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The Spirit of Big Bang takes everything Hublot built into the round Big Bang and pours it into a barrel-shaped case that actually has a point of reference: vintage tonneau chronographs from the 1960s and 70s. The result is more interesting than the standard round model, and the 45mm titanium version keeps the weight honest. If you want Hublot's in-house flyback movement in a case that earns a second look, this is the variant to buy.
Hublot introduced the Spirit of Big Bang in 2014 as a deliberate departure from the round case that had defined the brand since 2005. The tonneau shape was a calculated nod to mid-century chronograph design, giving the Big Bang mechanics a form with more historical grounding. The HUB4700 UNICO movement debuted in the Big Bang before migrating to the Spirit line, and it remains one of the few in-house column-wheel flyback chronograph calibers at this price tier.
Titanium was a natural choice for the 45mm size, keeping a physically large watch from becoming uncomfortable on the wrist. The reference 642.NX.0170.RX represents the core Spirit expression: no precious metal, no ceramic color story, just the architecture of the case and movement doing the work.
The rubber strap integration is built into the case design, and aftermarket alternatives are limited because the lug geometry is proprietary to Hublot. Titanium scratches readily and the brushed/polished mix on the Spirit case shows wear patterns faster than an all-brushed surface would. The 45mm barrel footprint is genuinely large and the lug-to-lug dimension runs long, so wrist fit is worth confirming before buying pre-owned.
Early production examples occasionally show crown seal wear that affects water resistance ratings, so any used piece should go straight to a watchmaker for a pressure test before being worn in or near water. The exhibition caseback picks up internal smudges over time and is awkward to clean without opening the case.
Pre-owned 642.NX.0170.RX examples trade in the $7,000 to $10,000 range depending on service history and strap condition, a meaningful discount to the retail price. Hublot holds value less aggressively than Rolex or AP, which makes the secondary market genuinely buyer-friendly for this reference. Full sets with original box, papers, and extra strap command a modest premium but are worth seeking out given the proprietary strap costs.
The HUB4700 UNICO is a column-wheel flyback chronograph with a lateral clutch, and Hublot recommends service intervals of approximately five years. Independent watchmakers familiar with modern in-house movements can service the caliber, though parts availability outside the Hublot network is still limited, so confirming a watchmaker's parts access before committing is advisable.
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Barrel-shaped case with Cal. HUB4700 UNICO; the 96h reserve and barrel profile distinguish it from the round Big Bang.
| Area | What to check | What is correct | Red flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| case | Barrel case profile | Distinctly barrel-shaped case; visually different from the round Big Bang | Round case on a Spirit-labeled watch; wrong case or model labeling |
| caseback | Cal. HUB4700 architecture | HUB4700 UNICO architecture with 96h reserve bridge layout visible through caseback | HUB1242 or other movement architecture; wrong movement for Spirit |
| case | Titanium weight | Very light for case size; titanium case substantially lighter than steel equivalent | Heavy for case size; non-titanium case material |
