A Note from the Editor: Ten Years of Big Bang
As the Big Bang's tenth anniversary approaches, Hublot has yet to realize that it’s time to rid the Big Bang from their collection or, at the very least, introduce some major aesthetic and technical changes.
Virtually the same movement powers every Big Bang, the cases are identical, and the only method to differentiate each edition is by comparing dial and/or strap colors. In other words, all Big Bangs are alike. If I were to be offered a current production Big Bang for free, I would politely decline. Reason being, I simply wouldn’t want a watch that I might not enjoy.
At Baselworld 2015, Hublot will unveil the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold. This is the first watch to ever be constructed from scratch-proof gold. I respect and wholly admire Hublot's creative fusion of case materials, and their ability to produce scratch-proof gold. However, Hublot's Big Bang, specifically, does not demonstrate too many other aspects of high-level craftsmanship and watchmaking.
Although they pride themselves in innovation, Hublot's Big Bang movements, at the moment, aren't anything to write home about. The Manufacture caliber 1242 self-winding flyback chronograph movement is utilized by the standard Big Bang. And the touneau-shaped Spirit of the Big Bang houses a modified Zenith El Primero movement. I question whether the quality of, and finishing on, these movements justify the Big Bang's pricing.
Also, I believe Hublot should revert solely to the Classic Fusion case design. To put it bluntly, most Big Bangs look like a less-attractive brother of the AP Royal Oak Offshore. This resemblance translates to a lack of originality on Hublot's part.
It doesn't take much to figure out that I'm not the biggest Big Bang fan. But through various design alterations, Hublot can eventually sway my thinking.
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