People either love the Hublot Big Bang or they hate it. There’s not much middle ground with a watch this bold. If you’re weighing one up, you want to make sure you pick the right one.
The hard part is choosing. Hublot has made hundreds of Big Bang versions since 2005, and they don’t all hold their value. This Hublot Big Bang buying guide shows you which ones are worth buying and which ones lose money when you sell.
You’ll get which model to buy, Unico or ETA movement, what they cost pre-owned, and how to spot a fake. Send us your shortlist and we’ll tell you which one fits.
The 4 Big Bang Models Worth Buying
The Big Bang comes in many sizes, movements, and materials, so the right one depends on your wrist and how you plan to wear it. These four are the ones we would buy ourselves right now. If you want to see where the Big Bang sits against the rest of the brand’s range, our full Hublot buying guide walks through the wider lineup.
1. Big Bang Integrated 42mm
If you buy one Big Bang, make it the Integrated 42mm. It handles daily wear, sits light on the wrist, and still looks clean with a jacket. Its Unico movement is a flyback chronograph, so you can reset and restart the timer in one press.
It is also the easiest of the four to sell later, because buyers want the ceramic case and the in-house movement.
- Reference: 451.HX.1123.HX
- Case: 42mm white ceramic with six H-shaped titanium screws
- Dial: Grey skeleton with red accents
- Movement: In-house Unico HUB1280, automatic flyback chronograph
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Water resistance: 100m
- Bracelet: Integrated white ceramic with titanium deployant
- Price: Around $17,200, in stock
2. Big Bang Original 44mm
The Big Bang Original 44mm is the shape people picture when they hear “Big Bang.” It is the original design that started the whole line and made Hublot’s name. It uses the older ETA-based movement instead of the in-house Unico, which is why it costs less than the newer pieces.
Buy it for the look.
- Reference: 301.SB.131.RX
- Case: 44mm stainless steel with black ceramic bezel and six H-shaped titanium screws
- Dial: Black carbon fiber
- Movement: HUB4100 automatic chronograph, ETA-based
- Power reserve: 42 hours
- Water resistance: 100m
- Strap: Black structured rubber with steel deployant
- Price: Around $12,650, in stock
3. Big Bang Meca-10 45mm
The Big Bang Meca-10 is the one to buy if you want the most watchmaking for your money. Wind it up and it runs for ten full days. A gauge at 6 o’clock shows how much power is left, and a marker at 3 turns red when you are down to two days.
You can see the whole Meccano-style movement through the open dial, which is the main draw. No other Big Bang gives you this much movement for the money.
- Reference: 414.CI.1123.RX
- Case: 45mm black ceramic with six H-shaped titanium screws
- Dial: Matte black skeleton
- Movement: In-house Meca-10 HUB1201, hand-wound
- Power reserve: 10 days (240 hours)
- Water resistance: 100m
- Strap: Black rubber with ceramic and titanium deployant
- Price: Around $14,000, in stock
4. Big Bang Black Magic 44mm
The Big Bang Black Magic is the cheapest way into a ceramic Big Bang. It is the all-black version of the steel Original above and uses the same ETA-based movement, so you get the same watch in tougher, scratch-resistant material for less.
At this price, an ETA movement is exactly the right call. Buy it well under retail and it is the smartest entry point of the four.
- Reference: 301.CI.1770.RX
- Case: 44mm microblasted black ceramic with six H-shaped titanium screws
- Dial: Black carbon fiber
- Movement: HUB4100 automatic chronograph, ETA-based
- Power reserve: 42 hours
- Water resistance: 100m
- Strap: Black rubber with deployant
- Price: Around $6,900, in stock
Should You Buy a Big Bang New or Used?
Buy a Big Bang used. A new Big Bang drops a lot in value in the first year or two. Buy a used one and someone else has already taken that loss, so from there the price barely moves.
A new steel Big Bang costs over $12,900. A clean used one sells for about 30% less. After that first drop, the price mostly holds, often changing by only a few hundred dollars a year.
Hublot also gets more criticism than most big watch brands. That lowers demand for used models, which helps you as a buyer. You get the same bold look as a Royal Oak Offshore or a Nautilus for a lot less money. If you’re torn between the two houses, we break down how the Big Bang compares to an AP Royal Oak in a separate guide.
It can take a while to find a buyer. That slower resale is the downside of buying at a lower price.
Unico vs. ETA: Which Movement to Buy
Buy the Unico if your budget allows it. Only go for the older ETA-based Big Bang if you want the classic look and can find one well under retail.
The Unico (caliber HUB1280) is Hublot’s own movement, made in Nyon. It is a flyback chronograph with a 72-hour power reserve, and you can see it working through the open dial.
The older Big Bangs use a modified ETA or Sellita movement instead. These are common, reliable movements used across the watch industry, with a shorter 42 to 48-hour power reserve.
A common question from buyers is whether an ETA watch is worth over $10,000. The ETA movement is reliable and cheaper to service, but it is nothing special. The Unico is the one with the better engineering and the better resale value. Pay ETA prices for an ETA watch and you are fine. Pay Unico prices for an ETA watch and you overpaid.
Which Big Bang Material Should You Buy?
For most buyers, ceramic or titanium is the right pick. The material you choose affects how the watch wears each day and how easy it is to sell later. Ceramic and titanium do well on both.
Titanium is light and comfortable for everyday wear, even on a big case. Ceramic resists scratches well and costs a little more than steel on the used market. If you’re deciding between the two, we cover how ceramic and titanium compare in more detail. Carbon fiber is a favorite among enthusiasts for its look and light weight. Magic Gold is for buyers who want gold that resists scratches.
Special materials like carbon fiber and Magic Gold appeal to fewer buyers, so they can be harder to sell later. Buy those because you love them.
What a Hublot Big Bang Costs Pre-Owned
Most used Big Bangs cost between about $7,000 and $30,000. Rare and precious versions go well above that. The price depends on the movement, size, and material, and the ranges below are what we see on clean, complete examples.
| Reference / Type | Typical Pre-Owned Range |
| Steel three-hand / time-only | $7,300 – $12,000 |
| Original 44mm chronograph (steel/ceramic) | $8,500 – $14,000 |
| Unico 42mm (titanium/ceramic) | $11,000 – $18,000 |
| Unico 45mm | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Magic Gold | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| King Gold, diamonds, rare limited editions | $30,000 – $85,000+ |
A watch that comes with its box, warranty card, and service records sells for more and finds a buyer faster than a watch on its own. On Hublot, the paperwork is worth real money, so expect to pay more for a complete set.
Which Big Bang Holds Its Value Best?
The best for holding value are the in-house Unico models in ceramic or titanium. Steel ETA chronographs lose the most. Limited editions vary a lot.
The Unico models hold up because the in-house movement gives used buyers a reason to want them. Ceramic cases and the 42mm size help even more. These are the ones we sell fastest.
The worst for holding value are the cheaper steel ETA models bought near retail. With limited editions, it depends on the piece. The ones tied to a real partnership or a small production run can hold their value or even rise. The bold color versions often lose value once the excitement fades.
How to Spot a Fake Hublot Big Bang
Hublot is faked a lot, and the layered case gives fakes plenty of places to get wrong. Here are the six things we check on every Big Bang before we sell it. If you want a broader checklist, here’s what to check on any pre-owned watch before you buy.
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
| H-shaped bezel screws | On a real Big Bang the six screws are not lined up on purpose. Fakes often line them up. |
| Rubber strap feel | Real straps are soft and flexible, with no hard edges or mould lines. Stiff or seamed rubber points to a fake. |
| Deployant clasp | The titanium clasp should be signed and cleanly finished. |
| Pushers and crown | They should screw down smoothly and feel solid. |
| Serial to card match | The serial on the case back must match the warranty card exactly. |
| Dial finishing | The hour markers are cut cleanly, with polished and brushed surfaces. Rough or uneven markers point to a fake. |
If a seller cannot answer any of these, slow down. With a brand faked this often, a seller who is open about condition is worth more than anything else.
Big Bang vs. Classic Fusion
The Big Bang and the Classic Fusion are Hublot’s two best-known lines, and people often mix them up.
The Big Bang is the bold sports watch. It has a thick case, exposed screws, and sits large on the wrist. The Classic Fusion is flatter and simpler, and it fits more easily under a shirt cuff.
If you want a watch people notice, go for the Big Bang. If you want a Hublot you can wear under a sleeve, choose the Classic Fusion. Both come from the same brand and share the round porthole shape. Our full Big Bang vs Classic Fusion comparison walks through the differences in detail.
Where to Buy a Hublot Big Bang
Buy from a seller who checks each watch in person and shows it to you before you pay. This matters more with the Big Bang than with almost any other luxury watch. It is faked often, comes in many materials, and used pieces vary a lot in condition. Buying one you cannot see up close is a real risk, which is why where you buy a pre-owned watch matters as much as which one you pick.
At Majestix Collection, we inspect every watch in person. You get condition notes from someone who has handled hundreds of these, plus a full tour video so you see the real watch before you buy. We also walk you through which movement it has, the material, and whether it comes complete with its box and papers.
Send us your shortlist and we will tell you straight which one fits and which to skip. If there’s a specific reference you’re after, we can also help you source one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Big Bang water resistant enough for swimming?
The Big Bang is rated to 100m, which covers swimming and the pool. It is not made for scuba or deep diving. Keep the crown pushed in and do not use the chrono pushers underwater. Rinse it after saltwater or chlorine, and have the seals checked at each service if you swim often.
Can you change the Big Bang strap yourself?
On most Unico models you can, and it is easy. Hublot’s One-Click system has a small button where the strap meets the case. Press it, pop one strap off, and click another on in seconds, without tools. Older Original models use a screwed-on strap, which is better left to a watchmaker.
Is the Big Bang a good first luxury watch?
It can be, as long as you like the design. The Big Bang is bold and gets noticed, so it is not a quiet, safe first watch. It is also large, so try one on for size. It will not hold value like a Rolex, so buy it because you like it.
Does the Unico wear thicker than the Original?
The Unico wears noticeably thicker. Its case is taller to fit the in-house chronograph movement, while the older ETA models sit slimmer. On a flat wrist or under a cuff, you will feel the extra height. If you want less bulk, the 42mm wears lower than the 45mm, so try both on.
Final Thoughts on the Hublot Big Bang Buying Guide
Buy used to skip the big first drop in price. If your budget allows, go for the in-house Unico in a 42mm case, because that is the easiest to wear and to sell later. Then pick the material that fits your daily life, and lean toward ceramic or titanium. That is the core of this Hublot Big Bang buying guide.
Hublot gets a lot of criticism, and that keeps used prices lower, which works in your favor as a buyer. Just make sure you buy a clean, complete example with its box and papers. The Big Bang is faked often, so check it closely or buy from a seller who does.
Budget for a service every 4 to 5 years, because a Hublot service is not cheap. Check for over-polishing, because a heavy polish rounds off the sharp case edges and makes the watch look wrong. Send us your shortlist when you are ready.
More Hublot Watches
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph Skeletonized Dial 18k Rose Gold Case Alligator Strap 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 641.OX.0183.LR
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Skeleton Dial Black Ceramic Bezel Black Rubber Strap Titanium 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 642.NM.0170.RX
Hublot Big Bang Unico Skeleton Dial Black Rubber Strap 18K King Gold 45mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 411.OX.1180.RX
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Limited 1 of 50 Skeleton Dial Green Rubber Strap Black Green Carbon Fiber 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 645.QG.5217.RX
Hublot Classic Fusion 42MM Black Dial Rose Gold Bezel Titanium Black Rubber Strap MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 542.NO.1180.LR
2025 Hublot Big Bang Original Black Carbon Fiber Dial Black Ceramic Bezel Black Rubber Strap Stainless Steel 44mm MINT CONDITION 301.SB.131.RX
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Skeleton Dial Titanium Case Black Rubber Strap 45mm MINT CONDITION 414.N1.1123.RX
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 OBEY Limited Edition Skeleton Dial Shepard Fairey Blue Carbon Blue Leather Strap 45mm MINT CONDITION 414.YL.5179.VR.SHF18
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Limited 1 of 50 Skeleton Dial Green Rubber Strap Black Green Carbon Fiber 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 645.QG.5217.RX
NEW UNWORN Hublot Classic Fusion Green Sunray Dial Titanium Leather Strap 45mm COMPLETE SET 541.NX.8970.RX
Hublot Big Bang "Black Magic" Black Carbon Fiber Dial Black Ceramic Case Black Rubber Strap 44mm FULL SET MINT CONDITION 301.CI.1770.RX
2024 Hublot Big Bang Unico Orange Skeleton Dial Limited Edition Rubber Strap Ceramic 44mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 441.CU.5910.RX
