Hublot has added two new Spirit of Big Bang Essential Taupe models to its annual online-only Essential series, pairing the brand’s angular tonneau case with a far more restrained monochrome palette than usual.
The release includes a 42mm titanium chronograph and a 32mm stainless steel automatic, both limited to 200 pieces and sold exclusively through Hublot’s website.
Taupe gives the Spirit of Big Bang a quieter presence
The Essential concept is built around a single colour, and taupe is an interesting choice for a watch family better known for sharp geometry and assertive materials.
Here, the tone softens the Spirit of Big Bang without hiding its architecture, especially on the 42mm model where the case measures 14.1mm thick and remains water-resistant to 100 metres.
The titanium case uses polished, satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes, with matching titanium lateral bumpers rather than the rubber elements often associated with the line.
A textured chronograph dial with El Primero roots
The 42mm Spirit of Big Bang Essential Taupe carries a stamped dial with a carbon-fibre-like checker texture, alternating satin and polished squares to create more depth than a flat monochrome dial would allow.
The chronograph layout is familiar, with small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour totaliser at 6 o’clock.
Each sub-dial is snailed, while the grooved flange, applied markers and openworked hands help keep the tone-on-tone design legible.
Inside is Hublot’s HUB4700 automatic chronograph calibre, a column-wheel movement derived from the Zenith El Primero 400 architecture, running at 36,000 vibrations per hour with a 50-hour power reserve.
The 32mm model drops the diamonds
The more unexpected watch is the 32mm Spirit of Big Bang Essential Taupe, which arrives without a diamond-set bezel.
That single decision changes the character of the smaller model, making it less jewellery-led and more versatile for collectors who want the Spirit of Big Bang shape in a compact automatic format.
The stainless steel case is 10.8mm thick, water-resistant to 100 metres, and finished with the same polished, satin-brushed and sandblasted mix as the larger model.
Its taupe sunray-brushed dial is framed by a sloping flange carrying applied luminous markers, while a bevelled date window sits at 6 o’clock.
The HUB1120 automatic movement, visible through the caseback, runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 40-hour power reserve.
Online-only pricing and limited production
Both Essential Taupe models use Hublot’s One Click interchangeable strap system and are delivered with two taupe straps.
The 42mm chronograph comes with a taupe fabric strap with Velcro fastening and a taupe rubber strap with a titanium microblasted sport buckle.
The 32mm model is supplied with a taupe rubber and Nytech fabric strap, plus a taupe rubber strap with a steel deployant buckle.
The 42mm Spirit of Big Bang Essential Taupe is priced at CHF 20,600, EUR 24,300, USD 24,800 or GBP 19,500, while the 32mm model is priced at CHF 12,400, EUR 14,600, USD 14,900 or GBP 11,700.
For collectors who like Hublot’s case design but not always its loudest colourwork, Essential Taupe is one of the brand’s more wearable recent interpretations, and the diamond-free 32mm version may be the surprise highlight of the pair.
