Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon
About This Watch
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon represents the meeting point of haute horlogerie and advanced materials science — a tonneau-cased tourbillon in a case made entirely from carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel yet weighs a fraction as much, resulting in a complete watch weight of just 78 grams despite housing one of watchmaking's most prestigious complications. The HUB6035 hand-wound tourbillon caliber delivers an extraordinary 115 hours of power reserve — nearly five full days — with the rotating tourbillon cage visible through an aperture at 6 o'clock on the skeletonized dial. The tourbillon's constant one-minute rotation is mesmerizing when viewed through the sapphire crystal, and the tonneau case shape provides a particularly dramatic frame for this complication, with the elongated dial creating a vertical visual axis that draws the eye down to the spinning cage. Each carbon fiber case is unique, as the layered weave pattern creates subtly different visual textures in every individual piece — no two Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon watches look exactly alike. The skeletonized dial reveals the movement architecture in its entirety, with bridges and plates finished to haute horlogerie standards despite the avant-garde case material. At $89,000 retail, this positions as one of the more accessible tourbillons from a major luxury brand, offering genuine complications credibility at a fraction of what comparable pieces from traditional manufactures command.
In-Depth Review
# Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon
The Spirit of Big Bang collection represents Hublot's attempt to distill the essence of its flagship Big Bang into a more refined, purposeful instrument. The 645.QN.1117.RX achieves this through restrained design language paired with substantive horological credentials. The carbon fiber case—a material Hublot has championed since the 1980s—weighs considerably less than traditional precious metals while projecting genuine technical authority. At 42mm across and just 14mm thick, the proportions feel appropriately contemporary without sacrificing presence. The HUB6035 caliber delivers a remarkable 115-hour power reserve, a specification that exceeds most complications in this price tier and practically eliminates the need for regular winding. The visible tourbillon, displayed through a skeleton dial and exhibition caseback, validates the movement's engineering without descending into the overwrought transparency that compromises too many modern luxury watches.
This watch appeals to collectors who have matured beyond purely aesthetic purchasing and now demand genuine mechanical sophistication. The ideal owner understands that the tourbillon serves a functional purpose in a manual-wind movement and appreciates Hublot's refusal to incorporate unnecessary complications. The rubber strap and 50-meter water resistance suggest a watch that can transition from wrist-worn daily rotation to formal occasions without apology.
In the ultra-luxury sports watch category, the Spirit of Big Bang competes directly with Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Tourbillon and Patek Philippe's Nautilus Tourbillon, though both command significantly higher market prices. The Hublot's 115-hour power reserve surpasses most competitors, offering practical advantages that justify its position in this rarified segment.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Manual |
|---|---|
| Caliber | HUB6035 |
| Power Reserve | 115 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph |
| Jewels | 23 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 42.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 14.0mm |
| Case Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, carbon fiber tonneau-shaped |
| Dial Color | Skeleton |
| Lug Width | 24mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 51.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 50m / 164ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Black rubber strap |
| Clasp | Deployant buckle |
| Weight | 78g |
| Complications |