Hublot Big Bang Unico Essential Grey: A Collector's Leap of Faith

MTR · 2022-06-28T11:58:40Z

Explore MTR's spontaneous purchase of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Essential Grey. A collector's review of this online-exclusive, titanium timepiece.

MTR

WPS member · Hublot forum

86 replies22095 views10 photos

MTR's spontaneous acquisition of the Hublot Limited Edition Big Bang Unico Essential Grey, a watch purchased sight-unseen and online-exclusive, offers a compelling case study in modern luxury watch collecting. His detailed first impressions and subsequent reflections provide valuable insights into the ownership experience of a contemporary Hublot, particularly for those considering a brand outside their usual collecting habits. This article synthesizes MTR's initial enthusiasm with community discussion, exploring the nuances of online purchasing, brand perception, and the practicalities of a new timepiece.

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Yes, it really was a crazy move. An action to match a WIS. 🙄

Last Thursday I discovered this watch in an internet report and was immediately hooked.

The Hublot Limited Edition Big Bang Unico Essential Grey is limited to 200 pieces and only available online.

It took me about 1 minute to decide to buy a watch whose brand I have zero experience with and which I have never tried on my wrist.

Full love, full risk. 😎

A short time later I received a confirmation and a guarantee via email that has now been extended again until June 25th, 2025.

I can’t believe that the watch was already delivered today. So five days after ordering (and not to forget one weekend in between!), I got my first Hublot perfectly packaged, delivered in perfect condition. Shortly after receiving the package someone from the shipping company called me and asked if everything was ok and the watch had arrived safely.

A fantastic service that only increases my enjoyment of the watch.

Oh yes, the watch! She is amazing and looks so much better in person than in the marketing photos. She is perfect.

The Titanium case wears incredibly light and well, the pushers of the chronograph work - as already announced by other Hublotistas - buttery smooth.

A power reserve of 72 hours and 100m water resistance guarantee absolute suitability for everyday use.

The dial looks great, too, and even the date indication (in many cases a hot topic for me because unfortunately very often designed carelessly) is wonderfully implemented here.

I am overjoyed and very happy. ☺️🙏

Almost 75 minutes have passed since the delivery. Here are the first photos for you. And thank you everyone for your encouraging words on my absolutely insane act.

Cheers 🥂
Thomas

[Typo corrected upon request --- FabR]

This message has been edited by FabR on 2022-06-30 22:07:18

Key Points from the Discussion

The Hublot Big Bang Unico Essential Grey's titanium case and skeletonized dial create a dynamic visual experience, displaying '1,000 shades of grey' that shift between silvery and true titanium tones depending on the light.
MTR's decision to purchase the watch was driven by personal feeling rather than trends, highlighting a 'brand agnostic' approach to collecting that prioritizes individual aesthetic appeal over popular demand.
Despite initial reservations about the Hublot brand, MTR found the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey to offer significant value and top-tier quality, challenging common criticisms of the brand.
MTR observed that the watch's rate accuracy initially ran fast (+3 seconds in 8 hours) but gradually slowed down, indicating a potential need for regulation, which he later addressed with a watchmaker.
A contributor shared an anecdote about having a new Panerai regulated by a local watchmaker to achieve COSC-level accuracy, even arranging for pre-delivery regulation on subsequent purchases, suggesting that a skilled watchmaker can significantly improve a watch's performance.
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Essential Grey comes with two strap options: the fitted ridged rubber strap and an additional silvery fabric and Velcro strap that resembles a Milanese bracelet, offering versatility in wear.

The Discussion

Arronax

Jun 28, 2022

Looks fantastic!

For those willing to look beyond the hype they have some interesting things on offer. Can you remind me, Is this a flyback and what's the size?

MTR

Jun 28, 2022

Thanks for looking, Arronax!

At the heart of the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey beats the manufacture HUB1280 calibre, a “simple” column-wheel chronograph movement, not a Rattrapante. The case size is 42 mm.

Ambiorix

Jun 28, 2022

Yes

Flyback on board. Grtz,Dom

MTR

Jun 29, 2022

Correct!

Just checked it! ☺️

JoshTheCanadian

Jun 28, 2022

Congratulations on the pickup!

Just my humble opinion, but I think it is awesome. There is room in any collection for a watch like this - as long as it suits your tastes! I think history will be kinder to Hublot than watch enthusiasts currently are.

MTR

Jun 28, 2022

Thanks a lot, Josh!

I love to move off the beaten paths and discover what I like. An eternal learning and development process that is a lot of fun and always exciting. I can't say much about HUBLOT yet, except that everything has been more than perfect so far and my impression is therefore a very positive one.