Hublot is a polarizing name. Mention the Hublot Big Bang Ceramic at a local RedBar meetup or on a dedicated watch forum like Watchuseek, and you’ll get a reaction. Some collectors will roll their eyes, muttering about "ETA movements" or "inflated pricing," while others will quietly adjust their sleeves to show off the deep, inky black sheen of a 44mm ceramic beast. It is the watch that redefined what luxury could look like in the 21st century.
Jean-Claude Biver, the legendary industry figure who basically saved Blancpain and pushed Omega into the stratosphere, took over Hublot in 2004. He had a vision called "The Art of Fusion." It wasn't just a marketing slogan. He wanted to take materials that had no business being together—gold and rubber, ceramic and carbon—and smash them into a design that felt like a porthole (which is what "Hublot" means in French). When the Big Bang launched in 2005, it didn't just walk into the room. It kicked the door down.
The Reality of the Hublot Big Bang Ceramic Construction
Most people think ceramic is just fancy plastic. It’s not. In the case of the Hublot Big Bang Ceramic, we are talking about zirconium dioxide. This stuff is incredibly hard. On the Vickers scale, which measures the hardness of materials, stainless steel usually sits around 150 to 200. High-tech ceramic? It’s often over 1,200. This means you can wear this watch for five years, accidentally bash it against a granite countertop or a metal door frame, and the case will still look like it just came out of the box.
It is practically scratch-proof.
But there’s a trade-off. Ceramic is brittle. While a steel watch will dent or scratch if you drop it on a marble floor, ceramic can shatter. It’s rare, honestly, but it’s the "achilles heel" of the material. Hublot counteracts this by using a modular "sandwich" construction. The case isn't one solid block. It’s a complex assembly of over 50 components, including the lateral "ears" or "lugs" made of Kevlar or composite resin. This modularity is why Hublot can play with colors so much.
You’ve got the "Black Magic" models which are the quintessential Hublot Big Bang Ceramic experience. They use micro-blasted finishes. This gives the ceramic a matte, stealthy look that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. It’s tactile. It feels premium in a way that polished steel just can't replicate. If you prefer something louder, the polished ceramic versions have a mirror-like shine that stays permanent. It won't develop that "patina" of fine scratches (swirlies) that ruins the look of a polished Rolex GMT-Master II over time.
The Movement Debate: UNICO vs. Sellita
Let’s get into the weeds. One of the biggest criticisms aimed at the Big Bang in the early days was the movement. For a long time, Hublot used the HUB4100. Basically, it’s a modified ETA 2894-2 or a Sellita equivalent. For a watch costing north of $10,000, purists hated this. They wanted "In-House."
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Hublot listened.
Enter the UNICO. Specifically the HUB1242 and the newer HUB1280. This is a flyback chronograph movement that Hublot spent years developing. If you’re looking at a Hublot Big Bang Ceramic today, you really want the UNICO version. Why? Because the column wheel—the heart of the chronograph—is visible on the dial side. Most watches hide it in the back. Hublot puts it right under the sapphire glass at the 6 o'clock position. You can actually see the mechanical "clunk" when you press the start button. It’s industrial. It’s modern. It’s exactly what a 21st-century mechanical watch should be.
The power reserve on the UNICO 2 (HUB1280) is a solid 72 hours. You can take it off on Friday night, leave it on the dresser, and it’s still ticking perfectly on Monday morning. That’s the "weekend-proof" standard most modern collectors demand.
Why the Size is Deceptive
The Big Bang is big. The classic size is 44mm, and the UNICO models often sit at 45mm or 42mm. On paper, 45mm sounds like a dinner plate. For someone with a 6.5-inch wrist, it should be a disaster.
But it isn't.
Because of the integrated rubber strap and the way the lugs downward-curve, the Hublot Big Bang Ceramic wraps around the wrist. It doesn't "overhang" like a traditional long-lug watch might. Also, ceramic is lighter than steel. It’s about 30% lighter, actually. This means the watch doesn't feel like a lead weight. It’s surprisingly wearable as an everyday piece, provided you aren't trying to shove it under a tight shirt cuff. This is a "t-shirt and jeans" watch, or maybe a "linen suit in St. Tropez" watch.
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Common Misconceptions About Maintenance
"I heard Hublot screws fall out."
I’ve heard this too. It’s one of those internet myths that gained traction because the screws on the bezel aren't aligned. Look at an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak—those hexagonal screws are perfectly aligned because they are actually nuts being held from the back. Hublot uses actual screws with an "H" shaped head. Because they are screws being torqued into the case, the slots end up in random positions. Some people find this chaotic. Hublot calls it authentic. In terms of them actually falling out? It's exceptionally rare. Modern Hublot QC (Quality Control) has tightened up significantly over the last decade.
Servicing a Hublot Big Bang Ceramic isn't cheap, though. Since the case is a "sandwich" of different materials, including gaskets and resin inserts, you really have to send it back to an authorized service center. You're looking at anywhere from $600 to $1,200 for a full overhaul every 5-7 years. That's the price of entry for high-end horology.
The "Art of Fusion" in Daily Wear
Living with this watch is different than living with a Submariner. A Submariner is a tool that blends in. The Big Bang stands out.
The rubber strap is arguably the best in the business. Hublot was the first brand to put a "precious" watch on rubber back in 1980, and they've perfected it. It’s vanilla-scented (yes, really), and it resists sweat and UV rays. It doesn't get brittle. It doesn't smell like a gym bag after a month of wear.
Then there's the "One Click" system found on many newer models. You press a trapezoidal button on the lug, and the strap pops off. No tools. No scratched lugs. You can swap from a black rubber strap to a blue alligator-leather-on-rubber strap in ten seconds. It changes the entire vibe of the watch. This versatility is why the Hublot Big Bang Ceramic appeals to people who only want to own one "nice" watch. It can be a stealthy black-out piece one day and a vibrant statement piece the next.
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Resale Value: The Elephant in the Room
We have to be honest here. Hublot does not hold its value like Rolex or Patek Philippe. If you buy a Hublot Big Bang Ceramic at full retail price from a boutique, you will likely see a 30% to 40% drop in value the moment you walk out the door.
That’s bad news for investors. It’s great news for enthusiasts.
The secondary market for Hublot is a goldmine. You can pick up a lightly used, modern Big Bang Ceramic for a fraction of its original MSRP. At that "pre-owned" price point, the value proposition shifts dramatically. You’re getting a high-tech material, a sophisticated flyback movement, and a design icon for the price of a mass-produced steel diving watch from other brands.
What to Check Before Buying
If you're scouring the market for a Hublot Big Bang Ceramic, you need to be diligent.
- Check the Bezel Edges: While ceramic is hard, the sharp edges of the bezel can occasionally chip if hit with extreme force. Run your fingernail along the edge. It should be smooth.
- Verify the Movement: If it’s a newer model claiming to be a UNICO, look through the case back. The UNICO has a very distinct, skeletonized rotor and a matte grey finish on the bridges. If it looks like a generic gold-colored movement, it's either an older model or a fake.
- The Screws: Ensure the "H" screws are clean and not mangled. If someone without the right tool tried to open it, they’ll have chewed up the metal.
- The "Lugs" (Ears): On the Big Bang, the black parts between the ceramic bezel and the case are often resin. Check for any "whitening" or drying out of the resin, though this is mostly an issue on very old (15+ year) models.
Is it Right for You?
The Hublot Big Bang Ceramic is for the person who is bored of the "safe" choices. If you find the Speedmaster too vintage or the Royal Oak too delicate, the Big Bang is the alternative. It’s a watch that embraces the future. It uses materials used in aerospace and medical implants to create something that feels virtually indestructible.
It’s bold. It’s loud. It’s technically impressive if you look at the UNICO calibers.
Most importantly, it’s a watch that makes you feel something. Whether that’s the joy of seeing the gears turn through the dial or the satisfaction of a watch that never scratches, it delivers an experience that steel watches simply can’t match. It represents a specific era of horology where "more is more," and somehow, twenty years after its debut, it still looks like it’s from the future.
Actionable Insights for Potential Owners:
- Prioritize the UNICO: If your budget allows, skip the HUB4100 (Sellita-based) models and go for the UNICO (HUB1242/1280) for better long-term value and mechanical interest.
- Go 42mm for Comfort: If you have a wrist under 7 inches, the 42mm Big Bang Unico Ceramic is the "sweet spot" for daily wear.
- Buy Pre-Owned: Use reputable platforms like Chrono24 or WatchBox to find pieces that have already taken the initial depreciation hit.
- Check the Serial: Always verify the serial number with Hublot’s "e-warranty" system, which uses NFC technology in newer models to prove authenticity.