About Rubber Strap Watches
Hublot placed the rubber strap at the center of its identity from the moment the brand debuted in 1980, combining natural vulcanized rubber with gold cases in a pairing that was considered radical at the time and has since become one of the most imitated moves in luxury watchmaking. The material choice is functional as well as aesthetic: rubber resists moisture, maintains flexibility across temperature ranges, and sits comfortably against the wrist during active wear, making it a natural partner for sport-minded complications like the UNICO in-house flyback chronograph found across multiple Big Bang references. The Spirit of Big Bang tonneau case, the round Classic Fusion case, and the cushion-shaped Big Bang case each receive their own rubber strap treatment, available here in configurations spanning ceramic, titanium, and 18-karat King Gold cases with skeleton or index dials, pave diamond indexes, and bezel options in matching or contrasting materials. Together these lines represent Hublot's full philosophy of fusion: precious metals and avant-garde materials united by rubber.
What to Look For
Case material and size are the primary differentiators within this collection: titanium references such as the Big Bang Unico 441.NE.2010.RW tend to be lighter and more understated in price, while King Gold and sapphire crystal references like the 411.JR.4901.RT command a premium for their exotic materials and visual drama. Dial configuration matters equally, with open-worked skeleton dials offering a view of the movement and set-diamond or pave variants like the Spirit of Big Bang 665.OX.1180.LR.1604 adding significant collector and resale value; condition designation, brand-new versus pre-owned, and the presence of original box and papers will further influence pricing across this lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hublot rubber straps replaceable or interchangeable?
Most modern Hublot Big Bang and Classic Fusion models use the brand's one-click strap-change system, which allows the rubber strap to be swapped at home without tools in a matter of seconds. This means buyers can purchase additional rubber or leather straps directly from Hublot or authorized dealers to personalize the watch over time.
What is the difference between a Big Bang Unico and a Spirit of Big Bang?
The Big Bang Unico features Hublot's round cushion-shaped case and houses the brand's in-house UNICO flyback chronograph movement, available here in 42mm and 45mm sizes across ceramic, titanium, King Gold, and sapphire crystal references. The Spirit of Big Bang uses a tonneau barrel-shaped case derived from the original Big Bang architecture and is offered here in 42mm with complications including a moonphase and skeleton displays, giving it a more architecturally distinctive silhouette.
Do these rubber strap Hublots hold their value?
Hublot watches in exotic materials such as King Gold, all-ceramic cases, and sapphire crystal tend to retain value better than entry-level configurations, and limited or special-edition references like the Rockies ceramic skeleton 641.HX.7170.RX.ASP19 can appreciate due to restricted production numbers. Condition, completeness with box and papers, and the specific reference are the biggest factors, and buying from an authenticated dealer like Bizak and Co. ensures you start with a verified genuine piece.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.