HANDS-ON: The Hublot Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

It was only a matter of time before Hublot wound up in the smartwatch game, and somewhere in the onslaught of new product, Baselworld 2018 was the time and place for it to become a reality. The Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, or BBR2FWCR for short, follows on the heels of other LVMH Group Smart Watches (TAG Heuer and Louis Vuitton are already in the game), though Hublot tell a pretty interesting story about this piece’s creation when compared to its siblings. So, the story goes (or how the brand chooses to weave it) that during a meeting with the FIFA organisation, Hublot were asked if they could create some sort of smartwatch specifically for the referees. We’ll take that with a grain of salt, but if you’re going to make a FIFA smartwatch, the referee idea makes sense. The reality is the watch exists, and it’s time to see what it’s all about.

Vital statistics

It’s no surprise that the Intel Atom processor of the Big Bang Referee is the exact same as what is found in the current TAG Heuer Connected watch. Its 35.3mm dial provides ample space to read out functions and manipulate its touchscreen. All of this hardware is packed into a 49mm titanium case that sports a mixture of polished and satin finishing. Keeping things moving, a 410mAh battery is said to provide approximately a day of functionality, so much like your phone, you can expect to plug in your $5000+ Hublot at the end of each and every day. What’s most interesting is some of the software that the brand is developing directly with FIFA. For fans, different apps that provide live scoring from World Cup games, match start notifications, and other pertinent tournament data will be at the ready. For the referees themselves, Goal Line Technology — an automated goal-line monitoring system that tracks and alerts referees if a goal is scored — will be integrated into the watches being provided to the FIFA referees themselves.

On the wrist

At the end of the day, the Big Bang wears just like any of its siblings, though a touch on the larger side on account of a 4mm increase in diameter over its predecessor. It certainly feels bigger/more substantial on the wrist, but given the Big Bang’s inherent design, there was no real other way to provide the requisite screen size without upping dimensions across the board.

Who’s it for?

Hardcore FIFA/football fans around the globe will likely appreciate the novelty of this novelty, especially those with large enough wrists to pull off a 49mm Hublot.

Any surprises?

Not really, we all knew something like this was coming. It was just a matter of what special partnership Hublot would hang their hat on for the occasion.