Hublot Big Bang 421.CX.1140.NR.RLD Reloaded Skeleton Dial All Black 44mm

The Hublot Big Bang Reloaded 421.CX.1140.NR.RLD is not a restrained black watch that disappears on the wrist. It is a large, openworked chronograph designed around contrast within a single colour: polished ceramic catches the light, satin surfaces soften the case, and the black-plated movement remains visible through the dial without introducing bright accents.

The result is technical and deliberately monochromatic rather than simply dark. In photographs, the watch can look flatter than it does in person because the dial, bezel and case absorb similar tones; changing light is what reveals the layered construction. This is a configuration for someone who wants mechanical detail and a strong silhouette, but prefers the visual discipline of an all-black design.

Black, but not flat

The case uses satin-finished and polished black ceramic, while the bezel combines polished black-plated titanium with a satin-finished black ceramic upper section. That pairing matters because it keeps the watch from becoming a single uninterrupted block. Under direct light, the polished edges outline the bezel and lugs; in softer light, the satin ceramic gives the watch a more matte, equipment-like appearance. The skeleton dial follows the same idea, using satin-finished and matte black-plated surfaces to expose the architecture without breaking the monochrome theme. It is expressive, but not decorative for its own sake. The absence of coloured markers also makes this version more versatile with black, charcoal, denim and casual tailoring than brighter Big Bang executions.

What 44mm means on the wrist?

At 44mm, the Hublot Big Bang Reloaded 421.CX.1140.NR.RLD has real presence. Its diameter is only part of the story: the case is also substantial in height, and the broad bezel and exposed pushers give it a larger visual footprint than a conventional round chronograph. The ceramic construction helps keep the sensation less dense than a comparably sized steel watch, but it does not turn this into a discreet daily piece. It works best when the lugs sit securely across the wrist rather than extending beyond it. On a smaller wrist, the watch may feel top-heavy or visually dominant, especially under a fitted cuff. On a medium or larger wrist, the proportions make more sense, and the wide strap helps distribute the case rather than allowing it to roll.

Reading the openworked dial

The dial is the reason to choose this exact reference, and also the area where the main compromise appears. The openworked layout allows the wearer to see the movement’s bridges, chronograph components and depth, while the black treatment keeps the display visually cohesive. Polished details appear when the wrist moves, and the sapphire crystal’s anti-reflective treatment helps preserve the view in brighter conditions. Even so, the low-contrast treatment is not as immediately legible as a conventional black dial with white hands and printed indices. The chronograph indications and date remain useful, but reading them takes more attention in dim or uneven light. Buyers who enjoy inspecting the mechanism will appreciate this; buyers who want effortless time reading may prefer a less openworked Hublot.

Chronograph with a practical edge

Inside is Hublot’s HUB1280 UNICO manufacture self-winding flyback chronograph with a column wheel. The flyback function is useful when timing repeated events because the chronograph can be reset and restarted in one action, rather than stopped, reset and started separately. The approximately 72-hour power reserve is equally relevant in ownership: the watch can be removed for a weekend and still have a good chance of running when picked up again. The display is therefore not only about visual drama. The chronograph, date and automatic winding give the watch genuine everyday utility, although the 100-metre water-resistance rating should be treated as practical protection rather than an invitation to use it as a dedicated dive watch.

Who should choose this version?

This reference suits a buyer who wants a modern sports chronograph with visible mechanics, a strong wrist presence and a deliberately controlled colour scheme. It is particularly appealing if blue, green or gold accents feel too loud, but a conventional black watch feels too ordinary. The two supplied strap options also change its character: the black fabric-style rubber strap with H-pattern stitching feels more technical, while the structured black rubber alternative is cleaner and easier to pair with daily clothing. It is less suitable for someone seeking a thin formal watch, quiet office wear or maximum dial legibility. The best reason to buy the Hublot Big Bang Reloaded 421.CX.1140.NR.RLD is not that it is universally versatile; it is that its size, skeleton construction and all-black material language work together with unusual consistency.