The Hublot Huge Bang Time Solely Integral begins at $17,800 for the titanium mannequin, $19,900 for the black ceramic mannequin, and $49,400 for the yellow gold mannequin. There are two methods to contextualize this watch at that value. First, in comparison with a number of the different watches referenced on this article, which rapidly get into six determine territory, the Hublot feels refreshingly approachable. It’d even be out there to buy, which additionally feels refreshing. Alternatively, $17,800 is some huge cash, particularly contemplating the motion in use right here (for reference, this not too long ago launched Zenith Defy Revival makes use of the identical base motion). Certain, there may be worth within the materials and execution, however once more, we’re seeing extra of that trickle into the micro-brand house at compelling value factors, so when seen at use in manufacturers like Hublot, it doesn’t add as a lot worth because it used to.
When you just like the look of this Hublot, however the svelte dimensions aren’t very important, Zenith makes a wide range of Defy fashions with the identical motion, and even openworked dials, for nicely underneath $10,000 retail. If the slim case and bracelet are necessary, these choices from Zenith gained’t hit the identical notes as this Time Solely Integral. For that, you’ll must look elsewhere within the LVMH portfolio, the place you’ll discover even thinner and lighter choices from the likes of Bulgari of their Octo Finissimo vary. They even do black ceramic, and whereas the case form is a bit much less conventional, it’s a mere 5.5mm thick and prices $16,500, over a grand underneath the Hublot.
This Hublot has quite a bit to like, which is a phrase I’ve by no means uttered earlier than. It’s merely wonderful on the wrist, the match and end are fairly excessive (the arms and hour indices maintain up nicely underneath a loupe), and the look is, nicely, pure Hublot, for higher or worse. I haven’t historically paid a lot consideration to Hublot, however spending a while with this watch has me considering possibly I needs to be somewhat extra typically. Hublot