Youth is a state of mind (the more time passes, the more I’m convinced of this). Big Bang proves this ad-age is true. This watch, more representative than any other of the Hublot spirit, shows its astounding energy. Colorful, innovative, distinctive.
Remember, in 2005, this model launched the young brand into another dimension, thanks to the visionary Jean-Claude Biver, CEO since 2004. It was then that he introduced the brand’s hallmark concept, the "Art of Fusion" – symbolized by this Big Bang, which was then dubbed the "enfant terrible." A statement watch, born to carry the DNA of a brand known for blending rubber and gold, two materials with seemingly contradictory perceived values. The gamble paid off (very) well, as that same year, the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix awarded the Big Bang the Design Prize.
The Expansion of the Big Bang
Another talent of the extraterrestrial Big Bang? Its ability to rarely leave anyone indifferent, with radical choices and unleashed creativity. Especially since Jean-Claude Biver ensured that its difference was visible, never shying away from the substantial budget allocated to communication and marketing. For example, in 2011, 18% of its turnover, or 14.5 million CHF, was allocated to this area.
Innovative, ultra-luxurious, disruptive, colorful… The Big Bang’s 20-year journey reflects the strides Hublot has made in two decades. A bold look, like the All Black version from 2006. But also, starting in 2008 with the brand’s acquisition by the LVMH group, a significant vertical integration over time. By 2009, Hublot had its own manufacturing facility, and in 2010, it presented its movement, the UNICO. This was followed by the Meca-10 caliber, with its skeleton architecture reminiscent of a Meccano construction set, and characterized by its generous 10-day power reserve.
The brand also integrated BNB, a high-end movement manufacturer. Matthias Buttet (co-founder alongside Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, both of whom are now at the head of Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps – also part of the LVMH group) still leads the research and development department. The brand owes him the creation of Magic Gold (2011 – in collaboration with EPFL), a nearly scratch-proof alloy of gold and ceramic, as well as, more recently, a ceramic made from different colors, all the way through its mass.
And that's not all in terms of infrastructure. After an additional building in 2015 – inaugurated with brand friends like football legend Pelé and model Bar Rafaeli – the manufacture continues to grow, transforming into a vast "campus" located on the heights of Nyon, not far from Geneva. Another construction is underway. On its 15,000 square meters, the brand plans to bring together watch production, movement and case assembly, to increase its capabilities.
A Colorful Anniversary
This year, Hublot has plenty to celebrate. At its helm, Julien Tornare, formerly of Zenith, succeeded Ricardo Guadalupe, who had been Jean-Claude Biver’s right-hand man and then CEO. The Big Bang, so representative of the "Art of Fusion," honors its color grammar, material exploration, and mechanical interpretations of traditional complications.
On one hand, the brand revisits the highlights of its history with five limited-edition Big Bangs showcasing the key materials of the manufacture: Titanium Ceramic, King Gold Ceramic, Red Ceramic, All Black, and Magic Gold.
The "Master of Sapphire" case takes the spectacular sapphire route, first introduced by Hublot in 2016. The MECA-10 skeleton movement makes its first appearance in these entirely transparent Big Bang models. The set consists of five watches: Transparent Sapphire, Water Blue Sapphire, Deep Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, and SAXEM Yellow Neon.
Hublot’s anniversary collection doesn’t stop there, with the "Materials & High Complications" box: innovative materials, high-complication movements, here is the horological quintessence of Big Bang, for one million Swiss francs. Inside, five treasures: the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Sapphire, the Big Bang Tourbillon Chronograph in Water Blue Sapphire, the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic in Red Ceramic (a successful chromatic challenge by the brand in 2018), the Big Bang Tourbillon Chronograph Cathedral Minute Repeater in frosted black carbon fiber, and the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater in Dark Blue Texalium.
The rainbow continues to unfold, with versions in petrol and mint for ceramic (Big Bang Unico in 42mm and Big Bang One Click in 33mm), and Big Bang One Click Joyful in 33mm in blue, red, pink, and green composites, not to mention some dreamy pastel touches...
Two decades on, the Big Bang hasn’t mellowed. The watch evolves in line with creativity, technicality, and continues to explode onto the scene… in colors, please!
