Another Watches & Wonders, another raft of exciting new Hublot models. And the “Art of Fusion” outfit hasn’t disappointed, with its handsome, slim Big Bang Integrated Time Only 38mm the pick of the bunch. A range of new Unico-powered pieces also catch the eye as the Nyon-based watchmaker endeavours to highlight its manufacturing prowess. Completing the feast are a number of established models now available in fresh sizes, materials or colourways.
Hublot Big Bang Integrated Time Only 38mm
Four years ago, to mark the 15th anniversary of its Big Bang, Hublot introduced a new integrated three-link bracelet option for its flagship model, initially as part of a 42mm chronograph edition. The brand followed that up two years later with a slimmed down and simplified 40mm Big Bang Integrated Time Only. Both of these Integrated iterations boasted openwork dials.
At Watches & Wonders 2024, Hublot has scored a huge hit by unveiling the very first Big Bang Integrated under 40mm, and the first to be fitted with a solid, non-skeletonised dial.
The new Big Bang Integrated Time Only 38mm bears all the features of a Big Bang: Assertively styled brushed and polished case with lateral protrusions, bezel screwed down with six H-shaped screws, rubber crown grip, skeletonized hour and minute hands with lumed tips, plus seconds hand with counterweight in the form of Hublot’s logo. And, of course, there are stencil-like numerals for the even-numbered indexes.
But the new 38mm-diameter case and sunray-decorated solid dial combine to create a fine-looking, toned-down, eminently wearable luxury sports watch that Hublot hopes will attract a younger, more gender-balanced demographic. While its size might not be quite as slim as Carlo Crocco’s pioneering 36mm precious-metal-and-rubber Hublot watch from 1980, it is very much in the vein of that OG Hublot vibe.
Powering the time-only (well, actually time-and-date) indications is the new HUB1115 automatic calibre, a modified Sellita movement that, according to the brand, has been tweaked for this model. It features a new oscillating weight bearing, stronger barrel spring and revised finishes including an anthracite ruthenium treatment and satin-finished bridges.
The Big Bang Integrated Time Only 38mm is available in natural titanium or Hublot’s King Gold (which has a warmer shade compared to 5N red gold) paired with either a black or blue sunray dial. It’s also available with a black ceramic case and black dial or blue ceramic case with blue dial.
Unico Selling Point
Hublot can be a polarizing watchmaker, but dig a little into the brand and its collection and enthusiasts of all persuasions should be able to find something that appeals to them: Materials innovation? Of course. Artistic or sports-inspired collaboration? Definitely. Mechanical mastery? Without a doubt.
Indeed, for those that appreciate a fine manufacture movement, at Hublot you’ve got the MP-11 14-day power reserve calibre and MECA-10 10-day power reserve movement, not to mention the brand’s recent MP-10 Tourbillon. But perhaps nothing represents Hublot’s manufacturing prowess quite like the Unico does.
Launched nearly 15 years ago and upgraded in 2018, this automatic, flyback column-wheel chronograph and date calibre – Hublot’s first fully in-house movement – forms the cornerstone of many of its models. It’s easy to assemble thanks to its modular escapement featuring anchor and escape wheel in silicon. That energy-saving material, plus extra-long mainspring, gives rise to a generous 72-hour power reserve. What’s more, you also get a dial side view of the column wheel.
To remind seasoned watch collectors of its manufacture status as well as to wow newbies, Hublot has designed its Watches & Wonders 2024 booth to showcase the what, how and why of its Unico movement. And the brand has backed that up by unveiling some dazzling new Unico-powered timepieces in the process.
First up, a pair of starkly hued Big Bang Unicos with 42mm ceramic case, one in army green and the other in a totally new “safety” orange tone. Both finishes are superbly executed so they resemble smooth, gloss paint, all while contrasting with the anthracite treatment of the visible movement. And accompanying that fun pair is a new Big Bang Unico in an all-pink sapphire case.
Secondly, there are a couple of new Square Bang Unicos, Hublot’s quadrilateral watch inspired by the Big Bang. Its 42mm straight-sided case features a sandwich-like design, and here it’s composed of either black ceramic and Magic Gold – Hublot’s scratch-proof 18K precious-metal alloy – or full Magic Gold. Both models fittingly feature gilded dial accents.
Further Fresh Colours, Sizes & Materials
In other Hublot news, the LVMH-owned company has unleashed an eye-catching translucent water-blue sapphire edition of its Big Bang MP-11 having previously presented the MP-11 in gold, carbon and variously tinted ceramic and sapphire.
Equally, the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Retrograde – featuring double-axis tourbillon, dual bi-retrograde display, and four-day power reserve – is now available in carbon fibre. Meanwhile, the brand has brought the best out of the faceted case of its Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu by presenting it in transparent sapphire, in addition to unveiling diamond-set King Gold and white gold editions of it.
And you can now get Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang with a 42mm case in carbon with funky orange inclusions, while the petite-wristed can rejoice for the brand’s iconic Classic Fusion now comes in a 29mm quartz format. Finally, Hublot’s connected offering has also grown, with the launch of the sky-blue Big Bang E Gen 3 dedicated to this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament.
