Whenever Hublot announces new additions to its extensive collection, the first expectations are that we will have some extravagant timepieces. I can say that this year, the Nyon brand yet again does not disappoint in bringing some colorful timepieces. But the main eyecatcher for 2022 is the unexpected but completely logical Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only in 40mm. This new release could become a very popular one for the brand. Next to that, Hublot also introduces the impressive Yellow Gold Collection and three new Sang Bleu II timepieces. Time to find out more.
Hublot doesn’t shy away from shocking us with its new releases. Over the years, the brand has proven that creating timepieces with distinctive colors and materials combined with technically impressive solutions and extravagant designs will have people talking. While I am not always the biggest fan of the brand’s often loud creations, I respect what Hublot has achieved over the last 15 years. And over time, I have grown to like some of the lesser extravagant timepieces, with the Classic Fusion as my favorite model in the collection.
While the brand also announced a great new Classic Fusion model as part of this year’s introductions, the stand-out release for this year is the new Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only. This 40mm time and date version — unlike the name would have you think — of the Hublot Big Bang Integral has the potential to grow into a popular release for the brand. It is the first Big Bang model to feature an integrated bracelet in the very popular 40mm size. On top of that, the Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only has a sleeker profile. It ensures that it enters the arena of modern luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets that so many watch enthusiasts love.
Two years ago, Hublot announced the first Big Bang Integral models as part of the Big Bang Unico line. These 42mm Big Bang chronographs showed that the brand could design a great integrated bracelet for the smaller Big Bang models. The results were pretty impressive. The new Big Bang Integral Time Only comes in a full titanium version, a full yellow gold version, or a limited-edition full black ceramic version. While the yellow gold and black ceramic models are visually striking, the titanium model will attract the biggest audience. It’s also the model that first caught my eye despite its humble presence.
All three Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only models feature a modern 40mm case. It’s a case that is only 9.25mm high and water-resistant to 100 meters. Looking at the face of the watches through the sapphire crystal, it stands out there is no dial. Most Unico models have skeletonized dials; these new watches feature a truly unobstructed view of the movement. The only “decorative” touches are the functional elements that display the time. The big hour markers, the date window at 6 o’clock, and the three hands for displaying the time get full attention. The Hublot logo is printed on the sapphire crystal, resulting in a very open and technical design. In particular, the titanium version feels very technical. The only hint of color is the red-on-black 60-minute track on the outside of the “dial.”
On the rear, you will be greeted by the sapphire crystal case back that shows more of the Hublot Caliber MHUB1710. This technical design of the watch matches the bracelet design perfectly. The three-link bracelet design is the same as on the chronograph models. It perfectly fits the angular case design of the watches. The links are all individually polished and satin-finished, chamfered, and beveled. The result is a bracelet that constantly plays with the reflection of light.
Inside the case, Hublot has equipped the watches with the Caliber MHUB1710. This automatic movement is based on Zenith’s Elite 670 movement that powers the Zenith Defy Classic. It operates at 28,800vph, has 27 jewels, and comes with a 70-hour power reserve. The movement perfectly fills the space inside the case. As a result, there are no empty spaces, and the design works well. It’s a movement that the brand also uses for its 39mm versions of the Spirit of Big Bang.
All the different surfaces of the movement have a satin finish. It ensures that they’re not distracting when reading the time. Combined with the iconic porthole bezel design with its famous screws and the integrated bracelet, the watch feels technical and utilitarian rather than flashy and extravagant. It’s a look that I certainly like. It’s why I can’t wait to put the titanium model on my wrist and test it out.