Hublot is among the watchmaking brands that one would never associate with quietude and is still part of the vanguard in the formerly all-powerful big watch trend. Size is relative though, as even the brand reminds everyone this year that 38mm was its own standard in the 1980s. For 2024 then, Hublot deploys the Big Bang Integrated Time Only 38mm, which might benefit from having a catchy moniker like the Supernova. The watch is, as advertised, a time-only proposition with three hands and the date, via a window at 3 o’clock. A quick scan of the Hublot website will show models with diamonds that are also 38mm but this one keeps things pure.

Now Hublot recognises that going ‘classical’ like this is sure to raise eyebrows, and perhaps ire too. Nevertheless, everything that defines the Big Bang is here, just smaller. This includes – but is not limited to – the distinctive ‘ears,’ a bezel adorned with six H-shaped functional screws, large skeleton hour and minute hands, and even-numbered indices from 2 to 12 on the dial; for those who care, rubber remains in the picture, on the crown as well as in the form of a composite insert between the bezel and the case (it feels perfectly solid). As far as we can tell, one needs all these ingredients for a successful Big Bang. See for yourself how they look but remember that you will need to see for yourself how these elements come together in the dialled-down case. As noted in the introductory paragraph, we think a 38mm Big Bang is just fine, name aside.

Going by Hublot’s own words and its chosen visuals for the Big Bang 38, the goal is to be more unisex than anything else, which is a thread that runs across all LVMH watchmaking brands. To be fair, the broader watchmaking trade is also working hard to find the right unisex product styling and messaging. In terms of functionality, watches are already unisex of course. The six new Big Bang 38 models feature integrated cases and bracelets, crafted from the same materials. Options include brushed titanium versions with black or blue dials, as well as King Gold versions (our jam this issue). Interestingly, the dial is made of soft ferromagnetic steel, thus ensuring optimal protection against magnetic fields; this is unusual in watchmaking, with most dials being brass.

Finally, on the HUB1115 movement used here, Hublot calls it a first for the collection and spends some time extolling its improved technical and aesthetic features, including the extended 48-hour power reserve. That power reserve should clue you in on the origins of the calibre, which the Internet thinks is a Sellita. No doubt there will be some disappointment that Unico calibres are not in play here.

Movement: Automatic HUB1115 with date; 48-hour power reserve
Case: 38mm in King Gold or five other materials; water-resistant to 100m
Strap: Integrated bracelet
Price: SGD 66,200

This story was first seen on WOW’s Summer 2024 Issue.

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