Whenever I talk to watch lovers about the Hublot brand, I always hear mixed opinions. While some see these watches as having an imposing personality, others consider them to be the pinnacle of modern watches. In any case, I have not met anyone who is not somehow impressed by what the Hublot brand creates. And one of the most remarkable models that fascinate me personally is the Big Bang Gold watch.
This model impresses me with its sophisticated and severe personality. I see it as a watch that cannot be read by everyone, but only by those who know a thing or two about horology. It’s not an elegant watch; on the contrary, this model reflects a lot of sports dynamics and energy. However, I have to admit that some elegant details sneak into it, turning it into a multi-purpose accessory.
The distinctive element in the look of this watch is none other than its particular dial. The term “King” in its name refers to the sophisticated alloy of its case. It is more about the gold combined with silver elements that are complimented by a tan leather strap.
All these chromatic accents dress the watch in a sophisticated air with classic shades. In contrast, we see the skeletonized dial which is the main modern accent of the whole construction. I can only add that the concept of this watch is truly amazing. Only Hublot can integrate the classic into such a successful modern coating. All we have to do is see if the replica manufacturers managed to execute this Hublot knockoff in a way worthy of appreciation.
Overall Hublot replica watch description
The first impression this imitation creates is that it seems to be complex and twisted. However, this impression lasts no more than a few moments, until you discover its simplicity. The look of the replica watch is actually simple. And if you pay attention to the details, you will notice a language that is very easy to understand.
What makes this model remarkable is the fact that it is the first tonneau-shaped model from the Hublot collection. The brand has never experimented with this shape before. Respectively, the Hublot King imitation is also the first tonneau model in the replica industry. I must note that the manufacturers have reproduced the shape of the watch perfectly, keeping the same specific outline of the authentic model. I am sure that this model will be popular with the public even for those who are predominantly familiar with round cases.
Materials and availability
As far as I know, replica manufacturers have released 4 models of Spirit of Big Bang replica watches. Each model offers a certain range of materials. One of the models features titanium, another proposes a combination of titanium with ceramic for the bezel. The other 2 models refer to the King Gold option that I am writing about today and the King Gold with ceramic. The manufacturers have reproduced the concept of the original collection, which is also available in 4 options and the same material formula.
Personally, I resonate most with the King Gold model. It seems to me that the manufacturers managed to execute it the best of all. The watch conveys a very successful old-school vibe that makes it more attractive than the other replica models.
While the authentic model comes in 95% gold, the manufacturers only polished the watch with gold. The polishing layer seems to be quite thick and I think it could last up to a year without any problem. Though, it is important to avoid contact with water, in case you decide to have such a watch. All replica watches that have gold polishing are prone to gold wearing off when they are frequently wet. You could wash your hands with it on your wrist. I don’t think this will severely affect the gold layer. But if you plan to go to the pool or the sea, better take it off your wrist.
The replica watch case
As you already know, this imitation is remarkable precisely because of its tonneau shape. “Tonneau” is actually a term that many watch brands use to describe the rectangular shape with rounded edges of the watches. So, in fact, “tonneau” and “rectangular with round corners” is the same thing.
The case of the replica watch has a strongly virile and imposing silhouette, measuring 51mm*45mm. I bet many watch lovers will be scared by this generous proportion. However, Hublot’s goal was to be as obvious and eye-catching as possible through this collection.
One of the major differences between the Spirit of Big Bang genuine and imitation watches is the water resistance profile. While the authentic model withstands up to 100 meters, the imitation is ok up to 10 meters, according to the manufacturers. I have not tested the resistance of this imitation, so I can neither confirm nor deny it. All I know is that 10 meters of water resistance are not enough to cope with swimming in the pool or the sea. Taking into account that the case is gold-plated, which is also sensitive to water, I would categorically avoid using this watch in water conditions.
Though…
The positive side of things is that the watch has a sapphire crystal protecting its dial. It has anti-reflective properties, improving the visibility of the dial. In this context, you should know that the replica watch does not have a transparent caseback, unlike the original model. Probably, the manufacturers will offer it in the next release, when the imitation will have a more aesthetic mechanism.
The dial of the replica watch has a very representative bezel. It is about the 6 H-shaped screws on it that are a distinctive element for the Hublot brand. I must note that the replica manufacturers matched both the shape and the size of the 6 screws, making the imitation look very close to what the authentic watch represents.
The Spirit of Big Bang King Gold replica watch dial
As I mentioned before, the watch dial is something between simple and complicated. Initially, things seem difficult. A skeletonized dial construction full of plenty of functions like a date window, subdials, and color accents does not seem simple. But if you take them in turn and analyze their logic, you understand that you adapt to this dial very quickly.
However, I must mention that because of the convolutions of the authentic model, replica manufacturers faced a real challenge in reproducing it in the replica watch. As a result, the replica watch has clear differences in the dial compared to the authentic model.
Thus…
One of the main differences you will spot is the subdials at 3 and 6 o’clock. They have a visibly different design. At the same time, you will notice that the manufacturers have not matched the length of the hour and minute hands. To be honest, I don’t understand why they made them longer, when in fact, they just had to shorten them. I might understand any other differences because of the complicated model. But I don’t understand the error about the too-long hands at all.
The series of differences continues and the next one refers to the position of the logo. You don’t have to be a great expert to realize that the logo has a higher position in the replica watch than in the authentic watch. An equally frustrating aspect is the size of the date aperture. This one is significantly higher than it should be, clearly suggesting that it is a fake watch.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers made quite a few mistakes in the execution of the dial. On the whole, the dial does not look bad, but it looks different from what the authentic model offers. And this is enough for a watch lover to realize that it is an imitation.
Technical description
I suppose you are curious to know how the manufacturers equipped this replica watch, considering the multitude of functions it has.
If we talk about the authentic model, the Hublot watch comes with an automatic skeleton chronograph HUB4700 movement. This mechanism was inspired by the Zenith El Primero movement in 1969. The mechanism is more than promising, resisting up to 50 hours of power reserve.
As for the replica watch, the manufacturers opted for a Japanese Miyota movement, which has a fairly decent reputation in the replica watch industry. This replica model does not yet have a Swiss option. I hope that in the next iterations, we will have a Swiss mechanism to compare it with this Miyota.
Big Bang Replica Watch Strap
What I like about this imitation is the proportion and style of the band that complements it. The manufacturers have given it a very pleasant vintage look that matches the case style very harmoniously. Unlike the authentic model, the knockoff version of the band lacks certain details. However, I appreciate the printing of the logo and markings on both sides of the clasp, looking very qualitative and attractive.
Final words
My opinions about this imitation are divided into 2. From one point of view, I like how the manufacturers chose chromatic accents for the case and band. On the other hand, I cannot overlook the big errors in the execution of the dial. However, I do understand that such a dial is not easy to reproduce and I assume that the manufacturers did everything in their power. The technical aspect is also somewhat ambiguous. On one hand, I’m glad to hear that the replica watch runs on a Miyota. From another angle, I wonder why the manufacturers did not make it resistant to at least 50 meters. I suppose that for the first attempt, the manufacturers gave their best. We are going to see the improvements that will come with the next iteration.