Hublot, a watchmaking brand that is not associated with quietness, is still at the vanguard of the big watch trend. The brand itself reminded everyone in 2018 that 38mm used to be its standard back in the 1980s. Hublot will launch the Big Bang Integrated Time Only in 38mm for 2024. It could benefit from a catchy name like Supernova. The watch is, as advertised, a time-only proposition with three hands and the date, via a window at 3 o’clock. Hublot has a number of models in 38mm with diamonds, but the Hublot watch we have is purely a timepiece.
Now Hublot recognises that going ‘classical’ like this is sure to raise eyebrows, and perhaps ire too. The Big Bang has all the same features, only smaller. This includes – but is not limited to – the distinctive ‘ears,’ a bezel adorned with six H-shaped functional screws, large skeleton hour and minute hands, and even-numbered indices from 2 to 12 on the dial; for those who care, rubber remains in the picture, on the crown as well as in the form of a composite insert between the bezel and the case (it feels perfectly solid). We can see that all of these elements are necessary for a Big Bang. You can see how they look, but you’ll need to check out the dialed-down case for yourself. We think that a 38mm Big Bang, despite its name, is a great choice.
Going by Hublot’s own words and its chosen visuals for the Big Bang 38, the goal is to be more unisex than anything else, which is a thread that runs across all LVMH watchmaking brands. Fair enough, the entire watchmaking industry is also trying to find the perfect unisex messaging and product styling. Watches are unisex by nature, in terms of their functionality. Six new Big Bang 38 models have integrated bracelets and case made of the same material. There are brushed titanium models with black or a blue dial, as well King Gold versions. It is interesting to note that the dial is made out of soft ferromagnetic metal, which ensures optimal protection from magnetic fields. Most dials in watchmaking are brass.
Hublot praises the HUB1115’s improved technical and aesthetic characteristics, including its 48-hour extended power reserve. The power reserve is the best clue to the origins. According to the Internet, the calibre is a Sellita. There will no doubt be some disappointment at the fact that Unico calibres were not used.
Movement: Automatic HUB1115; 48-hour Power Reserve
Case: 38mm in King Gold, or any of five other materials. Water-resistant up to 100m
Strap: Bracelet Integrated
Price: SGD 66.200
This story was first seen on WOW’s Summer 2024 Issue.
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