jamie weiss
Although these days we are used to seeing mechanical watches with a power reserve of 70 hours or more, ultra-long power reserves are still something of a niche product. This is a shame because these are definitely one of the most useful features the watch has. However, a larger power reserve often means a larger watch. That’s why the new Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 42mm, just unveiled at this year’s LVMH Watch Week, is so interesting, as it is one of the most wearable watches with an ultra-long power reserve and one of Hublot’s most outstanding watches. Because it’s what opens one. An interesting watch for small wrists.
background
Hublot is something of an expert when it comes to ultra-long power reserves, and from 2013 to 2019, the iconic brand launched one of the watches with the longest power reserve with the MP-05 LaFerrari, which has a whopping 50 days of power. I keep records. The reserve is ensured thanks to 11 mainspring barrels arranged in series (and a huge barrel with a diameter of 51 mm).
In 2016, Hublot introduced the Meca 10 movement. This became one of the brand’s cornerstone in-house movements. As its name suggests, it boasts a 10-day power reserve and has long been one of the most accessible ultra-long power reserve movements on the market. The Meca 10 was originally housed inside the Big Bang, but it has also been integrated into other parts of the Hublot series, including the Spirit of Big Bang, the quirky Arsham Droplet pocket watch, and even a 20cm wide table clock in collaboration with Hublot. It was adopted for watches. Lepe.
case
What’s notable about the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 42mm is its small case diameter. Specifically, it is 3mm smaller than the current Big Bang Mecha-10 model (45mm). At 13.9 millimeters thick, it is 0.6 millimeters thinner than the Big Bang Meca 10 45 millimeters and, for comparison, about 1 millimeter thinner than the automatic Big Bang Unico 42 millimeters.
The 42mm collection was launched with three different case options: titanium, forged carbon fiber, and 18 karat king gold, Hublot’s proprietary red gold alloy. The forged carbon model is particularly noteworthy as it is the first addition to Core’s Big Bang collection and, in my opinion, is a masterpiece.
Otherwise, this is the Big Bang case you’re probably familiar with, with a central section made of durable composite material sandwiched between a titanium/King Gold/carbon bezel and caseback, and this It is secured with a feature screw that defines the bezel of the watch. The titanium and king gold models feature a brushed bezel and polished beveled lugs, while the carbon model has a uniformly matte finish.
dial
Like previous Meca-10 models, and indeed most Hublots, the Big Bang Meca-10 42mm features a skeleton dial that is more open than previous Meca-10 models. We’ll get into the technical details of this watch’s new HUB1205 movement in a moment – I don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves, but – Hublot has rearranged the layout of the Meca-10 movement a bit compared to the HUB1201 Big Bang Meca. -10 45, the power reserve indicator moves to the 3 o’clock position. This further exposes the second of the movement’s two barrels from the dial side.
Although the bridge of this new movement lacks the circular holes found in other models, it features the Meca-10’s distinctive and unusual “cremayère” system (i.e. a rack and pinion driving the power reserve indicator). It still has a distinct Meccano-like appeal. ) Still proud of the 12 o’clock position.
movement
Now, what makes this watch special is its new caliber HUB1205. Hublot has not only made the Meca 10 smaller and thinner, but also more beautiful. Compared to the HUB1201, not only is its layout more pleasing to the eye and more open, but the HUB1205 also features features such as the movement bridges being polished with polished bevels, rather than just having matte DLC on the right side. , finished to a higher standard. Angled edges.
Like the HUB1201, the HUB1205 is hand-wound and has, you guessed it, a 240-hour or 10-day power reserve. In fact, Hublot states that the HUB1205 has a full power reserve of over 10 days, but it has set its power reserve indicator’s upper limit to that number because that is the range for optimal chronometric performance. (However, to be clear, the HUB1205 and Big Bang Mecha 10 42mm ranges are not chronometer certified).
It’s worth discussing this point in more detail, as it gets to the heart of why an ultra-long power reserve is such a desirable feature in a watch. First, while I think winding a mechanical watch is a fun ritual, most watch owners find it a bit annoying to have to readjust the time after not wearing the watch for a while. You would agree. The less often you do it, the better. However, another big advantage of a large power reserve is increased isochronism.
Essentially, the mainspring develops high torque when fully wound, then settles to a mid-level for most of its working time, and falls when completely empty. It is the fluctuations in torque that affect the accuracy of the movement. It is desirable for the movement to remain in the central sweet spot as long as possible, increasing the value of a longer power reserve. These fluctuations are more pronounced in larger barrels, which is why Hublot chose two small barrels for the Meca 10 movement instead of one large barrel. You can also close and adjust the hand-rolled cap to keep it in that sweet spot longer.
This shows that the Meca-10 movement is very clever, and it is commendable that Hublot was able to slim it down to fit a significantly smaller watch. HUB1205 is an upgrade over HUB1201 in basically every way. I’m impressed by its miniaturization and technical aspects, but its improved finish is especially nice to look at.
strap
The Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 42mm is fitted with an integrated black rubber strap on the titanium and king gold models, and a black Velcro strap on the carbon model. All models feature Hublot’s One Click Strap System, which allows for easy customization with a variety of Hublot straps. (Note: For our photo shoot with the Big Bang Meca-10 42mm collection, we reviewed a titanium model with a velcro strap and a carbon model with a rubber strap. The titanium is sold with rubber and the carbon is sold with velcro only, but (Both strap options are available for purchase separately.)
judgment
I make a bold claim. The Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 42mm is the best mainline Big Bang model to date. Its proportions not only make it much more wearable than other complex Big Bangs, but it’s also one of the most visually appealing watches Hublot has ever made. And what other company in this price range offers a 10-day power reserve? I’ve been thinking for a long time that people are sleeping on the Meca-10. Perhaps a thicker watch would wake people up.
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 42mm price and availability
The Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 42mm collection will be available from January 2025. Price: USD 23,000 (Titanium), USD 27,400 (Carbon), USD 42,700 (King Gold)
Brand Hublot Model Big Bang Meca-10 42mm Reference Number 444.NX.1170.RX (Titanium)
444.QN.1170.NR(Carbon)
444.OX.1180.RX (King Gold) Case dimensions 42mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) Case material Titanium
forged carbon
18K King Gold Water resistant 100 meters Crystal Sapphire front and back Dial Skeletonized lug width Integrated strap Black rubber, case-matching deployant buckle (Titanium, King Gold)
Black fabric, Velcro closure (carbon) Movement HUB1205, in-house, hand-wound Power reserve 240 hours Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator Availability From January 2025 Price USD 23,000 (titanium)
USD 27,400 (carbon)
US$42,700 (King Gold)
