The Hublot Chukker Bang Watch Review

This one was released last month, but I can no longer ignore it.... the Hublot Chukker Bang - a Big Bang with the horological equivalent of "bull bars" on its dial, developed in conjunction with Polo star Racundo Pieres.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is, of course the most famous Polo watch. Eighty years old, its design is both elegant and enduring. Originally created to protect the watch dial during sporting pursuits such as polo, its flip-over watchcase has become a cult classic. The Chukker Bang although made to perform the same task, is the antithesis of the JLC - the reverse of the Reverso. Partly obscuring a watch dial with a grille, even if that watch is a Big Bang shouldn't work, but strangely enough it does. Hublot's Big Bang was never a watch designed to be hidden beneath a cuff and this one makes quite an impact.

The piece is designed within the 44mm Big Bang case, this one is constructed from titanium as is the grille so although it may look hefty it will be easy on the wrist. The matt black dial features lume coated indices and hands, with contrasting red chronograph and minute counter hands. The bezel is black ceramic with six instantly recognisable Hublot screws made from titanium. On the side the pushers are steel/rubber and the solid caseback is decorated with "Chukker Bang" engraving. For a complete transformation the grille can be removed revealing a rather tasty if more reserved watch, the Big Bang always looks its very best when clad in black.

The Polo-inspired design isn't just superficial inside is the the HUB 1141 Polo Fly-Back Automatic Chronograph movement with a "chukka" counter which will time a 7 minutes 30 seconds period of polo-play. The central chronograph hand completes its revolution of the dial in 30 seconds, twice the speed of more traditional timers.

The Hublot Chukker Bang comes presented on a black rubber and beige leather strap and will be a limited editon of 500 pieces. Think something is missing? Also available is a version with a diamond-set grille.