Is your King Power
the real deal?
The Hublot King Power is the ultimate statement timepiece — a massive 48mm beast that took the Big Bang's bold DNA to its extreme. Now discontinued, these oversized chronographs with their prominent crown guards and exotic materials command strong collector prices, making them attractive targets for counterfeiters. Here's how to tell the real thing.
How to authenticate a King Power
Oversized 48mm Case
The King Power's defining characteristic is its massive 48mm case diameter with a thickness of approximately 17-18mm. Despite its size, the case should feel well-proportioned with clean lines and precise construction. The sandwich-layer construction (visible stacked case components) should show even, consistent gaps between layers. Counterfeits often get the scale wrong — the case may measure slightly under 48mm, the thickness may be off, or the layered construction shows uneven gaps between components.
Carbon Fiber Bezel
Many King Power models feature genuine carbon fiber bezels with visible woven or forged patterns. Authentic carbon fiber has a distinctive layered, three-dimensional appearance with depth visible under light. The material should feel hard and smooth with a slight gloss. Each piece is unique due to the nature of carbon fiber manufacturing. Counterfeits use printed or painted carbon fiber patterns on plastic or metal that look flat, lack depth, and feel warm to the touch rather than cool like genuine carbon.
Bold Crown Guard
The King Power features oversized, prominent crown guards that protect the crown and chronograph pushers. These guards should be substantial, precisely machined, and integrated seamlessly with the case. The crown guard surfaces should match the case finishing — whether brushed, polished, or a combination. The crown itself should operate smoothly behind the guards. Counterfeits have weak, poorly proportioned crown guards that may wobble, sit unevenly, or have finishing that doesn't match the rest of the case.
Chronograph Pushers
The King Power's chronograph pushers are large and prominent, designed to be operated even while wearing gloves. They should have a firm, crisp action with a distinct tactile click when pressed. The start/stop pusher at 2 o'clock and reset at 4 o'clock should each respond correctly, with the chronograph hands moving precisely. Counterfeits have pushers that feel mushy, produce no click, or are entirely decorative — pressing them either does nothing or fails to properly control the chronograph subdials.
Limited Edition Markings
Many King Power models are limited editions with specific numbering on the case back (e.g., "123/500"). The engraving should be deep, precise, and consistent with Hublot's font. The model reference number, "HUBLOT" branding, and edition details should all be sharply engraved. Some editions also have unique dial text or case back artwork. Counterfeits often have shallow, poorly aligned numbering, wrong edition totals, or fonts that don't match Hublot's typography.
Thick Sapphire Crystal
Given the King Power's extreme proportions, the sapphire crystal is correspondingly thick and robust. It should be perfectly clear, scratch-resistant, and feature anti-reflective coating that produces a subtle blue or purple tint at angles. The crystal should sit flush within the bezel with no visible adhesive or gaps. The thickness contributes to the watch's substantial weight. Counterfeits use thinner mineral glass that scratches easily, lacks anti-reflective coating, and may have visible gaps where the crystal meets the bezel.
King Power counterfeit warning signs
Undersized Case Dimensions
The King Power should measure a true 48mm. Counterfeits are often slightly smaller (45-46mm) because producing an accurately proportioned case at this extreme size is difficult and expensive. If the watch seems more like a regular Big Bang size, it is likely fake.
Plastic Carbon Fiber
Genuine carbon fiber on the bezel has visible three-dimensional depth with the characteristic woven or forged pattern. If the carbon fiber pattern looks flat, printed, or painted on — lacking any layered depth when viewed from different angles — the bezel is not genuine carbon fiber and the watch is counterfeit.
Weak Crown Guard and Non-Functional Pushers
The King Power's crown guards should feel solid and immovable. If they flex, wobble, or feel lightweight, the watch uses inferior construction. Similarly, chronograph pushers should produce a satisfying click and actually control the chronograph. Spongy, unresponsive, or purely decorative pushers indicate a counterfeit.
Wrong Limited Edition Numbers and Thin Crystal
Limited edition numbering on counterfeits often uses incorrect formats, wrong edition totals, or numbers outside the stated production range. Additionally, if the crystal appears thin or shows scratches easily, it is mineral glass rather than the thick sapphire crystal used on genuine King Power watches.
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the Hublot King Power?
The Hublot King Power is one of the largest luxury watches ever produced, with a massive 48mm case diameter. Including the prominent crown guards and pushers, the overall width extends even further. The case thickness is typically around 17-18mm depending on the model, making it one of the most substantial watches on any wrist. This oversized dimension was intentional — Jean-Claude Biver designed the King Power as the ultimate bold statement watch, pushing the Big Bang concept to its extreme. The sheer size makes it a challenging watch to counterfeit accurately, as any minor proportional error becomes highly visible at this scale.
What limited editions of the King Power exist?
The King Power was produced in numerous limited editions, many tied to sports partnerships. Notable examples include the King Power UEFA Euro 2012 (limited to 500 pieces), the King Power Oceanographic 4000 (a professional dive watch rated to 4000m), the King Power Ayrton Senna (honoring the F1 legend), and various FIFA World Cup editions. Carbon fiber, titanium, ceramic, and King Gold versions were available. Each limited edition has specific dial designs, case back engravings, and unique numbering (e.g., "123/500"). Authentication of limited editions requires verifying that the specific details match Hublot's records for that reference — wrong numbering format or inconsistent details indicate a counterfeit.
Is the Hublot King Power still in production?
No, the Hublot King Power has been discontinued. It was produced from approximately 2009 to the mid-2010s before being phased out of Hublot's catalog. The model was effectively succeeded by the Big Bang UNICO in larger sizes, which carries forward the bold, oversized aesthetic in a more refined package. Because the King Power is no longer in production, all new units on the market should be pre-owned or new-old-stock (NOS). This discontinuation actually increases the importance of authentication, as the secondary market for these watches is where counterfeits are most likely to appear. Genuine King Power watches typically command strong prices due to their limited production run and collector appeal.