Among the new offerings from Hublot presented at Watches & Wonders 2026, the new chapter in the Impact series stands out.
Originally launched a decade ago in 2016, the Big Bang Impact Bang model showcased an avant-garde fragmented motif where interlocking diamonds created the impression of shattered watches. In 2026, the Swiss brand returns to the Impact concept with the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Impact watches. The series includes three limited models made from high-tech materials: ceramic, crystallized osmium, and sapphire with diamond inlay.
Design and Case Features of Spirit of Big Bang Impact
Unlike the original 2016 Impact model, based on the classic Big Bang silhouette, the three Spirit of Big Bang Impact models utilize a tonneau-shaped case, characteristic of the Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase series, first introduced in 2017. Choosing the moon phase as the foundation seems somewhat unusual, given this model's modest place in the brand's catalog. Nevertheless, the asymmetrical dial layout perfectly complements the fragmented Impact style, and the three additional indicators (date, moon phase, and running seconds) are displayed through openings in the mosaic dial, creating a more harmonious look than in standard Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase versions.
Models of the Spirit of Big Bang Impact Series: Materials and Limitations
The series includes three models with different production quantities:
- Spirit of Big Bang Impact All Black (ref. 647.CX.0140.RX.IMP26) - a limited edition of 100 pieces. The case is made of polished and micro-blasted black ceramic, with a dial adorned with mirror-polished black appliques.
- Spirit of Big Bang Impact Sapphire (ref. 647.JX.0106.RW.IMP26) - limited to 30 pieces. The transparent sapphire case features a dial with polished rhodium and crystallized osmium appliques. Unlike the ceramic version with a fractured motif on the bezel, the sapphire model creates a fragmented aesthetic solely through the dial.
- Spirit of Big Bang Impact Sapphire Jewelry (ref. 647.JX.9000.RW.1904.IMP26) - the most exclusive model, limited to 20 pieces. The sapphire case is set with 54 fancy-cut diamonds, creating a shattered glass motif on the bezel. The dial is adorned with an additional 91 diamonds. This is Hublot's first experience in setting diamonds into sapphire, which poses significant challenges due to the uniqueness of each stone in size and cut. The stones are set in polished gold channels, fixed between two frames in laser-cut sapphire bezel settings.
Features and Challenges of Diamond Inlay in Sapphire
During a meeting with Hublot at Watches & Wonders, the only sample of the Spirit of Big Bang Impact Sapphire Jewelry was occupied at a meeting with international retailers, hence no photographs of the model are available in the article. Like other highly precious Hublot models, the diamond sapphire version is not featured on the brand's official website and can only be purchased through official dealers or boutiques. Despite the impressive work of setting diamonds in sapphire, the black ceramic model most fully reveals the Impact theme, visually resembling a watch frozen in the moment of an explosion.
Dial and Materials: Features of the Model with Crystallized Osmium
Personally, I am most fond of the Spirit of Big Bang Impact Sapphire model due to its crystallized osmium dial. Like its siblings, the dial consists of a transparent sapphire sheet with interlocking appliques in fragment form that seem to float above the movement. However, the Impact motif here is crafted from polished rhodium and crystallized osmium.
Osmium is a dense, hard, and heavy metal, considered the rarest on Earth. In crystallized form, it gives a pale blue hue and bright shine. Between the osmium fragments are rhodium mirror-polished shards that together create a mesmerizing visual effect.
Dimensions, Water Resistance, and Case Construction
All three models have a case diameter of 42 mm. The black ceramic version is slightly thinner at 14.6 mm, while the sapphire models reach 15.5 mm in height. The cases are built with a unified construction with sapphire crystals on both sides and are equipped with signature H-shaped screws. The black ceramic model has a water resistance of up to 100 meters, while the sapphire versions are rated for 50 meters. Such differences are typical for the entire Hublot line: sapphire models are generally thicker and less water-resistant compared to their counterparts made from other materials.
Movement: Caliber HUB1770 and Its Features
All three models are equipped with the automatic Caliber HUB1770 movement, used in the original Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase. This caliber is not a Hublot development but is based on the architecture of a Zenith movement - another brand within the LVMH group. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), with a power reserve of 50 hours, the 27-jewel HUB1770 consists of 288 components. Similar movements are used in various Elite series models from Zenith. For instance, the Elite Classic Moonphase version is essentially a date-less version, while a similar movement with a large date was used in the discontinued Captain Moonphase.
Analysis of Movement Choice and Visual Integration
Since Zenith produces excellent movements, using this brand's calibers in Hublot models, especially the entry-level ones, is quite justified. However, the Spirit of Big Bang Impact series is not a typical entry-level representative, and here it feels like the watches deserve a more unique movement. This is not due to a desire for an exclusively proprietary caliber, but because of the lack of visual harmony between the movement and the case. As in the Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph models (such as the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Edition), when looking at the case back, it is visible that a traditional round movement is installed in a tonneau-shaped case, which is somewhat disappointing against the backdrop of the impressive Impact dial design.
Straps and Quick Release System
All three models are equipped with the proprietary One-Click system, allowing quick strap changes by pressing a pair of trapezoidal buttons on the top of the integrated lugs. The sapphire models come with white rubber straps with a line texture and matte titanium clasps, while the black ceramic version has a black strap with a ceramic and titanium clasp with a black coating. This strap style is standard for most modern Hublot models. Despite the comfort of the strap, the 42-mm tonneau-shaped case creates a noticeable presence on a wrist measuring 17 cm (6.75 inches) in diameter.
Price Categories and Positioning of Impact Models
The three limited Spirit of Big Bang Impact models vary significantly in price:
- Black ceramic version (100 pieces) - $33,700 USD.
- Model with sapphire case (30 pieces) - $114,500 USD.
- Sapphire version with diamonds (20 pieces) - an impressive $543,000 USD.
From a practical perspective, these are significant sums for watches without a proprietary movement. However, the buyer pays for the unique design of the Impact series, which showcases Hublot's mastery in working with materials: crystallized osmium, black ceramic, and sapphire with diamond inlay.