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The Big Bang Original is re-launched, now with the HUB1280 Flyback Chronograph movement inside, another step in Hublot’s pursuit of bringing all their movements in house.

In the words of watch industry legend, Jean-Claude Biver, the only time when rubber and gold were found fused together was when the Big Bang happened, until Hublot came along that is. Ok, I’m paraphrasing a little here, but this was the idea behind Hublot’s pieces, from the Classic Original to the Big Bang. If you go back 10-15 years, the Hublot Big Bang was a statement piece, big and bold, and very recognisable. Truth be told, as a young watch lover, it was one of the watches I really wanted. I was into more statement pieces (so to speak) back then.

However, times have changed. I now appreciate watches of all shapes and sizes, with a preference for those in the 40-42mm range (on my 17.5cm wrist, this is the sweet spot for me). In the mid 2000’s big and bold was the thing, and Hublot played right into this, today, like me, the Big Bang collection has evolved. The Big Bang collection has taken on various shapes and sizes. From the Meca-10 which received a re-vamp this year for LVMH Watch Week to the Spirit of Big Bang, the Big Bang Unico, (now just called the Big Bang), the collection has come a long way. So with this year being the 20th Anniversary of the Big Bang, Hublot has decided to give it a birthday present by introducing a new Big Bang Original Collection, now complete with the HUB1280 Flyback Chronograph movement. I for one am a little excited!

Having been to the Hublot Manufacture a few times in Nyon, and talking to former CEO, and now Honorary President, Ricardo Guadalupe at last year’s Watches & Wonders, I’ve seen and experienced first-hand how innovative the brand is when it comes to their materials, but also, how they manufacture and assemble their in-house movements, like the 5-day tourbillon skeleton, Meca-10, and of course, the HUB1280 (Unico) movement. So it is great to see that this flyback chronograph movement is making its way to the Big Bang Original.

As part of this 20th Anniversary collection, there are five models. The first is a titanium and ceramic model that echoes the current steel and ceramic. Complimenting this piece are two models in Magic Gold and King Gold, and then two all-ceramic cased pieces in both brushed and polished black ceramic and polished red ceramic.

The new Big Bang Original collection is a true tribute to the original Big Bang in design and style, and while not a major departure from the current lineup in terms of the design, there are some welcome subtle changes. The 44mm size has been slimmed slightly to 43mm and a case thickness of 13.2mm, down from 14.6mm. Yes, I release there are 41mm models as well, but the majority of the collection was 44mm in the chronographs, in addition to the 38mm three-hand models. In addition to this, the case design has been refined with slightly curved pinched lugs to aid in the comfort of the watch on the wrist.

If you see the old vs new side by side above, then you will get more of an appreciation of the small, but meaningful changes. As mentioned, the lugs have been re-designed to pinch in more, and are less brutalist in design with greater emphasis on the curvature and now with chamfered edges to add that little more refinement. They also include Hublot’s One-Click strap change system, so you can swap the now more ergonomic and tapered strap out effortlessly.

Hublot has also taken the carbon checker-board pattern on the dial and made this more pronounced, and to help with the aesthetics of the dial, removed the hours counter, instead opting for just the small seconds at 9 o’clock and chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock, which is mostly due to this being the HUB1280 movement inside.

And of course, gone is the HUB4100, which was based on the ETA7753 – so all those who like to say Hublot use ETA movements, this is another collection that has thrown this out in favour of their in-house. For those who have read my articles, especially my education series on Hublot’s manufacture and movements, then you’ll know that the HUB1280 flyback chronograph is very good. It has a buttery smooth start/stop function and the flyback chronograph when reset operates seamlessly.

Now, Hublot wouldn’t be Hublot without releasing a ceramic model or two. After all, they do ceramic extremely well and when it comes to colours, no one else can compete. As part of this collection are two ceramic pieces – one in brushed and polished black ceramic – the All Black, the other in their classic polished Red Magic Ceramic. Each is effectively monochromatic with all back or red cases, straps, bezels and even the hands and indices. The red however blends the red case, bezel and strap with black accents on the dial, mid-case, crown and pushers. This gives this watch a very sporty look, reminiscent of a race car.

Each model is part of a limited series. The titanium model and black ceramic model are both limited to 500 pieces each, whereas the Magic Gold and Red Ceramic are limited to 100 pieces each. The King Gold has a run of just 250 pieces worldwide.

Initial Thoughts

I’ve said it before, over my many years of loving watches, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Hublot, but I’ll be the first to admit that I fell into the trap of listening to too many online “experts” who were anything but. In my 20s, and early 30s I wanted a Hublot Big Bang in King Gold and black ceramic bezel so much. But, alas, my bank account had other ideas. Now, doing what I do, and having explored more about Hublot, the innovation, R&D on its materials and just pure exposure to those on the inside, I can honestly say I’ve come full circle again. And I love that as I’m being true to myself and what I like, not what others think I should like.

The Hublot Big Bang Original re-launch is fitting for its 20th Birthday. And what better way to celebrate than with upgraded movements, and some great material and colour variants?! Yes, this initial collection is limited, but this also suggests that over the course of the next 12-18 months, this collection will grow in various forms and become a core collection again for Hublot. I’ve said it more than once, but Hublot is a brand that you add to your collection, not the first watch you buy. If it is the first piece in your collection, then Kudos to you! But if you’re like the rest of us and are over the same old and want something a little different and fun, then the Hublot Big Bang may just tick some of the boxes and show that you’re not one to run with the pack…

References & Specifications

Australian Retail Pricing: A$31,000

Australian Retail Pricing: A$57,200

Australian Retail Pricing: A$60,500

Australian Retail Pricing: $37,600

Australian Retail Pricing: A$47,400