Is it possible for a tonneau-shaped, ceramic Hublot to be understated? That’s a challenging proposition, as you only have to take a quick glance at the current Spirit of Big Bang range, and it’s fair to say that they’re not exactly subtle watches. 42mm in diameter and available in a multitude of space-age materials and vibrant colours, it’s not a watch that can fly under the radar, especially when you have models like the King Gold Rainbow. However, to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the 1:1 UK replica Hublot Spirit of Big Bang watches, Hublot has done something somewhat atypical for the brand: introducing a trio of understated ceramic colours that tone down the aggressive, ostentatious Spirit of Big Bang.
These three perfect copy Hublot Spirit of Big Bang watches feature ceramic tones we’ve only previously seen in round Big Bangs: Sand Beige, Dark Green and Sky Blue. Unlike some models in the Spirit of Big Bang collection, which feature ceramic bezels and metal cases, these three models are full ceramic, featuring coloured pieces sandwiching darker black ceramic plates. Each is microblasted and then has feature edges polished to bring out the details. The case is 42mm, which isn’t massive in Hublot terms, but the tonneau shape makes that lug-to-lug measurement quite large, with plenty of wrist presence. Though the muted tones help with that slightly, the thickness of 14.1mm is still significant. The screw-down crown helps the ceramic case achieve a 100-metre water resistance rating, which is more than adequate for summer days by the pool.
Each dial is made from a sheet of sapphire crystal, exposing the movement completely, with the chronograph sub-dials applied directly to the crystal, allowing for a pretty cool floating effect. Each dial is colour-matched perfectly to the watch case and chapter ring, along with the hands and Hublot logo. Through the dial, the automatic HUB4700 movement is in full view. Best fake Hublot watches have historically all been about prioritising looks, however, the Spirit uses a chronograph movement that is befitting of a timepiece in this sector of the luxury watch market.
The HUB4700 is based on the Zenith El Primero 400, an accurate and reliable column wheel chronograph with a 50-hour power reserve, beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. In this Hublot application, it’s industrially finished, befitting the Spirit of Bing Bang’s modern, technical aesthetic – it strikes a nice balance between being visually appealing but not too fussy – something that not all skeletonised cheap super clone watches successfully pull off.
Each watch comes fitted with another Hublot favourite, the rubber strap. Colour-matched to each case, the soft surface texture is ribbed, and layered with a black rubber lining underneath. Finishing the strap is a folding clasp with adjustable pin-holes. These top replica Hublot Spirit of Big Bang watches also utilise Hublot’s One Click strap quick exchange system, making it easy to swap on another Hublot strap if you want to play with different colour combinations.
The Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph is not a subtle watch. However, Hublot makes some of the best ceramic watches in the game, and is working on bringing their ceramic technology further through their range, applying different colours in more interesting ways. With these particular colourways, they’ve managed to actually make these UK high quality replica watches look understated in a great way. They don’t shout from the rooftops as their blindingly bright red or yellow ceramic watches do, yet still remain an acquired taste. I’m excited to see what the next 12 years bring for the Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph.