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LVMH Watch Week 2026: Hublot has given new life to the Big Bang, now the Big Bang Original Unico, with an updated case size, and of course, the in-house Unico Flyback Chronograph movement!

If you missed our coverage on Hublot last year, you may not have noticed it was the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang. In fact, we’re pretty sure most major watch media covered the event extensively, given Hublot’s status as a disruptor in the Watch industry. As part of the brand’s 20th anniversary celebrations for the Big Bang, Hublot brought out a collection of special edition Big Bang Original pieces, all limited in varying amounts based on the model, to help celebrate the watch’s birthday. 

Now, because of this move, we are here at Watch Advice, thought this may be the start of a brand new collection for Hublot moving forward, and speaking with CEO, Julien Tornare, at Watches & Wonders last year regarding the opening of the new building in Nyon to extend production capacity for the in-house Unico movement, we thought it won’t be long until we see a new Big Bang collection with the Unico chronograph movement inside. 

A New Era For The Big Bang

Well, it turns out we were correct, and for LVMH Watch Week 2026, Hublot has done just that by re-introducing the Big Bang as the Big Bang Original Unico – a new collection based on the 20th anniversary editions from last year, however, all with a few subtle design and style differences, and now part of the core collection. 

In the new collection, there are four new variants: a titanium, titanium and ceramic, King Gold, and a full Black Magic ceramic model. All are designed to showcase Hublot’s versatility and creativity using different materials, and all are in the new slimmed-down and ergonomic 43mm case size. 

So, what is different about these models compared to the limited edition 20th anniversary models we saw last year? Obviously, Hublot didn’t want to deviate too much from the models that were released last year, as this was a signal that they were kicking off a new era for the Big Bang collection, but those who have an eagle eye will be able to spot the differences fairly easily.

A More Refined Big Bang

But before we get into the differences, let’s start with what the new collection offers. Hublot has slimmed down the cases, as we saw in the 20th anniversary collection, to a fairly reasonable 43 mm case size. This bridges the gap between the 41 mm and a 44 mm case size, and at just 13.2 mm thick and with a more ergonomic case, these fit much better on the wrist than the previous generation did.

The case is based more on the Big Bang Unico collection, so the lugs are now shorter with Hublot’s “One-Click” system to quickly change the straps out, and in addition to this, they are smoother and more curved compared to the previous generation Big Bang Original models. The collection also features the carbon illusion pattern on the dial, which gives these more depth and is also a nod to the original Hublot Big Bang that was released in 2005.

All have the interchangeable black rubber strap with a structured tire-like pattern, something that I personally quite like, and all are fastened with titanium deployant buckles. In the case of the King Gold model, it is plated with 18 carat gold and on the black magic, it is part ceramic and black plated titanium.

The Best Chronograph Movement On The Market

Yes, big call, but let me explain. All of the pieces house the MHUB1280 Unico Movement, which has been designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Hublot and features a 72-hour power reserve, as well as the famous flyback chronograph, allowing you to instantly reset and start timing an event in a fraction of a second with the click of a button.

I have on many occasions, but I may as well reiterate again, this is one of the smoothest operating chronograph movements on the market, and for those who may not know, this was developed from the ground up, and features quite a few innovations when you compare it to a standard chronograph movement from most other brands – such as a double clutch system and the minute counter powered directly off the barrel so it is more energy efficient, and so smooth to operate.

Similar, But Different

Now, let’s get to the differences between these and the 20th anniversary collection from last year. Those who are looking closely will notice a few subtle design changes on the watches. On the dial, Hublot has introduced metal rings around the two subdials, which makes these pop out more from the dial compared to the 20th anniversary collection, which lacked them.

In addition, the central second chronograph hand is now silver, or in the case of the King Gold, gold, versus the red central chronograph hand from the 20th anniversary titanium and King Gold models. When it comes to the Black Magic, this has been given a little bit more life and vibrancy with the addition of the silver numerals, indices, and hands on the dial, providing much more contrast compared to last year‘s Black Magic, which has a fully blacked-out dial. Also, the new Black Magic model now has titanium chronograph pushers on the side, versus last year‘s, which featured Black Magic ceramic pushers.

The movement also now features Hublot’s standard Unico rotor, skeletonised with Hublot logo, and done in an Anthracite colour, Ruthenium plated, microblasted & circular satin finished compared to the 22 carat gold rotor found in the 20th anniversary editions. 

Initial Thoughts

The Hublot Big Bang collection was getting a little bit tired, which I will freely admit, but I feel like Hublot also found this as well. With the introduction of this new collection, Hublot has breathed new life into the icon, and just in time for LVMH Watch Week, kicking off what looks to be a great 2026 for the brand. I can hear the Hublotista getting excited already!

Hublot hasn’t overdone the collection either, sticking to four main models which will give people enough options to suit their style and budget. As mentioned, Hublot has done this to showcase the variety of materials, such as the proprietary King Gold, which is strengthened with platinum, the Black Magic ceramic, which incidentally celebrates its 20th Birthday, and of course, a titanium or titanium and black ceramic model for those wanting a watch which is more classic in tone.

With the new models comes a jump in price as well, from A$23,700 in the previous generation titanium and ceramic to A$31,900 in the new generation. But, you can’t compare these as apples with apples – this is more a case of apples and bananas. This new generation Hublot Big Bang Original Unico is a much better watch – in fact, it is a whole new watch with a new case, size, proportions, movement and refinements and brings this in line with the Big Bang Unico, albeit priced just under this, as well as the 20th Anniversary Big Bang collection.

2026 is shaping up to be a good year for Hublot, and with the introduction of the Big Bang Original Unico collection, and if I look into my crystal ball, we could see a few more models at Watches & Wonders 2026 (fingers crossed), with new colour ways, variations and materials. Perhaps a collaboration or two. Let’s see…

References And Specifications

Big Bang Original Unico Titanium – 431.NX.1370.RX

Australian Retail Pricing: A$30,100

Big Bang Original Unico Titanium & Ceramic – 431.NM.1370.RX

Australian Retail Pricing: A$31,900

Big Bang Original Unico Black Magic – 431.CI.1370.RX

Australian Retail Pricing: A$33,700

Big Bang Original Unico King Gold – 431.OM.1380.RX

Australian Retail Pricing: A$58,600

Availability: Available via Hublot Boutiques, retailers and online at Hublot.com