The Big Bang was born from Fusion. In 2005, the concept upended the horological scene with its mix of design codes and materials. It relied heavily on the use of rubber straps, which the brand had pioneered in the 1980's. For 15 years, the core watch of the 2000's Hublot lived without a bracelet. The brand had made a conclusive trial around 2012 with the Classic Fusion. But their bread and butter was kept waiting.
Yet the zeitgeist and popular demand are both in favor of the full metal watch, especially its integrated version, the hardest to design because its bracelet must naturally further the case design. The LVMH Watch Week sees the release of the Big Bang Integral, which makes Hublot part of that club where sport watches, unified in design by a single graphic principle, rule.
To that end, the Big Bang Integral relies on the current Big Bang Unico, with a series of touch ups. The horns' angle has been reshaped to a more pronounced angle, with a steeper, cleaner curve. So has the caseband, although the core principles of a sandwich construction and the ears at 9 o'clock have logically been retained. These 2 modifications are meant to accommodate the bracelet.
This is the heart of the work, the core issue, and it is harder than one imagines. It took over to years of work, which is as much as a whole watch. Its three links are rectangular, angular, clean, very Big Bang to tell the truth. The finishings are excellent. The curve is narrow. The polished-and-brushed surfaces play with the light. The Big Bang Integral's bracelet is therefore soft to touch, comfortable on all wrist sizes and lively. It gives out a feeling of muscle and virility, but without overdoing it, thanks in part to a case diameter limited to 42 mm.
Inside that case, Hublot has fitted their in-house chronograph movement. The Unico's production is ramping up every day. But unlike the Big Bang Unico line, which sports round chronograph pushers, Hublot has given the Big Bang Integral rectangular pushers with a knurled rubber insert. This is a throwback to both the original Big Bang, and to the central link's shape. The dial scraps the existing Arabic numerals and focuses on rectangular indices, which is also very logical.
The Big Bang Integral is available in three versions. The first, which will end up being the most popular, is entirely made of titanium. On the wrist, one is relieved to feel it so light. Titanium is to thank here.
The second version does not focus on lightness. Entirely made of King Gold, the brand's proprietary red gold alloy, it reaches a hefty 210 grams. But it could have been much more if Hublot hadn't used a composite insert inside the central links. The Classic Fusion King Gold's weight, 250 grams, is ample proof of that.
The Big Bang Integral line also includes an All Black model, shaped entirely out of black ceramics. Finally, a King Gold set with diamonds from head to toe makes up for a whole collection from the beginning. As per Hublot's habits, it will reach every potential fan, with a bang.
