Is your Big Bang Unico
the real deal?
The Hublot Big Bang Unico is the brand's flagship chronograph, featuring an in-house column-wheel movement visible through the dial. Its high price tag and bold design make it a frequent target for sophisticated counterfeits. Here's how to verify authenticity.
How to authenticate a Big Bang Unico
Visible UNICO Column Wheel
The defining feature of the Big Bang Unico is the visible chronograph mechanism on the dial side. The column wheel and chronograph coupling levers should be visible through the skeletonized dial, typically positioned between 12 and 2 o'clock. On genuine examples, these components are finely finished with polished bevels. Counterfeits often show a static, non-functional decorative element in place of the real mechanism.
H-Shaped Bezel Screws
The Big Bang's signature porthole-inspired bezel is secured by six H-shaped titanium screws. On genuine watches, each screw is precisely machined with sharp edges and consistent depth. The "H" cut should be perfectly symmetrical. Counterfeits often have screws with rounded edges, uneven depth, or slightly different sizes between the six positions.
Rubber Strap & Deployment Clasp
The Big Bang Unico uses a structured rubber strap with a lined texture that integrates seamlessly with the case. The deployment clasp features the Hublot logo and a smooth folding mechanism. Genuine straps have consistent texture depth and flexibility. Fakes often have rigid, shiny rubber that feels plasticky, and clasps with poorly engraved logos.
Chronograph Pusher Action
The Big Bang Unico features distinctive rectangular chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock. The start/stop pusher should engage the column wheel with a precise, mechanical click. The flyback function should allow the chronograph to restart instantly without stopping and resetting. Fakes often have mushy pushers with no defined actuation point.
Case Back & Movement Finishing
The sapphire crystal case back reveals the UNICO movement's rotor, which bears the Hublot logo and is decorated with circular graining. Bridges feature Geneva stripes and beveled edges. The serial number and reference number are engraved on the case back ring. Counterfeits show rough finishing, poorly decorated rotors, and shallow engravings.
Bezel Material & Construction
The Big Bang Unico bezel is a sandwich construction: a top ring (ceramic, carbon, sapphire, or other material depending on variant) sits on a metal frame secured by the H-screws. On genuine examples, the bezel material has consistent color and texture, and the layers are precisely aligned. Fakes often have visible gaps between layers or inconsistent material quality.
Big Bang Unico counterfeit warning signs
Static Column Wheel Display
On a genuine Big Bang Unico, pressing the chronograph start pusher causes the column wheel to rotate visibly on the dial. If the column wheel mechanism visible through the dial does not move when the chronograph is activated, the watch contains a decorative fake mechanism rather than the real UNICO caliber.
Misaligned Subdials
The Big Bang Unico features a 60-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock and a running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock. These should be perfectly symmetrical and level. The date window sits between 4 and 5 o'clock. Counterfeits frequently have subdials that are slightly off-center or at incorrect positions on the dial.
Poor Crown Texture
The Big Bang crown has a distinctive ribbed texture with a rubber-coated grip and the Hublot "H" logo on the end. Genuine crowns wind smoothly with precisely defined positions. Fakes often have a slippery crown with a blurry or flat logo that is difficult to grip properly.
Incorrect Case Thickness
The 42mm Big Bang Unico measures approximately 13.45mm thick. Counterfeits often measure noticeably thicker or thinner because they cannot replicate the precise case architecture needed to house the UNICO movement. An incorrectly thick case is a strong indicator of a counterfeit housing a different movement.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the UNICO movement in the Hublot Big Bang?
The UNICO (caliber HUB1280) is Hublot's in-house automatic chronograph movement, first introduced in 2010. It features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism visible through the dial side, a flyback function, and a 72-hour power reserve. The movement has 330 components and beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The column wheel and chronograph levers are visible at the top of the dial, which is a signature design element.
What size is the Hublot Big Bang Unico?
The Hublot Big Bang Unico is available in several sizes. The most common current-production size is 42mm (introduced in 2020 as reference 441.NX), replacing the earlier 45mm version. The 42mm version wears more comfortably on a wider range of wrists while maintaining the Big Bang's bold aesthetic. All sizes feature the distinctive porthole-shaped case with six H-shaped screws on the bezel.
How can I tell a Big Bang Unico from a regular Big Bang?
The Big Bang Unico uses Hublot's in-house UNICO chronograph movement, visible through the skeletonized dial. You can see the column wheel and chronograph mechanism from the front. The chronograph pushers are also integrated into the case in a distinctive rectangular shape. Standard Big Bang models use third-party movements and typically have a more traditional closed dial layout without the visible mechanism.