One of the (many) criticisms occasionally levelled at Hublot is just how massive their watches are. Historically 42mm is the smallest diameter they produce, outside of a few rare examples, and they’re well known for 45mm pieces and occasionally larger. However, Hublot’s latest releases sees the arrival of the Big Bang Integral Time Only, which is the first Big Bang Integral with a diameter of 40mm.
Off the bat there’s a slight point of contention, the watch’s name: Time Only. ‘Time only’ is a term denoting that a watch only has hours, minutes and seconds functions and yet the new Hublot blatantly features a date window at 6 o’clock, meaning it’s patently not a time only watch. A discrepancy like that is not likely to do them any favours with the watch enthusiast community. Regardless, a smaller Big Bang deserves a look.
In terms of appearance, not a lot has changed other than the size. It retains its broad faced bezel with six screws and the sharp angled sides, although more important is presence of the integrated bracelet that gives the Big Band Integral its name. With the new 40mm diameter everything feels just that much smoother. It still has that signature Hublot strength so you’d never describe it as slim but it is slimmer. On the whole, if you were hesitant to buy one because of the size, now you can make that leap.
As for the Big Bang Integral Time Only’s not quite time only dial, it’s an open worked look at the calibre housed inside. It’s not exactly subtle but compared to the usual plethora of subdials and functions seen across the Integral range it is relatively subdued and quiet. The movement itself is the MHUB1710, an automatic calibre with a 50-hour power reserve.
The new watch is available in three versions separated by their materials. There’s a titanium version, the sportiest of the trio, an 18k yellow gold one and a black ceramic version. The black ceramic version, known as the All Black, is a limited edition of 250 pieces while the other two join Hublot’s regular collections. Plus, they all have matching material bracelets, as expected of the Integral collection.
This is very much Hublot as we know it but toned down by a substantial degree. The result of which is a nice looking watch that makes the Big Bang Integral better suited to a wider variety of wrists. That’s if the perplexing name and classically hefty Hublot price tags don’t put you off. The titanium version is £14,700, the yellow gold £40,900 and the black ceramic £16,500.
Price & Specs:
Model: Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only
Reference: 456.NX.0170.NX (titanium case), 456.VX.0130.VX (18k yellow gold case), 456.CX.0140.CX (all black ceramic case)
Case/dial: 40mm diameter x 9.25mm height, titanium, 18k yellow gold or black ceramic case, openworked dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: In-house MHUB1710 calibre, automatic, 27 jewels, 185 parts
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 50h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: Titanium, yellow gold or black ceramic bracelet
Price/availability: £14,700 (titanium), £40,900 (yellow gold), £16,500 (all black, limited to 250 pieces)
More details at Hublot.