The Unico is Hublot’s centerpiece movement, so it makes sense that the Big Bang Unico is also Hublot’s signature watch. However, at 45mm, the Big Bang Unico is a big watch and not many can pull off a watch of that size on their wrists. Fortunately, Hublot now has a smaller version of the Big Bang Unico. This is the new Hublot Big Bang Unico 42mm.
Specifications
Brand: Hublot
Model: Big Bang Unico 42mm / 441.NX.1123.RX (titanium), 441.NM.1123.RX (titanium & ceramic), 441.OX.1123.RX (King Gold), 441.OM.1123.RX (King Gold & ceramic)
Dimensions: 42mm (diameter), 14.5mm (thickness)
Case Material: Titanium, Ceramic, King Gold
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: In-house Calibre HUB 1280, self-winding chronograph flyback with column wheel
Frequency: 4Hz
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Rubber strap with titanium deployant clasp
Price & Availability: From $17,800
Lens Position: 3183
Analysis
Introduced in 2010, the Unico movement is arguably Hublot’s most important as it sees action in many of their watches. However, it is a large movement, which prevents it from being fitted into a smaller case. Recognizing that there’s a demand for a smaller Big Bang Unico watch, Hublot spent the last few years reducing the size of its calibre HUB 1242 so that it can be fitted in a smaller case. The end result is the new calibre HUB1280.
The impressive thing here is that despite being a more compact movement, the calibre HUB1280 retains the key characteristics of the calibre HUB1242. The column wheel is still visible from the dial side and the movement still has a double clutch mechanism. This is crucial since these features are what define the Big Bang Unico.
The downsizing was achieved by using a flatter self-winding system. This allowed Hublot to shave 1.3mm off the height of the movement. Because of the more compact movement, Hublot was not only able to reduce the diameter of the case from 45mm to 42mm, it was also able to reduce its thickness from 15.45mm to 14.5mm. It might not sound like much, but every millimeter matters and can find a dramatic effect on how it wears on the wrist.
Summary
It has taken a while, but it’s nice to see that Hublot has finally put out a smaller and perhaps more wearable version of its Big Bang Unico watch. The more compact and slimmer dimensions are much welcomed, but one has to wonder if it is really small enough for most people to wear? After all, 42mm still makes it a fairly large watch and I can’t help but wonder if 40mm would be better. At any rate, the Hublot Big Bang Unico 42mm is available in four versions, titanium, titanium and ceramic, king gold, and king gold ceramic, and is priced at $17,800, $18,800, $36,700, and $33,600 respectively. hublot.com
