Hands-on review of the Hublot Big Bang Integral Ceramic. The price of the Hublot Big Bang Integral Grey ref. 451.FX.6923.FX is Euro 22,700
Hublot is a recognized innovator in the use of materials. The Swiss brand was the first to use rubber in watchmaking but it was also on the front line in the use of composites, ceramic and sapphire, and often with unique and unprecedented colours.
So it is no surprise that, after introducing its renowned Big Bang model in a version with integrated bracelet in Titanium and King gold, Hublot also presented a full ceramic version of this sporty chronograph.
The result is the Big Bang Integral Ceramic, a model that is currently available in four colour variations: black, white, blue and grey. We had the possibility to test and wear the Grey version for several days and we are now delighted to share our report and pictures.
The Hublot Big Bang Integral Grey Ceramic offers an amazing presence on the wrist while favorably impressing for the quality and finishes of the material it is crafted from.
The Integral in the name refers to the fact that this model has a monobloc architecture with an integrated bracelet on which the first link is fused with the case.
Hublot uses a high-tech ceramic that is two/three times harder than steel but 30% lighter. Just as it is very difficult to machine, high-tech ceramic is also very resistant to scratches offering exceptional durability. Thanks to its softness and its low thermal conductivity, case and bracelet of the Big Bang Integral Grey Ceramic are very pleasant to the touch, making the watch very comfortable on the wrist.
The watch is entirely made from ceramic except for the bezel lugs in grey composite, the rubber inserts used for crown and pushers and some elements crafted from titanium: the 6 H-shaped bezel screws, the chronograph pushers and the folding clasp.
Offering water resistance up to a pressure of 10 ATM (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet), the case measures 42 mm x 13.45 mm, a size that looks ideal for the type of watch for most wrists (the one in our pictures is 18cm/7in).
The sporty lines are highlighted by the meticulous finishes used for both the case and the bracelet, with alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces.
In terms of design, the Big Bang Integral Ceramic differs from the other Big Bang 42 mm models for the push-pieces with guards returning to the rectangular shape of the original 2006 model and for the dial indices replacing the Arabic numerals.
Protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, the openworked dial is an invitation to discovery showcasing gears, the chronograph column wheel and the date disc. The chronograph 60-minute transparent counter at 3 o'clock is visually balanced by the skeletonised sub-dial displaying the running seconds at 9 o'clock.
Readability is excellent, even in poor light conditions, thanks to the large hands and indices generously filled with Super-LumiNova.
The polished and satin-brushed three-link bracelet is secured to the wrist by a titanium double folding clasp. Just look at how it shines in this short Instagram clip from our channel.
The Big Bang Integral Ceramic is driven by the Unico HUB1280 self-winding chronograph flyback movement with column wheel.
This Unico proprietary manufacture movement is a modified version of its predecessor, the Unico HUB1242, that includes changes like the loss of the escapement platform, a thinner automatic winding system allowing a reduction of 1.3 mm in thickness and four patented innovations: oscillating seconds clutch, chronograph friction system with ball-bearing adjustment, ratchet retaining system with unidirectional gears and index-assembly fine adjustment system.
Beating at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering an autonomy of 72 hours, the HUB1280 calibre and its openworked oscillating weight are visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back secured with six screws.
In line with the exclusivity of the materials used, the meticulous finishes and the integration of an advanced manufacture chronograph movement, the price of the Hublot Big Bang Integral Grey ref. 451.FX.6923.FX is Euro 22,700 / US$ 23,100. hublot.com
Love that bracelet. Usually not a follower of the brand but I must admit this piece is awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking piece. I prefer this kind of dial without numerals.
ReplyDelete