Introduction
When you hear the name Hublot, you think of oversized cases, exposed movements, and a certain wrist presence that borders on the theatrical. The reference 910.NX.0001.RX – part of the Big Bang Unico line – is no exception. But beyond the Instagram shots and the celebrity endorsements, how does this titanium chronograph actually wear day to day? I strapped it on for a full week of city life, from morning meetings to evening dinners, to find out if the Big Bang is a genuine daily companion or just a statement piece.
This review is written from the perspective of a collector who values ergonomics, legibility, and real-world durability. The 910.NX.0001.RX is a 45mm titanium automatic chronograph with a skeleton dial, rubber strap, and a deployant clasp. It houses Hublot’s in-house caliber HUB1242 Unico movement, visible through both the dial and the sapphire caseback. At a retail price hovering around $20,000, it competes with the likes of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and the Rolex Daytona. But does it deliver on the wrist? Let’s find out.
Brand History
Hublot was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, who introduced the concept of a gold watch on a rubber strap – a radical idea at the time. The brand remained relatively niche until Jean-Claude Biver took over in 2004 and launched the Big Bang collection in 2005. The Big Bang’s layered case, exposed screws, and fusion of materials (ceramic, titanium, gold, rubber) became an instant hit. Today, Hublot is part of LVMH and continues to push boundaries with in-house movements like the Unico, first introduced in 2010. The 910.NX.0001.RX is a direct descendant of that original Big Bang, now powered by a second-generation Unico movement with a flyback chronograph.
Movement
The HUB1242 Unico is an automatic column-wheel chronograph with a flyback function. It beats at 28,800 vph, offers 72 hours of power reserve, and is COSC-certified. The movement is visible through the skeleton dial and the sapphire caseback, with industrial finishing that includes circular graining, perlage, and beveled bridges. The date window is at 3 o’clock, and the chronograph pushers are crisp and tactile. The flyback allows you to reset the chronograph while it’s running – a useful feature for timing consecutive events. While the finishing is not at the level of a Patek Philippe, it is robust and well-executed for a modern sports chronograph.
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Case Thickness: 14.5mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 52mm
- Case Material: Titanium
- Crystal: Sapphire (box-shaped, AR-coated)
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers
- Bracelet/Strap: Black rubber strap with titanium deployant clasp
Wrist Feel
On a 6.75-inch wrist, the 45mm case and 52mm lug-to-lug are undeniably large. The titanium construction keeps the weight down to a manageable 120 grams on the rubber strap, but the watch still feels substantial. The rubber strap is supple and conforms well, though the deployant clasp adds a bit of bulk under the wrist. The skeleton dial can be busy, but the high-contrast hands and indices offer decent legibility in most lighting. The crown and pushers are easy to operate, and the flyback chronograph is a joy to use. However, the watch does not slide under a dress shirt cuff – it’s a bare-wrist or jacket-cuff companion at best. For daily wear, the balance is good, but the sheer diameter means it will catch on door frames and backpack straps. If you have a 7-inch wrist or larger, the proportions feel more natural.
Accuracy
Over a week of mixed wear, the HUB1242 ran consistently at +2.5 seconds per day, well within COSC spec. The flyback chronograph resets crisply, and the date change is instantaneous. Expect real-world accuracy of -2 to +4 seconds per day, depending on activity level and winding state.
Occasions
The Big Bang Unico is best suited for casual and sporty settings. It works well with jeans and a t-shirt, or a polo and chinos. It can handle a business casual environment if your office is relaxed, but it will look out of place with a suit and tie. The 100m water resistance and rubber strap make it a capable swimmer, though the skeleton dial might not be ideal for underwater legibility. It’s a great travel watch thanks to the flyback chronograph and robust titanium case.
Wrist Presence
5/5 – The Big Bang Unico is a wrist monster. The combination of a 45mm titanium case, skeleton dial, and rubber strap ensures it will be noticed. It’s not a watch for wallflowers, but for those who want their timepiece to make a statement, this delivers in spades.
Reference Variants
The 910.NX.0001.RX is the standard titanium model with a black skeleton dial and black rubber strap. There are also blue and grey skeleton dial variants (ref. 910.NX.0002.RX and 910.NX.0003.RX). All share the same case and movement, differing only in dial color and strap matching.
Family and Sibling References
The Big Bang Unico family includes the 411.NX.1170.RX (titanium with black ceramic bezel), the 411.CF.1170.RX (carbon fiber), and the 411.JX.1170.RX (King Gold). The 910 series is a slightly updated version with a different bezel design and the HUB1242 movement. Other notable Hublot models include the Classic Fusion (slimmer, more dressy) and the Spirit of Big Bang (tonneau-shaped).
Similar Watches
If you like the Big Bang Unico, you might also consider the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26420SO (similar bold titanium chronograph, but with an integrated bracelet and higher price), the Richard Mille RM 011 (even more extreme skeleton design, but at triple the cost), or the Zenith Defy El Primero 21 (a more technical skeleton chronograph with a 1/100th second complication).
Homages
For those on a budget, the Pagani Design PD-1701 offers a similar aesthetic for under $100, though with a quartz movement and much lower build quality. The Stuhrling Original Aviator 775.01 is another skeleton chronograph homage with a rubber strap, but don’t expect Hublot-level finishing.
Investment Value
The MSRP of the 910.NX.0001.RX is $20,500. Pre-owned prices range from $12,000 to $16,000, depending on condition and box/papers. The trend is depreciating – Hublot Big Bangs lose value quickly after purchase. This is not a watch to buy as an investment; it’s a watch to wear and enjoy. No major auction history exists for this reference.
Service Interval
Hublot recommends service every 5 years. The cost is approximately $900 at an authorized service center. Because the Unico movement is proprietary, it’s best to use Hublot’s own service network. Independent watchmakers may not have access to parts.
Pros and Cons
Pros: In-house flyback chronograph movement, lightweight titanium case, comfortable rubber strap with deployant, bold and recognizable design.
Cons: Very large – not for small wrists, skeleton dial can be hard to read at a glance, resale value drops significantly, does not fit under dress shirts.
Final Verdict
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Titanium 910.NX.0001.RX is a watch for those who want to be seen. It’s comfortable for its size, the movement is excellent, and the titanium keeps it wearable. But the sheer diameter and skeleton dial limit its versatility. If you have the wrist and the confidence, it’s a fantastic daily driver. If you prefer understatement, look elsewhere.
