Hublot Upgrades The Big Bang Original Collection To Unico Status
Hublot celebrated 20 years of the Big Bang last year with a limited-edition Big Bang 20th Anniversary edition. These LEs took their design language from the original models and paired it with Unico in-house calibers. It was only a matter of time before we would see this sensible pairing in a regular-production model, and here we are! These are the new Hublot Big Bang Original Unico references.
We get a total of four new versions, sharing all specifications except for their exterior materials. We get on in full titanium, another in titanium and ceramic, one in full ceramic, and a final one in King Gold and ceramic. Let’s have a closer look at what’s new!
The Unico caliber HUB1280
Earlier Hublot Big Bang Original models utilized a modified Valjoux-based chronograph movement. Today, we see the manufacture Unico HUB1280 make its way into the collection. This is a true in-house caliber from the Hublot Manufacture in Nyon. Some of the Fratello team have been there, and we can attest that the movement-making facility is properly impressive, on par with houses that receive far more appreciation for their horological prowess than Hublot.
The base Unico movement was the first in-house effort from the company, back in 2010. One characteristic feature is the column wheel on the front side. When paired with open-worked dials, it puts this part on full display, even with the watch on the wrist.
The current version (HUB1280) offers flyback functionality and an accuracy specified at -2/+4 seconds per day. On a full wind, the caliber runs for 72 hours. The movement also holds five patents — dual oscillating clutches, an anti-trembling system, a “zero friction” ratchet-wheel blocker, a fine balance-wheel-adjustment system, and a constant-pressure friction system for the minute counter.
The new Hublot Big Bang Original Unico
The new Hublot Big Bang Original Unico models lean on the styling of the original from 2005. This means you get the rectangular chronograph pushers, layered case, and rubber elements on the case and crown.
These new models sit between the old 41mm and 44mm sizes. They have a 43mm diameter, a 13.2mm thickness, and a 100m water resistance rating. The watches come with Hublot’s excellent one-click quick-release mechanism on the rubber strap. Uniquely, the button sits on the front side, and Hublot puts it to good use as a design element.
Just like last year’s anniversary models, these feature checkered dials. Hublot took inspiration from woven carbon fiber, and we see it on several models today. The dials also display alternating numerals and baton indexes, and the sub-dials cut through the adjacent numerals, which suits the industrial, technical aesthetic. Hublot provides a subtle date aperture at 4:30. Since these are solid dials, the aforementioned open view of the column wheel does not apply to these watches.
Four variants putting technical materials front and center
“Fusion” and “alchemy” are two terms heavily featured in Hublot’s marketing. Although the brand intends these terms to reach beyond the material, the material side of things still matters. Hublot prides itself on the technical innovation of materials, which is on full display here.
The first version (ref. 431.NX.1370.RX) has a mostly titanium exterior. This model costs €19,300. Alternatively, you can opt for ref. 431.NM.1370.RX, which takes the titanium bezel and replaces it with black ceramic. Dubbed Black Magic, this material debuted for Hublot in 2006. This reference costs €20,500.
If you want more of that Black Magic, you can opt for the full-black-ceramic model (ref. 431.CI.1370.RX ). This is my favorite of the bunch due to the super-cool matte-blasted ceramic with only its bevels polished. This version costs €21,600. Finally, you can opt for an 18K King Gold variant with a Black Magic ceramic bezel. This proprietary alloy features platinum and several additives to increase hardness and offer its unique reddish hue. This version (ref. 431.OM.1380.RX) costs €37,600.
Closing thoughts on the new Hublot Big Bang Original Unico
So, how should we view these new Hublot Big Bang Original Unico models? Hublot clearly positions them as foundational models. By upgrading to the Unico HUB1280 movement while retaining base aesthetic executions, true to the originals, these serve as the benchmark in the collection — the hero models on which we can expect future variations.
All major brands have their hero models. For a relatively young brand, Hublot has the luxury of already having two — the Classic Fusion and Big Bang. I think we should see today’s releases as an effort to further cement that position for the latter.
What do you think of the new Hublot Big Bang Original Unico watches? Let us know in the comments section below!
