Hublot Unveil Big Bang 20th Anniversary Collection in Multiple High Tech Materials

While Hublot was founded in 1980, we often think of them being a major player in 2000s horology. Probably because that was when they launched the seminal collection that has come to define the brand, the Big Bang. With its bold, industrial vibe, dramatic proportions and propensity for vivid colours and eye-catching designs the Big Bang is one of the most recognisable watches out there. Thanks in no small part to its huge presence in football and celebrity culture. While that fact in turn means that it’s not universally beloved in watch enthusiast circles, it’s still a watch worth celebrating. Especially on the occasion of Hublot launching the Big Bang 20^th Anniversary collection.

There are five watches in the Big Bang 20^th Anniversary collection, each with their own interpretation of the same design. That design itself is a fusion between the original Big Bang model from 2005 and the latest generation of Big Bang Unico models. In classic Big Bang fashion they are large watches measuring 43mm x 13.2mm with a layered structure based on the original model. Similarly, they have the ‘pinched’ lugs also from the original, meaning they have a concave curve to the outer edge rather than convex like the modern Unico.

Where the cases of the five models differ are the materials they’re produced in. There’s the Big Bang 20^th Anniversary Titanium Ceramic edition, which has a dark grey titanium case and a black ceramic bezel. Then there’s the All Black version that’s black ceramic throughout. Sticking with full ceramic designs there’s Red Magic, which has a red ceramic case and bezel paired with black ceramic accents. Lastly there are two golden editions, King Gold Ceramic and Full Magic Gold.

Some of those differences in colour are also found across the accents on the dials, such as the hands, hour markers and subdial indicators. The layout is based on the traditional Big Bang bicompax, big eye chronograph layout but some of the details, such as the use of lume on the hour markers, is taken from the more recent Unico design. All five watches also share the same base dial featuring a carbon fibre style pattern.

So far the Hublot Big Bang 20^th Anniversary Collection has been primarily based on the original model with only a hint of the Unico to be found on the dial, but that all changes when you go inside the watch. The movement powering the piece is MHUB1280.20YEARS: UNICO, a Unico chronograph calibre with a commemorative 20^th anniversary rotor. With a 72-hour power reserve, it’s a solid chrono movement equipped with hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph seconds, 60-minute timer and date function.

In terms of availability, all five versions are limited editions with different numbers available depending on the version. The Titanium Ceramic and All Black are limited to 500 each, the King Gold Ceramic is 250 and the Magic Full Gold and Red Magic are limited to just 100. The prices vary significantly as well, so rather than write them all out here, find them below in the tech spec. The Hublot Big Bang 20^th Anniversary Collection feels like classic Hublot through and through, which is what you want from a celebration of a model’s 20 year history.

More details at Hublot.

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