Divisive? Absolutely. Innovative, bold and iconic? Equally as true. The Hublot Big Bang is a masterpiece in many regards, cleverly fusing materials, architectural excellence, in-house movements, and bold splashes of colour. We know it’s not a watch for everyone, but its popularity proves there’s a market for these oversized, distinctive designs.
BIG BANG UNICO ICE BANG - Credit Hublot
The Hublot Big Bang, though seemingly modern, is actually inspired by a 1980’s model. It incorporates signature design details like the porthole-like bezel, large screws, prominent crown guards and integrated strap to create a bold, almost futuristic-looking watch. The design was one of the first watches to combine materials like gold, ceramic and rubber in such a bold seamless manner. It’s also a watch often seen strapped to the wrists of celebrities, further cementing its status as an icon.
BIG BANG UNICO ORANGE CERAMIC: A CLOCKWORK ORANGE - Credit Hublot
But with second-hand prices rarely below the £7k mark, the Hublot Big Bang is not a watch accessible to everyone. So, if you’re in the market for a statement watch, here are our top five affordable alternatives to the Hublot Big Bang…
Tissot T-Sport T-Race
Tissot T-Sport T-Race - Credit Tissot
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Entry-level watch brand Tissot is best known for their sophisticated dress watches like the Gentlemen or PRX. But hiding in their vast portfolio is an assertive watch with a design just as imposing as the Hublot Big Bang. We’re talking about the Tissot T-Sport T-Race. This model arrives with a large 43mm wide case, unique perforated bezel and an oversized crown with crown guards for a sporty, motorsport-inspired finish. Despite the price, it also comes with sapphire crystal glass, a Swiss made quartz movement and chronograph complication. Price: £575
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton 39mm
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton - Credit Maurice Lacroix
A popular variation of the Hublot Big Bang is the Skeleton model with a complex openwork dial. There are few watches quite as explosive as this reference, but the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton watch is one of them. The smallest and most affordable model utilises a 39mm wide integrated stainless steel case with fierce brushed finishing and six large polished flanks around the bezel. The dial is beautifully intricate, revealing the ML115 automatic movement with sandblasting, colimaçon and ruthenium anthracite plating. The hands and markers appear to float on top, offering simple time-only function. Price: £3,450
G-Shock MT-G Aurora Oval
G-Shock MT-G Aurora Oval - Credit G-Shock
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Another popular rendition of the Hublot Big Bang is the Unico Rainbow, an unapologetically garish and expensive watch with rainbow-coloured gemstones set on the bezel and case and a multi-toned leather strap. It retails for a whopping £62,000. If you like an oversized watch with plenty of personality, you might also like the G-Shock MT-G Aurora Oval. For just a fraction of the price, this chronograph delivers a massive 51.9mm wide steel case finished with a unique multi-coloured rainbow coating inspired by the aurora borealis. It also has a translucent purple strap, sapphire crystal glass and solar-powered quartz movement. Price: £1,249.
U-Boat Classico
U-Boat Classico - Credit U-Boat
Our next affordable alternative to the Hublot Big Bang comes from Italian watchmaker U-Boat. Their entire portfolio is filled with large watches with distinctive crown and lever mechanisms placed on the left side of the case. The Classico collection is their best-seller, offering 42mm or 45mm wide stainless steel cases with thick brightly polished tungsten bezels, three-layer dials with Super-LumiNova hardware and Swiss made automatic movements. I particularly like the Classico Chronograph which cleverly incorporates a unique, linear small seconds, 24-hour sub dial and chronograph complication on an impressively clean dial. Price: Starts from £1,850.
Christopher Ward The Twelve X
Christopher Ward The Twelve X - Credit WatchGecko
Finally, a new arrival worthy of rivalling the Hublot Big Bang’s explosive demeanour is the Christopher Ward The Twelve X. This model combines The Twelve collection’s integrated case and bracelet with the British watchmaker’s in-house Calibre SH21 movement. The dial is completely stripped back to show off the machined finished bridges and plates contrasting in black and silver. It’s also the first watch from CW to feature both Grade 5 and Grade 2 titanium on the case and offer a micro-adjustable bracelet. It measures to 41mm wide and weighs just 51 grams. Price: From £3,750
