[89 points] Hublot / Big Bang Original Titanium Ceramic

With its new "Big Bang Original," Hublot has evolved the original "Big Bang Original," an iconic collection of the same name, into a modern timepiece. The regular model features the original model's signature checkerboard dial combined with Hublot's in-house developed and manufactured "Unico" movement. The subtle design improvements are also noteworthy.

"The Big Bang Original" moves on to the next stage.

The "Big Bang" is undoubtedly one of the biggest icons in the watchmaking world since the 21st century, and it has become a model worthy of the name Big Bang, which means "the birth of the universe." This is because when Jean-Claude Biver ushered in a new era for Hublot with this model in 2005, it had a truly Big Bang-like impact on the watchmaking world.

　Looking back, for many, this watch is recognized as an iconic design of the 2000s. Its porthole-like appearance ("Hublot" means porthole in French), the protective rings on the sides known as "ears," and the six screws on the bezel formed the framework of the Big Bang's look. On the other hand, what ultimately determined its success was its versatility.

　The case, composed of over 50 parts, is built around a titanium container housing the movement, allowing for the combination of various materials and colors within the Big Bang format. The "Art of Fusion" philosophy behind this concept originates from the early watches created in the 1980s under the brand's founder, Carlo Crocco. Biver derived this philosophy from the then-unusual combination of a gold case and a rubber strap.

　However, no matter how successful a design may be, over time, some adjustments will inevitably be necessary. In 2010, Hublot announced its in-house developed and manufactured movement. By 13, it was in mass production and being incorporated into actual models. That movement is the Caliber HUB1242, or Unico. And the model equipped with this movement is the "Big Bang Unico."

　This model differed from previous Big Bang models in several ways. For example, it featured round push buttons, a slightly thicker case, and a push button with a "one-click" system integrated into the central lug. This was a quick-release mechanism that allowed for easy strap changes. From then on, if you wanted a Hublot chronograph with an in-house developed and manufactured movement, you had to choose the Unico. This was because the conventional Big Bang chronograph models remained in production for the time being, equipped with mass-produced movements.

Direct predecessor

　The vision for the entire Big Bang Original collection, a commemorative model for 2025, was already evident when Hublot celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang in 2025. Among the models released to commemorate this 20th anniversary was the Big Bang 20th Anniversary. This collection basically reproduces the design of the original Big Bang, and like the Big Bang Unico released around the same time, it is equipped with the second-generation Unico movement, Caliber HUB1280, and is a modernized wristwatch with a case diameter of 43mm.

　However, this collection consisted of commemorative models, all produced in limited quantities. Nevertheless, in terms of basic design and internal structure, there are similarities to the new Big Bang Original announced by Hublot in January 2026. This model was likely intended to replace the existing Big Bang Original models.

　At first glance, the Big Bang 20th Anniversary and the new Big Bang Original titanium and King Gold models seem almost identical. However, upon closer inspection, one difference is that the chronograph seconds hand and markers on the 20th anniversary model are colored red, whereas the new models do not. Another difference is that the rotor, which was made of 22K King Gold on the anniversary model, has been changed to black. The crown of the anniversary model is also engraved with "20 YEARS." Aside from these differences, the 43mm case size and the movement used are basically the same for both models.

A successful fusion of the original and Unico.

　For this test, we chose the "Big Bang Original Titanium Ceramic" from this new collection. Indeed, there are many design elements reminiscent of the original Big Bang, such as the checkerboard dial without any cutouts. However, there are also some Big Bang Unico-like design elements. One example is the design of the central part of the lugs. It features trapezoidal push buttons with H-shaped titanium screws on either side.

　Furthermore, like the Big Bang Unico, the case is more substantial than the original Big Bang Original, yet it has a sporty feel. The reason for this becomes clear when you take a closer look at this new watch. First, the lugs of the new Big Bang Original are shorter and have a steeper angle than the original Big Bang Original, making the overall design more compact and thus appearing more powerful.

　Furthermore, both models feature a design where a plate is placed on top of a lug that bends in a straight line. In the original Big Bang, the folds of the lug and the plate are aligned, but in the new models, the fold of the plate is slightly shifted outwards, which is another distinguishing feature.

　While this model shares many elements with the Big Bang Unico, it also has distinct differences. One such difference is the push buttons. The Big Bang Unico features round push buttons, while this new Big Bang Original uses elongated, angular ones. Needless to say, the Big Bang Unico has an openworked dial, whereas this new model has a closed dial.

　Furthermore, the 43mm diameter of this new model is a first for the 20th-anniversary model, and the fact that it differs from both the Big Bang Unico and the original Big Bang Original is an unexpected and noteworthy feature.

　One of the defining features of the Big Bang Unico is its openworked dial, which allows a glimpse of the movement inside. However, with the new Big Bang Original, the movement can only be viewed from the case back, as the dial is closed. Nevertheless, a major highlight is the checkerboard pattern on the dial, just like the original Big Bang Original. This pattern mimics the structure of carbon fiber, combining different surface finishes, and features a pattern whose contrast changes depending on how the light hits it. The grid pattern on the sides of the bezel, the top of the push buttons, and the rubber strap is also likely a result of matching the dial. The sides of the bezel appear easier to grip due to this pattern, but since they do not rotate, it is purely for aesthetic purposes.

　The Big Bang Original Titanium Ceramic tested here features a ceramic bezel with a brushed finish on its top surface. While models with titanium cases and bezels are also available, the ceramic bezel gave a more refined impression. This is because the bezel can appear very dark depending on the lighting, or it can change color to closely match the titanium case.

The "Big Bang Original" features an in-house developed and manufactured movement.

　In 13, Hublot equipped the Big Bang Unico with an in-house developed and manufactured chronograph movement, also named Unico. However, for a long time, the Big Bang Original continued to use movements based on general-purpose movements, such as the Caliber HUB4100. But that trend has finally changed. The in-house developed and manufactured chronograph movement, Caliber HUB1280, was first adopted for the 20th anniversary model in 25, and has now been incorporated into the new regular Big Bang Original model.

　This movement is the second generation of Hublot's proprietary Unico movement. Like the first generation Caliber HUB1242, it employs a multi-layer structure with automatic winding, flyback function, and column wheel. However, the Caliber HUB1280 is significantly thinner than its predecessor. The movement's thickness has been reduced from 8.05mm to 6.75mm.

　To achieve this slim design, Hublot omitted several components from the Caliber HUB1242 and also changed the bidirectional automatic winding mechanism. For example, while the original movement used a ratchet mechanism with two pawls, the Caliber HUB1280 employs a reduction gear mechanism with two reversers. Although this method occupies a larger area, it allows for a thinner structure. In addition, several improvements have been made to the details of this movement, some of which have been patented. These include a clutch mechanism with reduced play to prevent the chronograph seconds hand from jumping when the chronograph is activated, and an improved regulator with an eccentric screw.

　The movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, features a modern, monochrome design with almost no brass-colored components, giving it a technical and sporty impression, just like the watch itself. The brand's H-shaped logo can be seen in various places on the movement. First, it is prominently displayed in the center of the tungsten carbide skeletonized rotor. It is also printed in a slightly smaller size on the bridges, and if you look very closely, you can even see it shaped on the regulator.

Good accuracy results

　Timegrapher measurements showed that the test unit performed well both with the chronograph stopped and running. The only drawback was that the maximum difference in measurements across six positions was somewhat large, particularly when the chronograph was running. The average daily variation was very small. However, it was observed to be slightly larger when worn on the wrist.

　The new Big Bang Original is very comfortable to wear. Thanks to the titanium case and rubber strap, it's lightweight, weighing exactly 100g when I actually measured it. The crown and push buttons are easy to operate, and the upper push button in particular is very soft to press.

　The single folding buckle is not constricting and prevents the case from slipping sideways. The strap has 14 adjustment holes, allowing it to fit almost any wrist. The balance wheel's amplitude and beat error are excellent, indicating that this movement is highly reliable and optimized down to the smallest detail.

　The quick-release mechanism allows the strap to be easily removed from the case without tools, and another strap can be attached just as quickly. This system was not present in the original Big Bang, but it was included in the Big Bang Unico from the start. It's so easy that you can remove the strap from the case with just a light press of your fingertip. This system, called "One Click," makes perfect sense for Hublot, as the brand's watches can offer completely different looks simply by changing the color of the strap.

Conclusion

　The arrival of the new Big Bang Original marks a steady advancement for the Big Bang Original collection, which had maintained a design aesthetic that was, for better or worse, distinctly 2000s. While the design of this new model is based on the Big Bang Unico, it also exhibits unique features such as square push buttons and a closed dial. This closed dial suggests that it could be a new starting point for the Big Bang Original to further develop and showcase its strengths in the future.

Specifications of the Hublot "Big Bang Original Titanium Ceramic"

Plus points, minus points

+point
• Sporty design
・Long power reserve
-Good accuracy
• One-click system for easy strap replacement

-point
- Significant variation in accuracy due to differences in posture.

Technical specifications

*Prices are current at the time of publication. This article is a translation of the German version of Kronos.

Accuracy stability test

Evaluation