New Watch! • 12 Apr 2023
Watches and Wonders 2023: Hublot Novelty Highlights
Hublot’s latest creations unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023 demonstrate the brand’s aptitude for combining haute horlogerie with mastery of materials and avant-garde artistry.
MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Retrograde
Hublot’s latest MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Retrograde simply defies convention. The 44mm titanium-cased watch brings together two complications, the tourbillon and the retrograde display, in one unique watch. And not just any tourbillon: it rotates on two axes, 1-minute on one axis and every 30 seconds on the other, making Hublot one of the few manufactures capable of such a technical feat. The magic is further enhanced by being skeletonized and suspended, opened up by the anti-reflective sapphire crystal installed on both sides, giving it a sense of weightlessness.
The double-axis tourbillon is just the beginning of the technicality of the MP-13. In a first for Hublot, the MP-13 features a bi-retrograde display, with a minute hand that moves steadily and an hour hand that skills instantly from one hour to the next, optimizing readability for the wearer. By its nature, retrograde displays consume more energy than traditional displays, yet Hublot has managed to guarantee a power reserve of 96 hours, likely to be the largest power reserve of any double-axis skeleton tourbillon presently on the market.
In an effort to optimize ease of use, the Hublot MP-13 is designed to be wound in a single direction, preventing any accidental breakage caused by moving the hands backwards. Its 374 components are housed in a brushed titanium case on a black leather strap. And like all models in the MP range, the MP-13 will be a limited edition of 50 pieces only.
Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Goes Full Carbon
A micro-rotor tourbillon manufactured in-house unites with an ultra-light, robust carbon fibre an Texalium case and a seamlessly integrated strap. The new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon is yet another example of how Hublot fuses haute horlogerie with groundbreaking technology.
“The Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon embodies Hublot’s mastery of materials, more specifically, carbon fibre and Texalium. Fusing tradition and innovation, we created a tourbillon movement housed in a carbon fibre and Texalium case, offering incredible resistance yet weighing just 68 grams, with an ultra-comfortable integrated strap. We are redefining the rules of contemporary watchmaking by offering unique and innovative materials and designs.” – Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO, says of this new watch.
Each piece will be individually numbered and have all the attributes of the iconic Big Bang: integrated strap (100% carbon fibre, protected by Texalium), crown with rubber insert, two side lugs to protect the case, six iconic functional screws on the bezel and the double sapphire crystal (face and back) with anti-reflective treatment. Limited edition of 50 pieces only.
Square Bang Collection Extended
At Watches and Wonders 2022, Hublot created a stir when they unveiled a new square shaped watch design inspired by the iconic Big Bang. The distinctive geometry of the Square Bang Unico was a feat of watchmaking craftsmanship and a demonstration of Hublot’s technical expertise.
A year on, Hublot extends this collection with several new editions. First, the Square Bang Unico Sapphire combines the aesthetics of the new square format with the Maison’s mastery of this specialized material, in a limited edition of 250 pieces.
Confirming Hublot’s position as a pioneer and leader in the use of unconventional materials are two ceramic editions in white and black. Each edition is fitted with a rubber strap and a titanium deployant buckle on the Hublot exclusive One-Click interchangeable system. All are powered by the automatic column-wheel flyback chronograph calibre HUB1280, beating at a frequency of 4Hz with 72-hour power reserve.
Art and Mechanics Unite in the Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski
Lovers of both art and extreme precision are united in this new chapter of the collaboration between Hublot and Richard Orlinski. The Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski features 41mm micro-blasted titanium case that sits perfectly on any wrist. At first glance, the eye is drawn to the facets created by the signature folds and the iconic angular architecture of the internationally renowned visual artist. With their striking dodecagonal shape – the signature mark of Hublot’s collaboration with Richard Orlinski since 2017 –the bezel transforms into a polygon.
The mechanics of the Hublot chronograph dial captures attention soon after. These Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski watches have the HUB1153 automatic chronograph movement at their heart. Available in two editions, the first is worn on the iconic rubber strap, paying homage to Hublot’s heritage in pioneering the use of rubber in horology. Alternatively, the matching micro-blasted titanium bracelet extends the distinct Orlinski look with its matt faceted design, for an added touch of elegance.
Discover the latest Hublot novelties at The Hour Glass today.