Is your Spirit of Big Bang
the real deal?
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang reinterprets the iconic Big Bang DNA in a distinctive tonneau (barrel) shaped case. Featuring skeletonized dials, signature H-shaped bezel screws, and Hublot's proprietary materials, this bold timepiece commands attention — and significant prices that attract counterfeiters. Here's how to tell the real thing.
How to authenticate a Spirit of Big Bang
Tonneau (Barrel) Case Shape
The Spirit of Big Bang's defining feature is its tonneau-shaped case — an elongated rectangular form with gently curved sides. The proportions should be precise: 42mm wide with smoothly flowing curves that never look angular or boxy. The sandwich-style construction (visible layers of case, bezel, and back) should show clean, even spacing between layers. Counterfeits frequently get the tonneau proportions wrong — too square, too elongated, or with uneven curves that break the symmetry.
6 H-Screws on Bezel
Like all Hublot watches, the Spirit of Big Bang bezel is secured by six H-shaped screws. On the tonneau case, these screws follow the curved bezel and must be precisely positioned along the barrel shape. Each H slot should be crisp, symmetrical, and uniformly deep. The screws should sit perfectly flush with the bezel surface. Counterfeits often have misaligned screws that don't follow the tonneau curve properly, with H slots that are too shallow or asymmetrical.
Skeleton Dial Revealing Movement
Most Spirit of Big Bang models feature genuinely skeletonized dials where the HUB movement is visible through precisely cut openings. You should see actual mechanical components — gears, bridges, springs — with real three-dimensional depth. The skeleton cutouts have smooth, beveled edges. When viewed from different angles, the visible components shift in perspective. Counterfeits use a printed skeleton pattern on a flat dial surface, lacking any real depth or visible movement components beneath.
Integrated Rubber Strap
The rubber strap on the Spirit of Big Bang is specially designed to complement the tonneau case shape. It tapers from the lugs and should fit seamlessly against the case with no gaps or misalignment. The rubber is high-quality natural rubber that feels supple and smooth, often with a lined texture. The strap attachment uses a proprietary system that integrates cleanly with the tonneau form. Counterfeits use stiff, low-grade rubber or silicone that doesn't taper correctly, feels plasticky, and leaves visible gaps at the case connection.
Chronograph Function
Spirit of Big Bang chronograph models house the UNICO HUB4700 movement with a column-wheel flyback chronograph. The pushers should operate with a crisp, precise feel — the top pusher starts and stops, the bottom resets. When activated, the chronograph seconds hand should sweep smoothly and the subdials should register accurately. Counterfeits often have non-functional chronograph pushers that are purely decorative, or subdials that don't move at all when buttons are pressed.
Sapphire Crystal Quality
The Spirit of Big Bang uses high-quality sapphire crystal on both the front and case back. The crystal should be perfectly clear with no distortion, featuring anti-reflective coating that gives it a slight blue or purple tint when viewed at an angle. Through the crystal, dial details and movement components should appear sharp and undistorted. Counterfeits use mineral glass or low-quality synthetic sapphire that may appear hazy, lack anti-reflective coating, or produce slight visual distortions when looking through at an angle.
Spirit of Big Bang counterfeit warning signs
Wrong Tonneau Proportions
The barrel shape of the Spirit of Big Bang requires precise engineering. Counterfeits almost always get the proportions wrong — the case may be too square, too rounded, or unevenly curved. Compare the case profile against official Hublot images; any noticeable deviation in the tonneau curve is a strong counterfeit indicator.
Misaligned Bezel Screws
Placing six H-screws precisely along a curved tonneau bezel is more challenging than on a round case. Counterfeits often show screws that are unevenly spaced along the barrel shape, sit at wrong angles relative to the curved surface, or have H slots that face inconsistent directions.
Printed Skeleton Instead of Real Skeletonization
Genuine skeletonized dials show real mechanical depth — you can see actual movement components through the openings. Counterfeits print a skeleton pattern on a solid dial, which looks flat when viewed from any angle. Tilt the watch and look for parallax movement between visible layers; if everything stays on one plane, it is a printed fake.
Non-Functional Chronograph and Poor Strap
On counterfeit Spirit of Big Bang chronographs, pressing the pushers produces no response from the chronograph hands, or the subdials are purely decorative. Additionally, the rubber strap on fakes is typically stiff, poorly shaped for the tonneau case, and may emit a strong chemical odor indicating low-quality materials.
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Frequently asked questions
What shape is the Spirit of Big Bang case?
The Spirit of Big Bang features a tonneau (barrel) shaped case, which sets it apart from the round Big Bang and Classic Fusion. The tonneau shape is an elongated rectangular form with curved sides, inspired by vintage watch designs but executed with Hublot's modern aesthetic. The case measures 42mm wide and approximately 50mm from lug to lug. The distinctive shape maintains all of Hublot's signature design elements — the six H-shaped bezel screws, exposed sandwich construction, and integrated rubber strap — but reinterprets them for the barrel-shaped form. This unique shape is a key authentication point because getting the exact proportions right is extremely difficult for counterfeiters.
Is the Spirit of Big Bang dial really skeletonized?
Yes, most Spirit of Big Bang models feature genuinely skeletonized dials where the HUB movement is visible through precisely cut openings. On authentic models, you can see actual mechanical components — gears, bridges, springs — with real three-dimensional depth. The skeleton cutouts have smooth, beveled edges. This is different from watches that merely print a skeleton pattern on a solid dial. On a genuine Spirit of Big Bang, you should be able to see actual depth and movement components when you look from different angles. Counterfeits often use a printed skeleton design on a flat surface, which lacks the three-dimensional depth of real skeleton work.
What materials are available for the Spirit of Big Bang?
The Spirit of Big Bang is available in a wide range of materials, reflecting Hublot's Art of Fusion philosophy. Case options include titanium (the most common), King Gold (Hublot's proprietary rose gold alloy), black ceramic, carbon fiber, and sapphire crystal (fully transparent). Bezel materials include polished or satin-finished versions of the case material, as well as diamond-set options. The rubber strap is always lined with a matching material. Limited editions have featured even more exotic materials like denim, carbon TEXALIUM, and all-black ceramic. Each material combination has specific weight, finish, and feel characteristics that help with authentication.