Hublot Big Bang MECA-10 42mm

Hublot, the Swiss watchmaker known for its bold designs and innovative use of materials, first burst onto the scene in 1980, making waves with the introduction of its first watch featuring a natural rubber strap – a novelty that would soon become a signature of the brand. This bold move challenged traditional watchmaking conventions and quickly established Hublot as a disruptor in the industry. Founded by Carlo Crocco, the brand's name, "Hublot," translates to "porthole" in French, a nod to the distinctive bezel design that resembles a ship's porthole. This unique aesthetic, combined with a commitment to pushing boundaries in materials and design, set the stage for Hublot's future successes.



The 21st century ushered in a new era for Hublot with the launch of the Big Bang collection in 2005. This collection marked a turning point for the brand, solidifying its reputation for creating timepieces that were not only visually striking but also technically impressive. The Big Bang series was characterized by its large, robust cases, exposed screws, and fusion of different materials, embodying Hublot's "Art of Fusion" philosophy. This philosophy, championed by the visionary Jean-Claude Biver, emphasized the blending of traditional watchmaking with cutting-edge materials and avant-garde design. The Big Bang quickly became a flagship collection, spawning numerous variations and limited editions, each showcasing Hublot's innovative spirit.



Among the many iterations of the Big Bang, the MECA-10 stood out as a true testament to Hublot's watchmaking prowess. Introduced in 2016, the original Big Bang MECA-10 was a revelation, defying expectations with its unconventional movement construction that was reminiscent of Meccano sets. This playful yet complex design not only captured the imagination but also showcased Hublot's ability to create movements that were both visually engaging and technically sophisticated. The ring-shaped base plate, onto which the bridges were attached, created a visual spectacle that was both intriguing and structurally sound. This unique approach to movement design, inspired by the interconnectedness of Meccano constructions, set the MECA-10 apart from anything else on the market.



Now, almost a decade later, Hublot has revisited this horological icon, refining and optimizing the MECA-10 for a new generation of watch enthusiasts. The new Big Bang MECA-10 42mm models retain the spirit of the original while presenting a more compact and wearable form factor. This reduction in size from the original, without sacrificing the watch's distinctive personality or performance, represents a significant achievement for Hublot's engineers and watchmakers. They have managed to preserve the essence of what made the MECA-10 so special while adapting it to contemporary tastes. The three new models, each crafted from distinct materials – King Gold, Titanium, and Frosted Carbon – showcase the brand's mastery of material science and design.



The Big Bang MECA-10 King Gold is a statement piece, exuding luxury and refinement. The case is crafted from Hublot's proprietary King Gold, a unique alloy that boasts a warmer hue than traditional 18K gold, thanks to the inclusion of platinum. The satin-finished and polished surfaces of the 42mm case highlight the richness of the material, creating a warm glow that catches the light with every movement of the wrist. The six H-shaped titanium screws securing the bezel are a signature element of the Big Bang collection, providing a subtle contrast to the luxurious gold. Turning the watch over, the sapphire crystal case back reveals the intricate workings of the HUB1205 manufacture manual-winding movement, a symphony of gears, bridges, and levers that power this exceptional timepiece.



The Big Bang MECA-10 Titanium offers a more understated, yet equally compelling, presence. The use of grade 5 titanium, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, results in a watch that is both robust and lightweight. The satin-finished and polished surfaces of the titanium case exhibit a subtle bluish sheen, giving the watch a modern, industrial aesthetic. This version is a testament to Hublot's expertise in working with this high-tech material, which is favored in aeronautics for its resistance to corrosion and its biocompatibility. The black structured lined rubber strap complements the titanium case perfectly, creating a cohesive and sporty look that is both comfortable and stylish.



The Big Bang MECA-10 Frosted Carbon is perhaps the most visually striking of the trio. Carbon fiber, a material often associated with high-performance motorsports, is known for its exceptional lightness, strength, and resistance to torsion. Hublot's frosted carbon treatment gives the case a unique textured appearance, resembling a dark, matte camouflage pattern. This innovative finish, combined with the inherent lightness of carbon fiber, makes for a watch that is both visually captivating and incredibly comfortable to wear. The black velcro fastener fabric strap adds to the watch's sporty character, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.



The common thread that unites these three models is the remarkable HUB1205 manufacture manual-winding movement. This movement is a true work of art, a testament to Hublot's watchmaking expertise. Void of a conventional dial, the MECA-10 showcases its intricate mechanics in a captivating display. The skeletonized design allows the wearer to appreciate the intricate interplay of gears, bridges, and levers, creating a dynamic and engaging visual experience. This movement is a visual feast, inviting the observer to delve into the inner workings of the watch.



One of the most distinctive features of the MECA-10 is its impressive 10-day power reserve. This remarkable feat of engineering is achieved through the use of two mainspring barrels, which store enough energy to keep the watch running for over a week without winding. But what truly sets this power reserve apart is its unique indicator. Instead of a traditional hand, the power reserve is displayed digitally, showing the number of days of autonomy remaining. This innovative display is driven by a "crémaillère" rack system, a mechanism rarely seen in mechanical watches. This system consists of a linear gear engaging a circular gear, moving in a straight line, creating a visually dynamic and intuitive way to track the watch's power reserve.



A closer examination of the power reserve system reveals a mechanism that is even more intricate than it first appears. It is composed of two superimposed disks that rotate in opposite directions, connected by a spiral spring that coils in their center, much like a barrel spring. This results in a differential display that is both surprising and easy to read. This ingenious mechanism is a testament to Hublot's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking innovation.



The balance wheel, positioned on the dial side of the movement, is another captivating element of the MECA-10. Its constant oscillation provides a ceaseless animation to the display, drawing the eye and highlighting the watch's mechanical heart. This balance wheel is equipped with Hublot's patented fine adjustment mechanism, ensuring precise timekeeping. The regulating organ features a lubricant-free and paramagnetic silicon escape wheel, further enhancing the movement's accuracy and longevity. For precise time-setting, the new Big Bang MECA-10 features a hacking seconds mechanism, allowing the wearer to stop the seconds hand when setting the time.



The intricate details of the movement are further enhanced by the sapphire crystal case back, which provides an unobstructed view of the HUB1205 caliber. The bridges and plates are finished with a combination of satin-brushed and polished surfaces, creating a play of light and shadow that accentuates the movement's depth and complexity. The exposed screws, a signature element of the Big Bang collection, add to the industrial aesthetic of the movement, while the Hublot logo is subtly engraved on the sapphire crystal.



Each of the three new Big Bang MECA-10 42mm models is paired with a strap that complements its unique character. The King Gold version features a black structured lined rubber strap, secured by an 18K King Gold and black-plated titanium deployant buckle clasp. This combination of materials provides both comfort and durability, while also adding to the watch's luxurious feel. The Titanium model also features a black structured lined rubber strap, but with a titanium deployant buckle clasp that matches the case material. The Frosted Carbon version is fitted with a black velcro fastener fabric strap, secured by a microblasted black ceramic sport buckle. This sporty and lightweight strap is perfectly suited to the watch's high-tech aesthetic.



The Big Bang MECA-10 42mm collection is a remarkable achievement for Hublot, showcasing the brand's ability to reinvent and refine its most iconic models. The King Gold version is priced at USD 42,700, the Titanium at USD 23,000, and the Frosted Carbon at USD 27,400. These watches are available through Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide.



Hublot Big Bang MECA-10 Frosted Carbon 42mm



Case: 42mm diameter. Matt Black Frosted Carbon case and bezel. Water resistant to 100m or 10 ATM. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

Movement: HUB1205 Manufacture Manual-winding Skeleton Power Reserve Movement. 10 Days power reserve.

Dial: Matte Black Skeleton Dial.

Strap: Black velcro fastener fabric. Microblasted Black ceramic Sport buckle.

Price: USD 27,400

Reference Number: 444.QN.1170.NR

Notes: Carbon fiber is ultra-lightweight, resists torsion, and has an optimal relationship between weight and resistance. Hublot uses 3D carbon where the fibers are woven on three planes.





Hublot Big Bang MECA-10 Titanium 42mm



Case: 42mm diameter. Satin-finished and Polished Titanium case and bezel. Water resistant to 100m or 10 ATM. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

Movement: HUB1205 Manufacture Manual-winding Skeleton Power Reserve Movement. 10 Days power reserve.

Dial: Matte Black Skeleton Dial.

Strap: Black Structured Lined Rubber Straps. Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp.

Price: USD 23,000

Reference Number: 444.NX.1170.RX

Notes: Hublot uses high quality, grade 5 titanium. Once polished, retains a slightly bluish metallic sheen.





Hublot Big Bang MECA-10 King Gold 42mm



Case: 42mm diameter. Satin-finished and Polished 18K King Gold case and bezel. Water resistant to 100m or 10 ATM. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

Movement: HUB1205 Manufacture Manual-winding Skeleton Power Reserve Movement. 10 Days power reserve.

Dial: Matte Black Skeleton Dial.

Strap: Black Structured Lined Rubber Straps. 18K King Gold and Black-plated Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp.

Price: USD 42,700

Reference Number: 444.OX.1180.RX

Notes: King Gold is a new gold color developed by Hublot with a warmer shade than traditional 5N 18K gold. Contains mainly platinum.