Hublot reveals new Big Bang Integrated models with first-ever solid dials and 38mm size
Zach BlassThe Big Bang is the signature range of Hublot’s modern collection, and in 2022, an evolution of the model, the the Big Bang Integrated Time Only, made its debut. It offered a more compact take, outfitted on a bracelet, which exchanged the chronograph complication for just a time and date to achieve this smaller size. The watches all had exposed dials where the front of the calibre could be seen. For my personal tastes, from the outset, I had wished there were models with solid dials – perhaps less Unico-esque and more Classic Fusion. I have said as much to the brand for a few years, but this past LVMH Watch Week, when I mentioned this feedback once again, the response I received was a sly smirk and wink. Now I know why, because debuting at Watches & Wonders we have not only our first-ever Big Bang Integrated Time Onlys with solid dials, but also a new 38mm size.
The cases
At 38mm in diameter and 9.4mm thick, this new entry is 2mm smaller than its 40mm predecessor, but shares the same thickness and water resistance at 100 metres. With this debut, there are four case and bracelet configurations to explore: one model in titanium, one model in full King Gold, and two in full ceramic – one black and one blue. All of these configurations, like its 40mm predecessor, have a largely satin-brushed finish with the edges of the bezel and lugs mirror-polished. They also continue the usage of the porthole-inspired case bumpers, with the colour of these bumpers dictated by the colour of the dial.
The dials
There are technically six configurations to choose from, and this is because both the titanium and King Gold models are available with either a polished black dial or a blue sunburst dial. For the ceramic models, each is only available with a dial that colour-matches its case – the black ceramic model paired with a polished black dial and the blue ceramic model a blue sunburst dial. Regardless of the colour, all of the dials utilise an alternation of applied Unico-style numerals and faceted indices. For the titanium and ceramic versions, the numerals and indices are executed with white metal borders and for the King Gold versions the borders of the numerals and indices are instead colour-matched to the case. They also all have a three o’clock-positioned date window executed with a white-on-black disc that perfectly blends into the black dials and well enough into the blue dials. Matching the tone of the dial, a sloped inner bezel houses the outer minutes scale. And, as far as legibility goes, all of the numerals and indices, as well as the central hours and minutes hands, are filled with SuperLuminova.
The bracelets
Like the case, the integrated bracelet displays an eye-pleasing contrast of largely brushed surfaces that are accentuated with polished edges. With the gold bar shape of the links, whether the wider centre piece or the flanking narrower pieces, the broad sloped and polished surfaces add a ton of dimension and depth to the look. With the brushed top facets contrasting the aforementioned polishing, the bracelet really gives off a glint when articulating in the light. All of the bracelets are secured to the wrist via their butterfly folding clasps – made of titanium for the titanium and ceramic models, and King Gold for the extra-hard gold alloy models.
The movement
Okay, so here is where things may take a turn for some – a very niche and subjective potential point of contention. Whereas the 40mm Integrated Time Only utilises the HUB1710 that is based on the Zenith Elite 670 movement, these new 38mm models utilise a new calibre dubbed the HUB1115. This new calibre, while Sellita-based, is heavily modified by Hublot. These modifications include a stronger mainspring that allows the power reserve to extend to 48 hours, a new winding rotor bearing, and a revamp of the decoration of the movement that now includes a pleasant satin finish on the bridges and an anthracite ruthenium coating for a more future-forward aesthetic.
The verdict
Before watch snobs raise their pitchforks, consider the following. These 38mm versions in titanium and ceramic offer just two hours of power reserve less compared to their Zenith-powered counterparts at US$5,500 less. The 38mm King Gold models are US$4,400 less than the 40mm counterparts, too. Hublot is being more than fair here with a price of US$13,100 in titanium and US$15,300 in ceramic that is, in my opinion, a very solid luxury daily offering to consider. And for those who want to ball out, the King Gold models are priced at US$47,100. My only wish here is that this collection continues to expand and introduce colourways like Sky Blue as we recently saw for the 40mm Integrated – and I hope these solid dials make their way into the 40mm range as well. But, I would like to see a dial with strictly indices rather than alternating with Arabic numerals down the line.
Hublot Big Bang Integrated 38mm collection pricing and availability
The Hublot Big Bang Integrated 38mm collection is available now for purchase. Price: US$13,100 (Titanium), US$15,300 (Ceramic), US$47,100 (King Gold)
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Big Bang Integrated Time Only 38mm |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 9.4mm (T) |
| Case Material | Titanium, blue or black ceramic, King Gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Polished black or sunburst blue |
| Bracelet | Case-matching integrated bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | HUB1115, Sellita-based, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | TBC |
| Price | US$13,100 (Titanium) US$15,300 (Ceramic) US$47,100 (King Gold) |