Spirit of Big Bang
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang: The Complete Collector's Encyclopedia
Hublot's first tonneau (barrel-shaped) case, introduced in 2014 as an alternative silhouette to the round Big Bang. Retains the H-shaped bezel screws, multi-material construction, and Art of Fusion philosophy in an elongated, curving form. Available in 42mm and 45mm configurations. Chronograph models use the HUB4700 (derived from Zenith's El Primero, 36,000 vph, 50-hour reserve). The Meca-10 variant houses Hublot's in-house manual-winding caliber with a 10-day (240-hour) power reserve and fully skeletonized dial. Pre-owned titanium 42mm examples trade at $15,000 to $22,000. Ceramic and sapphire variants hold value somewhat better than standard Hublot depreciation curves. King Gold editions at $28,000 to $40,000 pre-owned.
Last updated: 2026-04-02
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Specifications
History
The Spirit of Big Bang was born in 2014 as Hublot's first new case shape since Jean-Claude Biver launched the round Big Bang in 2005. The tonneau case was Hublot's answer to the question: 'What happens when you apply the Art of Fusion philosophy to a non-round form?' The answer was a barrel-shaped case that maintained the Big Bang's multi-layered construction, H-shaped screws, and material experimentation while creating an entirely new silhouette. Named 'Spirit of' because it captures the essence of the Big Bang (innovation, boldness, fusion)in a new body.
Iconic References
Buying Guide
- • Hublot fans who want the most distinctive case shape in the collection
- • Collectors who appreciate tonneau/barrel cases as an alternative to round watches
- • Mechanical enthusiasts drawn to the Meca-10's 10-day power reserve
- • Buyers who want a truly avant-garde luxury watch that guarantees they won't match anyone else
- • Material enthusiasts attracted to sapphire, ceramic, or King Gold in a tonneau form
Pricing & Market Data
Retail MSRP
Pre-Owned Market
Market Trajectory
Standard models depreciate 30-40% from retail. Limited editions and sapphire cases hold better.
Investment Grade
D-tier standard production. C-tier for Meca-10 and ceramic. B-tier for sapphire and limited editions.
Best Value Pick
The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium 42mm at $16,000-$20,000 pre-owned: Zenith El Primero-based chronograph in a tonneau case from LVMH's most innovative watch brand.
Comparisons
Cultural Significance
Various Hublot ambassadors
Spirit of Big Bang
The Spirit of Big Bang appeals to the same celebrity and athlete clientele as the Big Bang: bold personalities who gravitate toward unconventional luxury.
Collector's Lore
The Spirit of Big Bang was the first non-round Hublot case since the brand's founding, a genuine design risk that paid off commercially.
The Meca-10's 10-day power reserve uses a visible rack-and-pinion system to display remaining energy, the power reserve indicator is itself a mechanical spectacle.
Full sapphire Spirit of Big Bang cases require nearly 600 hours of machining from seven blocks of sapphire crystal. The material is second in hardness only to diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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