Footballer Romelu Lukaku spotted wearing a Hublot

Romelu Lukaku, one of Europe's most physically dominant strikers, was recently photographed inside a luxury car with a Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang King Gold 45mm strapped firmly to his wrist. The sighting is consistent with Lukaku's established taste for bold, architecturally complex timepieces that match the scale of his public persona.

The Spirit Of Big Bang is Hublot's answer to a recurring industry question: what happens when you reshape the Big Bang's DNA into a tonneau form factor? Launched in 2014, the Spirit Of Big Bang retains the multi-layered case construction and skeletonized architecture of its round predecessor but adopts a barrel-shaped case that sits more organically on the wrist. At 45mm, this reference — most likely 601.OX.0183.LR — is the full-size expression of the line, powered by the in-house HUB4700 self-winding chronograph movement. The calibre beats at 28,800 vph, offers a 50-hour power reserve, and its architecture is fully exposed through the open-worked dial, revealing bridges, column wheel, and oscillating mass in deliberate theatrical fashion.

The case material is where Hublot distinguishes this specific configuration. 'King Gold' is a proprietary 18-karat gold alloy developed internally by Hublot, incorporating a platinum component that results in a noticeably warmer, deeper reddish tone compared to standard rose or red gold. The alloy also exhibits greater scratch resistance, a practical advantage on a watch worn actively. The combination of King Gold with a black crocodile strap and red-accented movement details creates a palette that is simultaneously rich and technically aggressive.

Among collectors, the Spirit Of Big Bang occupies an interesting position. Detractors consider it overshadowed by the original Big Bang's cultural weight, while admirers argue the tonneau shape is more technically resolved and wrist-friendly. In King Gold specifically, production volumes are controlled, lending the reference genuine scarcity credentials.

Lukaku's affinity for Hublot is well-documented — the brand's positioning at the intersection of sport and luxury aligns naturally with elite footballers. At a $50,000 retail price point, this is a serious acquisition, not a promotional gesture.