Hublot applies its understated Essentials Taupe formula to the Spirit of Big Bang
Tom Austin- Hublot extends the Essentials collection, debuting a duo of Spirit of Big Bangs in both 32mm and 42mm.
- The larger chronograph model features a new taupe-coloured, carbon-stamped dial, while the smaller version showcases a clean, more neutral sunray taupe dial.
- Limited to 200 pieces each as an online exclusive, the Spirit of Bing Bang Essential Taupe starts at US$14,900 for the 32mm and US$24,800 for the 42mm.
For better or worse, Hublot has built a reputation for creating some of the boldest, most vibrant and recognisable watches on the market over recent decades. It’s fair to say that this approach causes strong reactions among enthusiasts; however, the brand has remained steadfast in carving out its own niche, and whether you like it or not, many watch brands would kill for the attention it gets for doing so. Hublot’s watches are unmistakable, and even when they strip away the striking pigments in favour of something more understated, like their Essentials series, they still manage to command attention, perhaps with even more intrigue than before. Now, the Spirit of Big Bang gets the Essentials treatment, continuing the series with a duo of taupe-coloured limited editions.
Spirit of Big Bang Essentials Taupe 32mm
The first of the pair comes in the form of the delightfully small 32mm model, still keeping that recognisable tonneau case shape, this time finished in a satin and polished stainless steel, shifting away from the overtly luxurious models we’ve seen previously, especially as this is the first 32mm we’ve seen without diamonds. But don’t be mistaken, this is still more of a statement piece with a sporty twist than a tool watch. At just 10.8mm thick, it’s a compact watch that packs a punch, with a technical, multi-piece construction and 100 metres of water resistance.
In keeping with the other 32mm Spirit of Big Bangs, the dial is almost minimalistic by Hublot’s standards, keeping things simple with three hands and a tiny date window at six. The dial’s surface is a taupe-coloured sunray finish that extends into the chapter ring, intersected by polished hour markers that appear to hover slightly above the dial, matched by skeletonised, polished hands. The effect is subtle yet functional, bringing everything you need together in a stylish and understated package that is legible and worthy of everyday wear.
Beneath the dial sits the Hublot HUB1120 automatic calibre, based on a Sellita SW1000-1. Also found in the Classic Fusion, it’s a solid, robust calibre that receives subtle decorative modifications, delivering a 40-hour power reserve while operating at 28,800 Vph. Finally, the watch arrives with two strap options: the first is a taupe-coloured rubber-and-Nytech fabric strap, while the other is a solid, taupe-coloured rubber strap, both of which fit the stainless steel deployant buckle and match the dial and overall look of the watch perfectly.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Essentials Taupe 32mm pricing and availability
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Essentials Taupe is now available exclusively from Hublot’s online boutique, limited to 200 pieces. Price: US$14,900/£11,700/€14,600
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Spirit of Big Bang Essentials Taupe 32mm |
| Reference | 682.SX.4610.NR.HEC26 |
| Case Dimensions | 32mm (D) x 10.8mm (T) |
| Case Material | Satin-finished and polished stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Taupe sunray |
| Strap | Rubber and Nytech, plus taupe rubber strap, stainless steel deployant buckle |
| Movement | HUB1120, Sellita SW1000 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Limited to 200 pieces |
| Price | US$14,900/£11,700/€14,600 |
Spirit of Big Bang Essential Taupe 42mm
If you prefer your Spirit of Big Bangs to be a little bigger, then the Essentials Taupe 42mm is the one to look for. The same familiar tonneau-shaped technical multi-piece case comes in at 42mm wide and 14.1mm thick, making this a much chunkier proposition, arguably more of an instantly recognisable, Hublot-esque watch. Thankfully, this larger model has been on a diet compared to the smaller steel version, and it’s crafted from titanium that has been satin-finished and polished in all the right places. This gives the watch a particularly lightweight feel, considering its size, and reminds you that this is still a Hublot; it’s technical and well thought out, while remaining outlandish and aggressive. Water resistance is still rated to 100 metres, but given there are large chronograph pushers on the side of the case, that’s perfectly adequate.
This Essentials series is meant to represent an understated, subtle play on Hublot’s classics; however, the dial, while it is in the stylistic taupe colour of the others, has been treated to a new finish not seen elsewhere in the collection. Hublot are calling it a carbon-stamped dial, which essentially means it’s a chequered pattern with alternating squares of fine blasting and vertical brushing. It’s an interesting look that adds a bit more dynamism to the dial, which, admittedly, would have been missing if they had just run with a plain sunburst like the smaller model. The dial is broken up by applied, polished, and lume-filled hour markers, alongside metallic rings that form the chronograph subdials. It’s surprisingly legible for a Hublot chronograph, but that’s not necessarily a strength, as legibility isn’t always high on the agenda with watches like this.
Powering the watch is the Hublot HUB4700 self-winding chronograph, which is based on the excellent Zenith El Primero 400 calibre. This means it’s a well-proven high-beat column-wheel chronograph that delivers a 50-hour power reserve and beats at 36,000 Vph, enabling 1/10-second accuracy. While essentially rooted in 1960s history, this version of the movement now features silicon components to ensure up-to-date performance and reliability. Lastly, the SBB Essential Taupe 42mm arrives on a taupe-coloured fabric strap with a velcro fastening, and a taupe rubber strap with a titanium deployant buckle.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Essential Taupe 42mm pricing and availability
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Essential Taupe 42mm is now available exclusively from Hublot’s online boutique, limited to 200 pieces. Price: US$24,800/£19,500/€24,300
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Spirit of Big Bang Essentials Taupe 42mm |
| Reference | 642.NX.4610.NR.HEC26 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 14.1mm (T) |
| Case Material | Satin-finished and polished titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Taupe carbon-stamped |
| Strap | Taupe fabric strap, plus taupe rubber strap, titanium deployant buckle |
| Movement | HUB4700, Zenith El Primero 400-based, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, high-beat chronograph |
| Availability | Limited to 200 pieces |
| Price | US$24,800/£19,500/€24,300 |