness of 1,500 HV (Vickers hardness), this material is highly robust. The watch's beating heart is the automatic in-house caliber HUB1242 with a flyback function and a 72-hour power reserve. A red rubber strap holds this timepiece securely on the wrist.

You can find this timepiece on Chrono24 for around 24,500 USD. That's about 1,700 USD less than its official list price of 26,200 USD. At about 23,000 USD, pre-owned versions are only slightly more affordable.

Big Bang Scuderia Ferrari 90th Anniversary

In 2019, Hublot celebrated the Scuderia Ferrari racing team's 90th anniversary with three limited-edition Big Bang watches: one in carbon with a red dial, one in platinum with a yellow dial, and one in sapphire with a black dial. The cases measure 45 mm in diameter and contain the in-house caliber HUB1241. This automatic movement features a flyback function and a 72-hour power reserve. Each model is limited to a run of 90 pieces, making them highly coveted collector's items. Hublot listed this special Big Bang for 34,600 USD in carbon, 40,900 USD in platinum, and 69,000 USD in sapphire. These watches rarely appear on Chrono24, and when they do, they tend to sell quickly, so it's worth keeping a lookout and acting fast to nab one of these timepieces.

Hublot announced the 42-mm Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon in 2019. Its barrel-shaped case is made of carbon fiber and features black accents. The watch gets its power from the manual Hublot caliber HUB6020, which the manufacturer developed specifically for this timepiece. You can watch the movement at work thanks to the transparent dial. The time display occupies an unorthodox, off-center position at 3 o'clock. There's also a power reserve indicator just below 9 and a tourbillon at 6 o'clock.

This model boasts an impressive 120-hour power reserve, as well as Hublot's patented "One Click" system for switching out the black rubber strap. Limited to a run of 100 pieces, you can find this watch on Chrono24 for around 80,000 USD. That's quite a bargain considering its official list price is 94,700 USD.

Big Bang Integral With an Integrated Bracelet

In 2020, Hublot introduced four Big Bang models with integrated bracelets. The watches feature matching cases and bracelets in black ceramic (Integral All Black), King Gold, or titanium. The gold and titanium versions are also available with diamonds under the name "Integral Pavé." Each timepiece is 42 mm in diameter and has a skeletonized dial with bar indices. Hublot crafts the hands and indices out of the same material as the case and bracelet. The Big Bang Integral has a water resistance of 100 m (10 bar, 329 ft).

The automatic in-house chronograph caliber HUB1280 with a flyback function ticks away inside the case. This movement also lends the Integral a small seconds at 3 o'clock and a 72-hour power reserve. The black ceramic model is limited to a run of 500 pieces, while the titanium and gold editions are in regular series production. Prices begin around 18,000 USD for a titanium watch. The ceramic version is only slightly more expensive at 20,500 USD, and the King Gold model demands roughly 42,500 USD. If you'd prefer one of the diamond-studded Pavé variants, be sure to have 54,500 USD on hand for the titanium version and 85,000 USD for the same watch in King Gold.

The Big Bang has been causing a stir since its introduction in 2005. The watch immediately won many awards, such as the design prize from the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix and the prize for sports watches at Watch of the Year 2005 in Japan. Since then, Hublot developers have been updating the collection's look through the use of innovative materials such as Magic Gold, in addition to continually introducing new calibers.

Hublot was the first company to manufacture watches with natural rubber straps, which are also available for the Big Bang. The combination of these bands with cases often made of gold or high-tech materials results in an intriguing mix. The movements housed in many Big Bang models present another contrast to the large cases. Many calibers are intricately designed and richly decorated. Some watches feature sapphire crystal case backs and no dials, allowing you to observe the moving work of art from above and below.