20 years ago, Hublot launched the iconic Big Bang, which remains the Swiss watch giant’s greatest hit. To celebrate its two decades, Hublot releases a trio of anniversary collections, each of which goes bigger than the last
While the first Big Bang created life, the second Big Bang also continues to resonate. We’re speaking of Hublot’s iconic Big Bang Chronograph, which totally changed the game when it launched two decades ago. As the name suggests, this piece is unapologetically big, brash and loud – a mashup of materials (most notably, rubber) that redefined the ‘masculine watch’. The brainchild of watch legend Jean-Claude Biver, who went on to become the president of LVMH’s watchmaking division (the luxury supergroup that acquired Hublot in 2008) it remains Hublot’s crown jewel all these years later.
The Big Bang 20th Anniversary Collection showcases Hublot’s mastery of materials through five powerful editions.
Unsurprisingly, Hublot is going big to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its greatest hit. In fact, the Swiss watch giant is releasing not one but three anniversary collections. The first is a sleek carbon-fibre-heavy tribute to the industry-shaking original; a modernised version of the beloved classic in a slightly smaller case. It consists of five austere, limited-edition chronograph watches.
“The Hublot Big Bang looks just as good 20 years later,” notes Danish watch expert Kristian Haagen. “That said, the one millimetre-smaller case – from 44 to 43 millimetres – aligns slightly better with the trend of ‘smaller’ watches. The 20th anniversary model serves as a gentle reminder of the significance of the fusion-driven watch that Jean-Claude Biver introduced in 2005.”
Part of the Big Bang 'Master of Sapphire' set, the timepiece is reimagined with clear sapphire casing.
With the two subsequent Big Bang tributes, Hublot gets a bit louder. Next up is the candy-coloured 'Master of Sapphire' set; five watches with clear sapphire casing, each featuring a colour way prominent in the brand’s history. A colour to suit every mood, for an unapologetic maximalist.
But for those who really want to make a big statement, there’s the 'Materials & High Complications' Unique Set – a more-is-more approach fit to fete a legend. Rendered in decadent materials – polished sapphire crystal, black frosted carbon, red ceramic – this is a true masterpiece set that will run a Big Bang enthusiast upwards of one million USD. Now that’s earth-shaking.