More compact, thinner and “time only” – the Hublot Big Bang Integral in 40mm
Fergus NashThe Hublot Integral, as its name suggests, has been a core representation of the sports-watch brand for quite some time now. It’s seen its fair share of evolutions in regards to case materials and colours, but it has always been found with its high-tech skeletonised dial and UNICO flyback chronograph movement, with the exception of the Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire. However, for this year’s LVMH Watch Week they’ve decided to strip things back with the Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only.
Now, when I say “strip things back” of course Hublot are rarely going to be totally tame. This watch is hewn from 18K gold and titanium, in a particularly blazing shade of yellow that isn’t exactly shy. Perhaps the only thing keeping this watch humble is the sporty brushed finishing that covers the whole watch except for the high-polished chamfered edges. That said, the Integral case is one of Hublot’s less extreme options, with short lugs that allow it to fit most wrists and the integrated style of the bracelet harkening back to some classic ’70s designs. The “ears” of the case are blackened that also help reduce its visual diameter that is already sized modestly for a Hublot at 40mm across with a slender 9.25mm thickness.
The dial is where most of the change has happened on this watch, and it’s probably fair to say it actually has been toned down from the regular UNICO-based Big Bang Integral dials. With the subdials gone, the view of the movement is quite sparse and industrial, especially considering the lack of elaborate decoration. The movement is the Hublot calibre HUB1710, which has been used often in variations of the Spirit of Big Bang 39 as well as the Big Bang One Click range. It’s based upon the Zenith calibre Elite 670 and boasts a silicon-escape wheel, 27 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, and a 28,800 vph beat rate. One could argue that the name Big Bang Integral Time Only is actually a bit of a misnomer, given that there’s a date display at 6 o’clock.
The reverse of the watch is where the HUB1710 transforms from the high-tech machine that it is on the dial to a work of mechanical art through the sapphire display caseback, with some gorgeous swirled machining on the baseplate and the mainspring barrel. The automatic winding rotor is skeletonised for maximum viewing pleasure as you see the balance wheel doing its work. It’s the reverse where you can also find the stamps notating the case material.
Hublot are without doubt a marmite brand, although many people have switched over to the “love it” camp in the past few years due to the brand’s relentless innovation. This Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only is full of their specific DNA, which will surely be welcomed into their line-up with open arms.
Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only pricing and availability:
| Case Material | Titanium, Yellow Gold, Black Ceramic |
| Diameter | 40mm |
| Thickness | 9.25mm |
| Water-Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Openworked, Sapphire Crystal |
| Strap | Bracelet |
| Movement | MHUB1710 |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Price | $24,800 AUD (Titanium), $27,800 AUD (All Black, Limited Edition 250 pcs.), $68,800 AUD (Yellow Gold) |