The hallmark of strong personalities is undoubtedly that they leave no one indifferent. The Big Bang is the kind of watch whose assertive character propelled Hublot to the forefront of the watchmaking scene with an irresistible blast of power. In 2005, Jean-Claude Biver launched the creation of a watch that broke with traditional codes. The Big Bang chronograph reinterpreted the porthole shape of the 1980 watch introduced by Carlo Crocco and adopted the fundamental Fusion concept of combining original materials – such as gold and ceramic, rose gold and Kevlar, steel and rubber – to create a powerful, sporty aesthetic.
An Assertive Design
With its 44.5mm case, the 2005 Big Bang chronograph was distinguished by its multi-layer construction and strong details. The first versions in steel or rose gold featured Kevlar side inserts and a case middle with distinctive 'ears', a dynamic look reinforced by the rubber-protected pushpieces and crown. The carbon dial was framed by a ceramic bezel secured by six H-shaped screws. For the movement, Hublot collaborated with La Joux-Perret to customize Caliber HUB44 with its black PVD-coated honeycombed tungsten carbide oscillating weight.
As soon as it was launched, the Big Bang was awarded the Design Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. Its immediate commercial success encouraged Hublot to explore countless combinations of materials: carbon and gold, denim, silk, sapphire... The combinations seemed endless, especially as the brand was already an industry leader in materials engineering. In 2006, Hublot once again broke new ground with the Big Bang 'All Black', introducing a monochrome aesthetic that has become a signature. Two years later, a ladies' version affirmed the collection's versatility.
Technical Sophistication
2013 marked a key milestone with the integration of the UNICO chronograph caliber, designed and manufactured by Hublot. Its double-clutch column-wheel visible from the dial endows the Big Bang with a unique technical identity. The model was further enriched with an innovative 'One Click' strap-change system. Since then, the Big Bang has continually reinvented itself through pioneering materials – including colored ceramic and sapphire, King Gold, Magic Gold, carbon fiber and texalium –, prestigious collaborations with Ferrari and FIFA, as well as co-creations with artists such as tattoo artist Sang Bleu.
An indisputable icon, the Big Bang is celebrating its 20th anniversary in grand style this year. Launched in January during LVMH Watch Week, the Big Bang MECA-10 in carbon, titanium or 'frosted' carbon – in a slimmer 42mm diameter – along with the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green Saxem kicked off the festivities. Brimming with boldness and innovation, they fly high the colors of this emblematic collection.
"2013 marked a key milestone with the integration of the UNICO chronograph caliber, designed and manufactured by Hublot"
