Hublot

Introducing a rubber strap to luxury watchmaking in the 1980s was a bold move by Hublot, one that earned the brand early recognition and set it apart in the industry. However, after its initial impact, the brand gradually slipped into obscurity, with new releases arriving sporadically. That changed dramatically in 2004, when Jean-Claude Biver joined as CEO after meeting founder Carlo Crocco. Just one year later, at Baselworld 2005, Hublot unveiled the Big Bang, a watch that would redefine the brand’s identity and its trajectory.

The Big Bang was a radical reinterpretation of the original Hublot design, amplifying its core DNA into an adrenaline-charged stat.mes nt piece. It embodied the cutting-edge spirit of the mid-2000s, combining innovative materials, bold aesthetics, and uncompromising presence. It wasn’t long before Hublot developed its first in-house movement, the Unico Caliber 1242, a sophisticated flyback chronograph with a modular escapement, laying the groundwork for future complications.

Remarkably, the Big Bang has existed for less than half of Hublot’s history, yet it has become the brand’s cornerstone, synonymous with modern luxury, avant-garde design, and technical ambition. Two decades on, it stands as a symbol of Hublot’s dominant presence in the watch industry and its lasting influence on contemporary watch culture.

The present example is strikingly rendered in a matte grey case crafted from a combination of lightweight titanium and durable tantalum, complemented by a sporty rubber strap, true to Hublot’s original vision of fusing tradition with innovation.