Raw, industrial aesthetics are the style du jour at the house of Hublot. At least for the Big Bang Integral range. All the inner workings are usually hidden behind the dial, or the “face” is on show, completely unobstructed. It’s almost like a behind the scenes, a peek behind the curtains, something that might seem a little taboo. It’s where the action happens. Literally.
There is space between the edge of the movement and the boundaries of the watch case, in which the indices, very practical for time-telling, are fitted. There’s a date wheel too. Another very practical complication and properly skeletonised so it fits in with the overall style of the watch.
It’s not the usual Hublot we’ve come to know over the years. There is no pomp and circumstance. No fanfare. In place of bright colours and a cacophony of materials we have instead a very mature, toned down and subdued classic sports watch. It’s funny to say that 40mm is a small size, but in comparison to the bulk of Hublot’s catalogue, small is apt.
You might wonder why this watch? Why now? After the success of the Big Bang Integral Unico in 2020, it’s only logical to follow up with a time only version. Slimmer, thinner, suitable for more wrists, the watch is designed to have a wider appeal. To those who previously shunned the brand due to its boldness and flair, this is fitting and modern sombre sports watch where versatility is key.
Retaining its no-dial design from the chronograph, the Zenith Elite movement can be seen from both sides, protected by sapphire crystal. The movement finishing is in keeping with the overall design ethos; something that Hublot has managed brilliantly, offering a completely distinctive and evocative style that cannot be mistaken for anything else.
And this is very true. Hublot’s foray into the very crowded non-round integrated bracelet sports watch is at-a-glance peerless, with the added advantage of reliability thanks to the ultra-thin, full-rotor, time-only workhorse movement (calibre 670) from the sister Manufacture Zenith. I have no doubt it will be another successful model for the young brand who’s only just celebrated its 40th birthday in 2020.
This watch goes to show that you can create a Big Bang without a big bang, and a (mostly) single material can sometimes be the differentiating factor in watch design, and offering something for newcomers to the brand in the titanium version, something for the hypebeasts who will no doubt snap up the limited edition in a ceramic-like a pack of hungry wolves, and finally, the fully yellow gold version for Hublot owners and fans alike, as it’s the most ostentatious one of the bunch.
