Hublot watches in Canada, a Big Bang and Classic Fusion buying guide

A Hublot watch never leaves anyone indifferent. Some see it as the boldness of contemporary watchmaking, others as a design that is too assertive. One thing is certain: few Swiss brands have broken so many conventions in so little time.

For a buyer, the question is rarely framed that way. It looks more like this: which collection to choose, what size to wear and how to avoid unpleasant surprises on the resale market?

This guide explains what sets the brand apart, compares the Big Bang and the Classic Fusion, then offers concrete guidelines for buying a Hublot in Montreal, new or pre-owned.

The history of Hublot and the art of fusion

The brand was born in 1980, founded by Italian entrepreneur Carlo Crocco. Its first model, with a case inspired by a ship's porthole, paired a gold case with a natural rubber strap. According to the history of the brand published by Horlogerie-Suisse, it was the first rubber strap in the history of watchmaking.

This combination of materials, considered surprising at the time, became the foundation of a philosophy the brand would later call "the art of fusion." The idea: combine traditional materials and technical materials within the same watch.

In 2004, Jean-Claude Biver took over as head of the company. His arrival marked a strategic turning point, followed by the acquisition of Hublot by the LVMH group in 2008.

What sets a Hublot watch apart

Hublot built its reputation on materials research. This is what most distinguishes its watches from those of more traditional manufactures.

Exclusive materials

The brand works with coloured ceramic, titanium, carbon fibre and sapphire, sometimes used for fully transparent cases. It has also developed its own gold alloys, such as King Gold, with a pronounced red hue, and Magic Gold, an 18 ct gold designed to better resist scratches.

These materials have a direct impact on the experience on the wrist. A Big Bang in titanium or ceramic is noticeably lighter than a gold version, and ceramic keeps its new look longer.

The One Click strap system

The One Click system lets you change straps in seconds, without tools. A simple button releases the attachment. Being able to switch from a rubber strap to a leather strap depending on the occasion is a practical advantage.

The Big Bang, the watch that revived the brand

Introduced in 2005, the Big Bang embodies the shift initiated by Jean-Claude Biver. According to the Big Bang sale listing published by Phillips, the model won the design prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève the year it was launched.

Its sandwich case layers several materials, with a bezel secured by six H-shaped screws. The chronograph remains the most common configuration, usually in 42 or 44 mm.

Big Bang chronographs and the Unico calibre

Hublot developed its own chronograph movement, the Unico calibre, introduced in the early 2010s. It features a column wheel visible on the dial side of several models, a detail appreciated by mechanical watch enthusiasts.

Versions with the Unico movement generally sell for more on the secondary market than earlier generations. This is an important criterion to check when comparing two listings.

Special editions and collaborations

The Big Bang also serves as a canvas for the brand's creativity. Hublot regularly releases limited editions tied to sports, particularly soccer, as well as collaborations with artists and athletes. These series, produced in small numbers, attract collectors, but their value depends heavily on the profile of the collaboration. It is better to choose an edition you truly like rather than betting on a hypothetical price increase.

The Classic Fusion, the more understated option

Launched in 2008, the Classic Fusion revisits the lines of the 1980 model. Its case is thinner, its dial cleaner and its look noticeably dressier than the Big Bang.

It comes in several sizes, including 38, 42 and 45 mm, making it accessible to a wider clientele. The three-hand titanium versions are among the brand's most affordable entry points.

The collection is not limited to three-hand models. It also includes chronographs and skeleton versions, such as the Aerofusion, whose openworked dial reveals the movement. These variations keep the slim case while adding a more technical dimension.

Big Bang or Classic Fusion, choosing for your style

Both collections share the same DNA, but they are not aimed at the same profile.

Criterion	Big Bang	Classic Fusion
Launch	2005	2008
Style	Sporty and bold	Clean and dressy
Common sizes	42 and 44 mm	38, 42 and 45 mm
Thickness	More imposing	Slimmer
Signature configuration	Chronograph	Three-hand
Ideal use	Weekends, events, casual wear	Office, evenings, everyday

A few guidelines to make an informed choice:

• The Big Bang suits those who want a watch that gets noticed, with a strong presence on the wrist.
• The Classic Fusion is for people looking for the Hublot identity in a more discreet version.
• For a slim wrist, a 38 or 42 mm Classic Fusion will generally be more comfortable than a 44 mm Big Bang.

To compare these models in person, you can browse a selection of pre-owned luxury watches in Montreal, all authenticated before sale.

Buying a Hublot watch in Montreal

Hublot is distributed in Canada through brand boutiques and authorized retailers. Buying new gives access to the latest collections and the full manufacturer's warranty, with GST and QST extra.

Before buying, it is useful to plan a budget that includes taxes, a possible spare strap and future maintenance. On a chronograph, servicing generally costs more than on a three-hand watch, due to the complexity of the mechanism.

Resale value and the secondary market

The resale value of a Hublot varies more than that of the most in-demand brands. It is a reality worth knowing, but also an opportunity: the secondary market often makes it possible to acquire a Big Bang or Classic Fusion in excellent condition at a price well below retail.

This guide to the secondary market for luxury watches in Montreal explains how to identify reliable channels. For those who would rather sell their watch, this guide to getting a fair appraisal outlines the steps to follow.

What to check before buying

Certain elements deserve special attention on a pre-owned Hublot. Inspect the condition of the H-shaped bezel screws, which can be damaged by poorly performed servicing. Rubber straps, which wear over time, should also be checked. Finally, the warranty card, serial number and reference must match.

The Hublot watch, a fusion that turns heads

Hublot has proven that a young brand could establish itself in fine watchmaking by betting on innovation in materials and an uncompromising design. The Big Bang remains the choice for fans of bold watches, while the Classic Fusion offers a more understated entry point into the brand's world.

In both cases, the watch's condition, movement generation and documents make all the difference, whether buying or reselling. To find a specific model or a limited edition, working with a broker simplifies the search. This guide explains how to work with a watch broker in Montreal.

Frequently asked questions about Hublot watches

Does a Hublot watch hold its value?

A Hublot watch generally loses part of its value after being bought new, more so than some highly sought-after brands. Limited editions, models with the Unico movement and pieces sold with box and papers hold up better, however. For a buyer, this depreciation is an opportunity: the secondary market offers recent models at more accessible prices than new.

What size Big Bang should I choose?

Choosing a Big Bang size depends mainly on wrist circumference and the look you want. The 42 mm size suits most wrists and remains the most versatile. The 44 mm is for larger wrists and fans of imposing watches. Since the lugs are short and rigid, trying the watch on before buying is strongly recommended.

How can you tell if a Hublot watch is real?

To tell if a Hublot watch is real, first check the quality of the finishing, the alignment of the H-shaped screws and the sharpness of the dial markings. The serial number must match the warranty card. Having a qualified watchmaker open the caseback then confirms the authenticity of the movement, an essential step before any purchase on the secondary market.