Hublot only launches Big Bang Integral Time

Stylish, simple and carefree.

A pioneer of luxury sports watches in gold and rubber in the 1980s, Hublot is a relatively newcomer to the world of luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets – its debut is the 2020 Flyback Chronograph. Now, a simple, hassle-free version joins the lineup.

At LVMH Watch Week 2022, the brand unveiled the Big Bang Integral Time Only, which naturally comes with an integrated bracelet, but is also the most compact 40mm wide men’s Big Bang to date. In typical Hublot style, the new Time Only is available in three materials, none of which is steel, but titanium, ceramic or gold.

It’s great to see Hublot adapting its offerings to accommodate the demand for small(er) watches, especially since the Big Bang has always been, um, big. The Time Only’s fine-tuning size brings it closer to the size of traditional luxury sports watches, which are essentially delicate bracelets that tell the time.

Despite its unusually small proportions, the new Time Only is still very much like a Hublot. It manages to capture the copy Hublot style in design and materials, while avoiding some of the clichés of the integrated sports watch category, namely patterned dials or steel cases and bracelets.

The most obvious difference between the Time Only and the typical one piece bracelet sports watch is the dial. Eliminating the dial entirely and exposing the movement underneath makes it look more technical and modern. It’s certainly not a novelty look, but it’s still different enough from the category to be recognizable.

However, I found the dial of the Time Only to be a bit bare compared to the chronograph version, while the front of the chronograph module shows more.

While the MHUB1710 in the Time Only has its own appeal – it’s a great take on the Zenith – I imagine there are several alternatives that might look, including minimalist black dials without any markings like the Classic Fusion 40th Anniversary , or the ultra-fancy three-dimensional dials that Hublot often does.

But the most eye-catching version is the $19,900 all-ceramic version — the most eye-catching of the trio. In fact, it’s arguably the best value for money, as it’s one of the few all-ceramic luxury sports watches with alternating brushed and polished surfaces on the faceted case and bracelet. It’s a limited edition of 250 pieces – other versions are produced as standard – which makes it even more appealing. Shopping replica watches

That said, there is a similarly styled watch that is simpler to wear and has the same movement but costs a lot less, the Zenith Defy Classic. However, Hublot wins in fit and finish, to a degree that justifies the price.

three hands and a date
Simple on the surface, Time Only’s thoughtful details give it a sophisticated feel. For example, the dial has depth, especially when viewed from an angle, with sloping chapter rings and solid hour-markers positioned above the movement.

But the highlight is definitely the bracelet, which is similar to the one on the Integral Chronograph that debuted two years ago.

It consists of short, faceted links with contrasting brushed and polished surfaces, giving the bracelet an eye-catching reflective look while also being comfortable.

Cleverly concealed, the clasp creates a seamless connection between the two halves of the bracelet, while subtly incorporating the Hublot logo.

Time Only is the MHUB1710, which is based on the Zenith Elite 670. The base movement is more than two decades old, but has a strong performance.

It runs at 28,800 beats per hour, or 4 Hz, and has a 50-hour power reserve. Mechanically, it is nearly identical to the Zenith movement iteration, except for the silicon escape wheel found only in the latest Zenith models.

Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only
Ref. 456.NX.0170.NX (titanium)
refer to. 456.CX.0140.CX (black ceramic)
refer to. 456.VX.0130.VX (Gold)

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 9.25mm
Material: Titanium, Ceramic or 18k Yellow Gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: MHUB1710
Functions: hours, minutes and date
Frequency: 28,800 windings/hour (4 Hz)
: Automatic winding
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Matching bracelet