BBF Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Blue Ceramic 642.NL.7170.RX
BBF delivers a highly convincing tonneau architecture with commendable skeletonized movement decoration, establishing the benchmark for this reference.
Powered by Clone HUB 4700
The Clone HUB 4700 utilized in this BBF edition is fundamentally an Asian 7750 automatic chronograph caliber, heavily modified to emulate the visual depth of Hublot’s skeletonized movements. The factory has invested significant effort in replicating the top-module aesthetics, including the exposed date wheel that traverses the perimeter of the dial. While the underlying architecture dictates a different beat rate than the genuine Zenith El Primero base, the visual illusion through the sapphire dial is executed with impressive precision.
⏱ Accuracy Profile:
Regulated Asian 7750 base: typically ±10–15 s/day. Chronograph engagement may slightly impact amplitude; continuous running of the central seconds hand is not recommended to preserve long-term stability.
- ✅ Power Reserve: Approximately 36 hours
- ✅ Complications: 12-hour chronograph, running seconds, skeletonized date display
- ✅ Winding Direction: Unidirectional (clockwise)
Technical Specifications
THE BUILDTitanium Tonneau Case
Measuring 42mm in diameter with a verified thickness of 16.2mm, the multi-part sandwich case uses genuine titanium to achieve a realistic 156.5g overall weight. The alternating brushed and polished facets are sharply defined.
THE DIALSkeletonized Sapphire
The transparent sapphire dial showcases the intricate mechanics beneath, featuring applied indices and deep blue minute track accents. The skeletonized date ring correctly frames the numeral at the 4:30 aperture.
THE BEZELMicro-blasted Blue Ceramic
The blue ceramic bezel provides exceptional scratch resistance and features the correct matte, micro-blasted texture. It is secured by six signature H-shaped titanium screws with polished heads.
THE BRACELETStructured Rubber
A deeply grooved blue rubber strap integrates seamlessly into the tonneau case lugs. It fastens via a titanium deployant buckle, ensuring a secure and balanced fit on the wrist.
Why BBF for This Reference?
Many collectors ask: “Why not older generic factory versions?”
BBF is widely recognized on collector forums as the premier manufacturer for Hublot’s complex tonneau cases. Previous iterations from smaller factories struggled with the multi-layer case construction and often used heavier steel alloys plated to look like titanium. BBF’s use of genuine titanium achieves the correct 156.5g weight, while their custom decorative plates over the 7750 base provide a far more convincing skeletonized aesthetic than earlier attempts.
Full Disclosure: Because the movement is based on an Asian 7750 rather than the genuine Zenith El Primero base, the beat rate is 28,800 vph (vs 36,000 vph), and the unidirectional winding rotor is audibly louder during rapid wrist movements.
Data Sheet
| MODEL REFERENCE |
642.NL.7170.RX |
| FACTORY / VERSION |
BBF Edition |
| MOVEMENT |
Clone HUB 4700 (Modified A7750) |
| CASE MATERIAL |
Titanium |
| WEIGHT & THICKNESS |
156.5g | 16.2mm |
| CRYSTAL & LUME |
Sapphire with AR | Standard Super-LumiNova |
| DIMENSIONS |
42mm × 52mm × 16.2mmManual measurements — minor tolerances apply. |
| WATER RESISTANCE |
Stated 30m — professional pressure test recommended before swimming |
Collector Q&A
Q: Does the skeletonized date wheel function like the genuine Spirit of Big Bang?
A: Yes, BBF has successfully replicated the visual mechanics of the skeletonized date ring. It rotates around the outer perimeter of the dial, framing the current date numerals over a contrasting background at the 4:30 aperture, closely mimicking the genuine HUB 4700 caliber.
Q: Is the case made of real titanium or just plated steel?
A: The BBF edition utilizes genuine titanium for the main case block. This material choice is critical for the Spirit of Big Bang line, as it significantly reduces the overall weight to a verified 156.5g, providing a wearing experience that aligns with the genuine model rather than feeling top-heavy.
Q: How does the clone HUB 4700 movement compare mechanically to the genuine?
A: Visually, BBF has added extensive decorative plates to mimic the HUB 4700. Mechanically, however, the clone is based on an Asian 7750 architecture. This means it operates at 28,800 vph rather than the genuine’s 36,000 vph (which uses a Zenith El Primero base), and the sub-dial spacing has microscopic variances compared to OEM.
Q: Are the H-screws on the ceramic bezel interchangeable with genuine parts?
A: While visually accurate with correct polished heads and matte recesses, the threading pitch and machining tolerances of the BBF H-screws may differ slightly from OEM. Attempting to swap them with genuine Hublot screws is not recommended, as it risks stripping the titanium mid-case threads.
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