Hublot Big Bang Original UNICO

Hublot has never been a brand to tread softly or adhere to the quiet traditions of the Swiss valleys without challenging them first. Since the very beginning, when the brand shocked the horological world in 1980 by pairing a precious gold case with a utilitarian rubber strap, the ethos has been about the collision of disparate elements. That initial spark of defiance evolved into a roaring fire in 2005 with the release of the Big Bang, a timepiece that didn’t just tell time but announced its presence with an architectural intensity that few other watches could match. Now, moving past the twenty-year mark of that industry-altering release, the manufacture has revisited its most significant icon. The release of the Big Bang Original Unico for 2026 is not merely a reissue or a nostalgic look backward; it is a comprehensive re-engineering of the watch that defined the modern era of the brand. This is a watch that understands its history—the sandwich construction, the aggressive lines, the fusion of materials—but it has been completely retooled to house the manufacture’s premier technical signature: the Unico movement.

When you look at the new 43mm chassis, you immediately recognize the silhouette that changed the trajectory of sports watch design two decades ago, yet the proportions feel distinctly contemporary. The move to a 43mm diameter is a strategic refinement, sitting comfortably between the older 41mm and 44mm sizes to offer a fit that is substantial without being overwhelming. It retains the aggressive, angular "ears" on the side of the case, a hallmark of the multi-component construction that allows for such varied material combinations. The visual impact of the case is dominated by the interplay of finishes, where vertically brushed surfaces meet highly polished chamfers, creating a dynamic interaction with light that emphasizes the architectural complexity of the design. The bezel, secured by the six signature H-shaped titanium screws, remains unaligned, a detail that has always signaled the brand’s prioritization of function and industrial aesthetic over the obsessive, sometimes sterile, alignment found elsewhere in high horology. These screws are not hidden; they are celebrated as integral parts of the structure, framing the face of the watch with a rugged, mechanical border.



The dial of the Big Bang Original Unico is where the visual updates become most apparent and captivating to the observer. The surface features a stamped satin-finished "carbon effect" that creates a checkerboard pattern, offering a profound sense of depth and texture. This is not a flat, printed dial but a landscape of alternating tones that catches the light differently as the wrist rotates. The pattern mimics the high-tech weave of carbon fiber, a material long associated with the brand’s racing partnerships and material innovation, yet here it is executed with a stamping technique that provides a consistent, geometric backdrop for the time-telling elements. Hovering above this textured plane are the rhodium-plated or gold-plated indices and numerals, which are applied with a thickness that adds to the three-dimensional quality of the display. The skeletonized hands are robust and broad, filled with luminescent material to ensure legibility against the complex background, and they sweep over the dial with a purposefulness that matches the heavy-duty aesthetic of the case.

One cannot discuss this timepiece without focusing on the engine that now powers it, as the integration of the Unico movement is the most significant technical evolution in this "Original" stylistic revival. The MHUB1280 Unico Manufacture caliber is a self-winding chronograph flyback movement that represents a massive leap forward from the standard movements used in the earliest generations of the Big Bang. This is a fully in-house engine, developed and manufactured by the brand to offer a specific set of advantages, most notably the flyback function which allows the wearer to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push of the button at 4 o'clock. The column wheel, the command center of the chronograph mechanism, is positioned on the dial side, allowing the wearer to watch the mechanical engagement of the levers and gears every time the chronograph is actuated. It is a piece of horological theater that connects the user directly to the machine, turning the act of timing an event into a visual experience.

The architecture of the movement itself is modern and industrial, perfectly matching the exterior design. With a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, the watch is "weekend-proof," meaning it can be taken off on Friday evening and put back on Monday morning without missing a beat. The use of a silicon escapement is a nod to modern material science, providing resistance to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations that traditional alloys cannot match. The escapement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring high precision. Through the sapphire crystal case back, the wearer is treated to a view of the oscillating weight, which has been treated with an anthracite ruthenium plating and finished with micro-blasting and circular satin-finishing. This open-worked rotor, shaped with the brand’s logo, does not obscure the movement but rather frames it, allowing a clear view of the matte grey bridges and the pulsing balance wheel that breathes life into the watch.



The functionality of the case has also been upgraded with the inclusion of the "One-Click" attachment system. This proprietary mechanism allows the wearer to swap straps instantly without the need for tools, a feature that acknowledges the modern collector’s desire for versatility. The straps themselves are made of structured rubber, continuing the brand’s legacy of elevating this durable material to the realm of luxury. The rubber is not merely a utilitarian addition; it is sculpted, texturized, and integrated into the design flow of the case, ensuring that the watch hugs the wrist securely. The texture on the strap echoes the checkerboard motif of the dial, creating a cohesive visual language that runs from the face of the watch all the way around the wrist. This integration is key to the comfort of the piece, as the rubber effectively balances the weight of the case head, whether it is rendered in lightweight titanium or the denser King Gold.

Among the four distinct iterations available, the Titanium model (Reference 431.NX.1370.RX) stands as the purest expression of the brand’s industrial-chic philosophy. Crafted from polished and satin-finished Grade 5 titanium, this version is remarkably light on the wrist despite its commanding visual presence. Titanium is a material that the brand has championed since the early days of the Big Bang, prized for its high strength-to-weight ratio and its hypoallergenic properties. The cool, grey tones of the metal harmonize perfectly with the black rubber strap and the anthracite grey of the movement components. It is a monochromatic study in texture, where the difference between the brushed bezel, the polished case flanks, and the matte composite resin lugs creates a sophisticated interplay of shadows and highlights. This model feels like a precision instrument, a tool for the modern age that creates a bridge between the laboratory and the boardroom.

For those who prefer a darker, more stealthy aesthetic, the Black Magic edition (Reference 431.CI.1370.RX) offers a completely different personality. Here, the case and bezel are crafted from micro-blasted and polished black ceramic. The brand has spent years refining its ceramic production, achieving a material that is harder than steel, entirely scratch-resistant, and deep black all the way through. Unlike coated metals that can scratch and reveal the base material underneath, this ceramic will retain its pristine black finish indefinitely. The "All Black" concept, which the brand pioneered in 2006 to make the "invisible iconic," is channeled here, though with greater legibility thanks to the contrasting hands and markers. The way the light absorbs into the matte ceramic surfaces gives the watch a sculptural quality, making it look almost like a piece of stealth avionics equipment strapped to the wrist. It is undoubtedly the most aggressive and sporty of the quartet.



Bridging the gap between the full metal and full ceramic models is the Titanium Ceramic version (Reference 431.NM.1370.RX). This variation features the lightweight titanium case body but pairs it with a black ceramic bezel. This combination is particularly practical, as the bezel is the part of the watch most prone to impacts and scratches. By rendering it in scratch-proof ceramic, the brand ensures that the face of the watch remains unblemished, while the titanium case body keeps the overall weight down. The visual contrast between the silver-grey titanium and the jet-black bezel creates a sharp, defined look that frames the dial effectively. It highlights the layered "sandwich" construction of the case, emphasizing the modular nature of the Big Bang design. This two-tone aesthetic is a classic sports watch look, modernized by the use of advanced materials rather than the traditional steel and aluminum of the past.

At the pinnacle of the collection sits the King Gold Ceramic model (Reference 431.OM.1380.RX), a watch that fully embraces the luxury side of the "Art of Fusion." The case is crafted from 18K King Gold, a proprietary alloy developed by the manufacture that contains platinum. This addition not only stabilizes the color of the gold, preventing it from oxidizing over time, but also gives it a warmer, more intense red hue than standard 5N rose gold. The juxtaposition of this precious, warm metal against the cold, technical black ceramic bezel and the black rubber strap is the definitive look of the brand. It is a statement of contrast, luxury, and durability all in one. The satin-finished gold surfaces glow with a rich luster that exudes opulence, yet the rubber strap and ceramic bezel ground the design, ensuring it never feels overly delicate or formal. It is a watch designed to be worn boldly, a celebration of material science meeting traditional precious metalworking.

The dial layout across all these models remains consistent, prioritizing legibility and chronograph functionality. The 60-minute counter is positioned at 3 o'clock, often integrating the date aperture in a discreet manner that doesn't disrupt the symmetry of the dial. The running seconds sub-dial sits at 9 o'clock, balancing the visual weight. The large, stenciled Arabic numerals at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 give the dial a military-industrial vibe, reinforcing the rugged nature of the timepiece. The chronograph seconds hand features the brand’s logo as a counterweight, a subtle branding touch that avid collectors appreciate. Every element on the dial is executed with precision, from the crisp printing of the minute track to the faceting on the hour markers, ensuring that the watch holds up to scrutiny under a loupe.



It is worth noting the tactile experience of operating the Big Bang Original Unico. The pushers are rectangular and fitted with rubber inserts, providing a sure grip even with wet hands or gloves. The actuation of the chronograph is crisp, thanks to the column wheel mechanism, avoiding the "mushy" feeling sometimes associated with cam-actuated chronographs. Winding the crown, which is also clad in rubber for better grip, offers a satisfying resistance, and the screw-down nature of the crown ensures water resistance up to 100 meters, or 10 ATM. This rating confirms the watch’s status as a true sports watch, capable of handling swimming and surface water sports without hesitation. The deployant buckle, which matches the case material (titanium, black ceramic, or King Gold), is secure and easy to operate, snapping shut with a reassuring click that signals the quality of the machining.

The evolution of the Big Bang from its 2005 origins to this 2026 iteration is a study in how to mature a design without losing its soul. The original Big Bang was a disruptor, a loud and brash entrant into a conservative market. The Big Bang Original Unico is a more sophisticated beast; it retains the boldness but adds a layer of technical credibility and refinement that only comes with twenty years of manufacturing experience. The transition to the in-house Unico movement is the most critical part of this maturation. It signals that the brand is no longer just a design house relying on external suppliers but a fully integrated manufacture capable of producing high-performance calibers that rival the best in the industry. The movement is not just an engine; it is part of the aesthetic, visible from both the front and the back, integrated seamlessly into the concept of the watch.

The "sandwich" case construction, which allows for different materials to be stacked and combined, is more than just a stylistic choice; it is an engineering solution that enables the brand to repair and refurbish the case more easily than a monobloc design. If a bezel is damaged, it can be replaced independently of the case. If a lug is scratched, it can be swapped. This modularity is a hidden benefit of the complex design, ensuring the longevity of the timepiece. The new 43mm size also reflects a shift in consumer tastes towards more wearable dimensions. While the oversized watch trend has waned, the demand for wrist presence has not. The 43mm case strikes that balance, offering enough surface area to showcase the complex finishes and materials while sitting low enough on the wrist to slide under a casual jacket cuff.



For those looking to acquire one of these modern icons, the pricing structure reflects the complexity of the materials and the in-house nature of the movement. The entry into the collection is the Titanium model, priced at 19,400 USD, offering the most accessible point for the new Unico-equipped Original. The Titanium Ceramic model, offering the durability of the ceramic bezel, is priced slightly higher at 20,600 USD. For the full ceramic experience, the Black Magic model is available for 21,700 USD. Finally, the flagship King Gold Ceramic model, combining precious metal with high-tech ceramic, commands a price of 37,800 USD. The new Big Bang Original Unico collection is available now at select boutiques and authorized retailers, as well as through the brand's online platform.

Titanium

Case: 43mm polished and satin-finished Titanium, 13.20mm thickness, water resistant to 100m / 10 ATM. Features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and a satin-finished titanium and sapphire crystal caseback. The bezel is satin-finished and polished titanium with a structured side pattern and 6 H-shaped titanium screws.

Movement: MHUB1280 UNICO Manufacture self-winding chronograph flyback movement with column wheel. Features an anthracite ruthenium-plated microblasted and circular satin-finished oscillating weight and a Swiss silicon lever escapement. Composed of 354 components and 43 jewels, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 A/h) with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

Dial: Stamped satin-finished "Carbon Effect" dial.

Strap: Black structured rubber straps featuring the "One-Click" system for interchangeability. Secured by a titanium deployant buckle clasp.

Price: 19,400 USD

Reference Number: 431.NX.1370.RX

Notes: The Big Bang Original Unico updates the iconic 2005 design with the fully in-house Unico movement and a new 43mm size. It retains the signature sandwich construction while introducing a flyback chronograph and a 72-hour power reserve.



Black Magic

Case: 43mm microblasted and polished Black Ceramic, 13.20mm thickness, water resistant to 100m / 10 ATM. Features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and a microblasted black ceramic and sapphire crystal caseback. The bezel is microblasted and polished black ceramic with a structured side pattern and 6 H-shaped titanium screws.

Movement: MHUB1280 UNICO Manufacture self-winding chronograph flyback movement with column wheel. Features an anthracite ruthenium-plated microblasted and circular satin-finished oscillating weight and a Swiss silicon lever escapement. Composed of 354 components and 43 jewels, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 A/h) with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

Dial: Stamped satin-finished "Carbon Effect" dial.

Strap: Black structured rubber straps featuring the "One-Click" system for interchangeability. Secured by a black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant buckle clasp.

Price: 21,700 USD

Reference Number: 431.CI.1370.RX

Notes: This "Black Magic" edition celebrates 20 years of Hublot's mastery of black ceramic, offering a scratch-proof and stealthy aesthetic. It combines the "All Black" concept with the modern technical upgrades of the Unico caliber.



Titanium Ceramic

Case: 43mm polished and satin-finished Titanium, 13.20mm thickness, water resistant to 100m / 10 ATM. Features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and a satin-finished titanium and sapphire crystal caseback. The bezel is satin-finished and polished black ceramic with a structured side pattern and 6 H-shaped titanium screws.

Movement: MHUB1280 UNICO Manufacture self-winding chronograph flyback movement with column wheel. Features an anthracite ruthenium-plated microblasted and circular satin-finished oscillating weight and a Swiss silicon lever escapement. Composed of 354 components and 43 jewels, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 A/h) with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

Dial: Stamped satin-finished "Carbon Effect" dial.

Strap: Black structured rubber straps featuring the "One-Click" system for interchangeability. Secured by a black ceramic and titanium deployant buckle clasp.

Price: 20,600 USD

Reference Number: 431.NM.1370.RX

Notes: A classic fusion of materials, this model pairs a lightweight titanium case body with a durable black ceramic bezel. It bridges the gap between the full metal and full ceramic models, highlighting the modular "sandwich" construction.



King Gold Ceramic

Case: 43mm polished and satin-finished 18K King Gold, 13.20mm thickness, water resistant to 100m / 10 ATM. Features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and a satin-finished 18K King Gold and sapphire crystal caseback. The bezel is satin-finished and polished black ceramic with a structured side pattern and 6 H-shaped titanium screws.

Movement: MHUB1280 UNICO Manufacture self-winding chronograph flyback movement with column wheel. Features an anthracite ruthenium-plated microblasted and circular satin-finished oscillating weight and a Swiss silicon lever escapement. Composed of 354 components and 43 jewels, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 A/h) with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

Dial: Stamped satin-finished "Carbon Effect" dial.

Strap: Black structured rubber straps featuring the "One-Click" system for interchangeability. Secured by an 18K King Gold and black-plated titanium deployant buckle clasp.

Price: 37,800 USD

Reference Number: 431.OM.1380.RX

Notes: Utilizes Hublot's proprietary King Gold alloy, which contains platinum for a more intense red hue and long-lasting color stability. This flagship model contrasts the warmth of precious metal with the technical look of the black ceramic bezel and rubber strap.