Imagine a watch so bold, so disruptive, it caused a 'Big Bang' in the horological world. That's precisely what happened in 2005 when Hublot unleashed its Big Bang collection. But the genesis of this horological supernova wasn't a spontaneous event. It was the culmination of visionary leadership and a groundbreaking concept: the fusion of seemingly disparate materials. The brilliance of then-CEO Jean-Claude Biver, combined with the innovative spirit of Carlo Crocco, who pioneered the gold and rubber pairing in the 1980 Classic Fusion, laid the foundation for this iconic timepiece.
Now, after celebrating its 20th anniversary (a milestone in itself!), the Big Bang is back with a stunning new collection: the Big Bang Original Unico. These aren't limited editions; they're a testament to Hublot's enduring legacy, powered by their in-house chronograph movement. The four new references represent the next chapter in the Big Bang’s history.
Faithful to its roots, the Big Bang Original Unico retains the design cues that made it an instant classic. Think multi-layered case construction, a bezel with its signature knurled edge, those distinctive rubber-tipped rectangular pushers, and the iconic six H-shaped screws – each one perfectly unaligned and fully functional. And, of course, the fusion of materials remains central to its identity. Sharing the same dimensions as the 20th-anniversary models (43mm in diameter and 13.2mm thick), these four models showcase Hublot’s mastery of materials over the past two decades. This is a brand that doesn't shy away from experimentation, and it's paid off handsomely.
Let's delve into the specifics. The "Black Magic" model boasts a sleek, all-black ceramic case. Then there's a striking titanium-and-black-ceramic reference, a head-turning King Gold-and-ceramic model, and a lightweight, full-titanium version. While titanium and ceramic are familiar faces in Hublot's lineup, the "Black Magic" is worth highlighting. It's Hublot's ultra-resilient, all-black ceramic, which debuted back in 2006. And King Gold? That's Hublot's proprietary gold alloy, known for its warmer, redder hue and exceptional hardness, thanks to the addition of platinum and other secret ingredients.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the original Big Bangs of 2005 featured a three-counter dial layout intended to evoke the feeling of carbon fiber, these new models, mirroring the anniversary editions, opt for a two-counter configuration. You'll find a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock and a larger, snailed 60-minute chronograph register at 3 o'clock. The riveted Arabic numerals and indices, reminiscent of the original, are now generously filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility in low-light conditions. The date window remains in its familiar spot at 4:30. Some purists might argue that the three-counter layout is more authentic to the original Big Bang spirit. What do you think?
Powering these timepieces is Hublot's first in-house automatic chronograph movement, the Unico, which was unveiled in 2010. This is a serious piece of engineering: a sophisticated integrated flyback chronograph with a column wheel and a dual-clutch architecture. Operating at 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering a 72-hour power reserve, the HUB1280 movement is a testament to Hublot's commitment to horological excellence. And the openworked, anthracite-colored tungsten rotor? It's a visual treat, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.
And this is the part most people miss... Hublot's attention to detail extends to the strap. Fitted with the Big Bang Unico's One-Click strap-change system, swapping the black rubber strap (adorned with a distinctive lozenge pattern) is incredibly easy. It's a small detail that makes a big difference in terms of versatility and user experience.
As for pricing, the Big Bang Original Unico Titanium retails for CHF 16,900; the Black Magic for CHF 18,900; the Titanium and Ceramic for CHF 17,900, and the King Gold for CHF 32,900. Find more information at hublot.com.
Technical Specifications – Hublot Big Bang Original Unico
- Case: 43mm diameter x 13.2mm thickness - screw-down crown - bezel with 6 H-shaped screws and knurled edge - sapphire crystal with AR treatment front and back - 100m water-resistance
- Titanium: titanium case, bezel, and caseback
- Black Magic: black ceramic case, bezel, and caseback
- Titanium Ceramic: titanium case and caseback, black ceramic bezel
- King Gold Ceramic: 18k Magic Gold case and caseback, black ceramic bezel
- Dial: stamped chequered pattern emulating carbon fibre - applied Arabic numerals, indices and hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova - 60-min elapsed time sub-dial at 3 o'clock, running seconds at 9 o'clock - date window at 4:30 - central chronograph seconds hand
- Movement: calibre HUB1280 - in-house, automatic flyback chronograph with column wheel - 354 components, 43 jewels - 28,800vph/4Hz - 72h power reserve - openworked rotor with anthracite ruthenium plating - hours, minutes, running seconds, chronograph
- Strap: interchangeable black structured rubber strap with lozenge pattern - deployant clasp in material matching case - One-Click strap-change mechanism on case
- References:
- 431.NX.1370.RX Titanium
- 431.CI.1370.RX Black Magic
- 431.NM.1370.RX Titanium Ceramic
- 431.OM.1380.RX King Gold Ceramic
- Price:
- Titanium: CHF 16,900 / EUR 19,300
- Black Magic: CHF 18,900 / EUR 21,600
- Titanium Ceramic: CHF 17,900 / EUR 20,500
- King Gold Ceramic: CHF 32,900 / EUR 37,600
So, what are your thoughts on the Big Bang Original Unico? Does it live up to the legacy of the original, or do you prefer the classic three-counter dial? Let us know in the comments below!
