Introducing the Hublot Big Bang Reloaded
Last year, Hublot celebrated the Big Bang, an iconic watch that isn’t short on iterations. Over the past two decades, Hublot has pushed it in just about every direction: materials, complications, colors. If you can name it, I can almost guarantee that they have tried it. With the new Big Bang Reloaded, this is a piece that is more about refining what’s already there rather than rocking the boat like they might have done in the past. This is still the openworked Big Bang Unico, but it has been rebuilt to better showcase the movement and how it becomes a key part in what the watch looks like. Let’s get stuck in and see what this is all about!
The Basics
Case: 44mm, Titanium, Ceramic.
Crystal: Sapphire.
Movement: Automatic, HUB1280 UNICO, Flyback Chronograph.
Water Resistance: 100 Meters.
Strap Options: Black rubber and fabric strap; additional black structured rubber strap.
Price: $25,200
Availability: Available through Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers.
The Juice
Previous Big Bang collections have been about the material, the dial, or some other visual effect. The impressive Unico movement has often been sidelined or even forgotten, but that is unlikely to happen given that it is the whole raison d’etre of this collection. The dial has been reworked to expose more of the architecture, and more importantly, to make it readable. I have said it so many times, but I will say it again for you: if you can’t read a skeletonized chronograph, then what is the point. On the dial side, you get a fabulous view into the movement. Key elements like the column wheel the dual oscillating clutch system, the reworked chronograph counter are all readily accessible to the technical gaze of the wearer.
The HUB1280 is an integrated flyback chronograph with a 72-hour power reserve, and incorporates several patented features, including a constant-pressure friction system for the minute counter and a “zero friction” ratchet wheel blocker. In laymans terms that translates to smoother chronograph operation and better long-term reliability, which I think is a massively underrated concept in watches of this pricepoint.
The case design has also been adjusted. Still 44mm, still unmistakably Big Bang, but the architecture has been sharpened. The two-part bezel introduces more contrast between materials, and the layering of the case feels more defined. Essentially, this is Hublot reminding us that they don’t just do movements… Material choice plays a big role across the collection. The titanium and ceramic model keeps things relatively understated, while other versions push the boat out a little further. They are more like the crazy Ceramic pieces we have come to expect from Hublot. The monochrome black ceramic variant leans into Hublot’s “invisible visibility” concept, relying on texture rather than color to show off the different parts of the watch. The blue and dark green ceramic models showcase Hublot’s unique ability to produce consistent, high-saturation ceramic cases that no one else can.
Another detail that’s easy to overlook is the strap system. Each watch comes with two options: a fabric-textured rubber strap and a more traditional rubber strap. Both use Hublot’s One Click system, so swapping between them takes seconds. I cannot stress how much of a different this can make in the daily life of a watch like this, it may seem almost insignificant but it just makes the wearing experience that much better
One final note is that Hublot ambassadors Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, and Kylian Mbappé, France International and Real Madrid soccer player, both have their own limited edtion variants of the Big Bang Reloaded, which are definitely worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
The Big Bang Reloaded is a pivot from what has been a materials dominated watch to one that appreciates its core functionality. It also serves us a powerful reminder that Hublot are more than just a manufacture who are great at producing crazy materials. The breadth of this new collection, as well as the ambassador’s limited editions, definitely make this an extremely compelling option for Hublot fans and newcomers to the brand.
Find out more about this new collection right here.
