Hublot Spirit of Big Bang

The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang made its debut in 2014. As its name suggests, this model is a close relative of the highly successful Big Bang. The main difference between the two collections is their shape: The Spirit of Big Bang has a barrel-shaped case, while the Big Bang's case is round. Despite this, Hublot still manages to imbue both models with the same unique essence, and upon further inspection, many familiar details emerge. One of the most obvious shared features is the H-shaped screws that connect the bezel to the case. The integrated lugs are another holdover from the original Big Bang.

The Swiss manufacturer produces both models in a wide variety of materials, including titanium, colorful ceramic, carbon fiber, and sapphire crystal, as well as the company's propriety gold alloys, King Gold and Magic Gold. King Gold is a type of rose gold mixed with platinum, resulting in a striking red hue. Magic Gold, on the other hand, is a combination of yellow gold and ceramic that results in a highly scratch-resistant material. Beyond that, Hublot also offers numerous models with diamonds.

The Spirit of Big Bang is available in several sizes. The 42 and 45-mm editions are geared mainly toward men, while the women's watches measure 39 mm across. Each case is slightly domed so that it sits comfortably on the wrist. Hublot exclusively equips these watches with mechanical calibers. For example, chronographs get their power from a modified El Primero movement. The Meca-10, in turn, boasts the in-house HUB1233 caliber with a 10-day power reserve. Top models feature a moon phase display or tourbillon.

The Spirit of Big Bang collection is home to a wide variety of timepieces. Prices begin around 14,500 USD for titanium women's watches with three hands. The most affordable men's Spirit of Big Bang watch is a titanium chronograph that costs roughly 18,500 USD. Most gold models demand about 36,500 USD. On the upper end of the price range, you'll find timepieces with diamonds, a sapphire case, or a tourbillon. These watches change hands for between 67,000 and 95,000 USD.

The Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph is the collection's oldest and most comprehensive series. However, despite their appealing designs, the true star of these watches sits within their cases: a modified, intricately skeletonized Zenith El Primero caliber. This movement made history as the world's first automatic chronograph movement. Thanks to its balance frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (vph), watches with this movement are exceptionally accurate. The Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph features a sapphire crystal dial and case back, enabling the wearer to watch the movement's gear train and arbors at work. The use of a Zenith caliber comes as no surprise since both companies belong to the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Hublot produced the Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph in titanium, ceramic, gold, and sapphire crystal. Each is available as a 42 or 45-mm timepiece. Black Magic models like the 45-mm ref. 601.CI.0173.RX are especially attention-grabbing. Hublot crafts the case out of microblasted black ceramic with a silky matte finish. A black rubber strap completes the sleek look. This particular watch sells for around 22,000 USD.

Models with polished sapphire crystal cases are among the most interesting and expensive Spirit of Big Bang watches. It's impossible to ignore timepieces like the ref. 641.JL.0190.RT with its transparent blue case and matching rubber strap. This exclusive chronograph requires an investment of about 94,500 USD.

If you're a fan of gold watches, Hublot has two proprietary alloys to choose from. First, there's King Gold, a rose gold with a more intense red hue. The other option is Magic Gold, a hardy mixture of yellow gold and ceramic. No matter which version you choose, be prepared to spend between 34,000 and 37,000 USD on a gold Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph. One of the Pavé editions with diamonds will set you back an additional 12,000 USD. Those with more colorful tastes should take a closer look at the ref. 641.OX.0110.LR.0999. A rainbow of gemstones encrusts its gold case, and it comes on an equally colorful leather strap. Prices for this model sit around 83,500 USD.

In spring 2020, Hublot announced the 45-mm Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10, the collection's first watch to feature a version of the in-house Meca-10 caliber. This skeletonized manual movement was previously used exclusively in the Big Bang collection. It has a 72-hour power reserve, a power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, and a small seconds at 9.

You can choose from three different Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10 models. Those in titanium or black ceramic change hands for about 22,000 USD. There's also the ref. 614.OX.1180.RX in King Gold, which costs around 36,500 USD.

If you prefer more complicated timepieces, you'll also find a few worthy options in the Spirit of Big Bang collection. Take the 42-mm Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase, for example. This model has a moon phase display at 6 o'clock and an oversized date at 2. A small seconds at 9 o'clock rounds out the dial. The sapphire crystal dial provides a view of the caliber 1770 at work. In addition to traditional clear crystal, Hublot also offers versions with the dial crystal dyed orange, purple, blue, or black.

Prices for a Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase range from 16,000 USD for a titanium model to 44,000 USD for a diamond-studded Pavé edition in King Gold.

The Spirit of Big Bang With a Tourbillon

Hublot puts their watchmaking prowess on full display with the Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon. This watch is a prime example of the company's famous "Fusion concept." It begins with the in-house HUB6020 caliber, which borders on futuristic despite its traditional tourbillon complication. This is thanks to its intricate skeletonization and off-center time display. Furthermore, the carbon fiber case and rubber strap enhance this timepiece's modern aesthetic.

Be sure to have some 82,000 USD on hand to purchase a Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon.

The Spirit of Big Bang 39 mm sets itself apart from its sister models in two major ways. The most obvious difference is its size; at 39 mm, it opens up the series to women. These watches are also the collection's only models to feature closed dials, resulting in a much more classic look. Furthermore, every timepiece comes set with precious stones, ranging from diamond-studded bezels to Full Pavé editions with their cases and bezels covered in glittering diamonds.

The Spirit of Big Bang 39 mm is available in your choice of titanium, King Gold, or ceramic. The ceramic editions come in three colors: black, sky blue, and pastel pink.

Titanium models like the ref. 665.NX.1170.RX.1204 are the most affordable at about 14,500 USD. The ref. 665.EN.891L.LR.1204 in light blue ceramic demands roughly 18,500 USD. Finally, Full Pavé editions demand around 73,500 USD.