Haute horlogerie marque Hublot, famed for its innovation and the Art of Fusion, recently unveiled three exceptional watches – the MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis with four new colourful limited editions, the Big Bang Unico Summer, which carries with it the memories of summer idylls, and the Big Bang Tourbillon Only Watch – a philanthropic addition to the brand’s ever-growing collection
MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis
Four new versions have just been added to the MP-09 “Manufacture Piece” collection. These four editions in blue, red, yellow and green, each limited to 8 pieces, represent the spirit of the house, taken to its extremes. These extraordinary creations are a fusion between technology and aesthetics to form a unique and inseparable whole. The key word was integration. Firstly, that of the case and its queen of complications – the Tourbillon Bi-Axis. The whole challenge of the piece was to create a case with a totally unique shape, all made from curves and corners on two different planes, to present the Tourbillon in a singular way.
Then, the integration of all of Hublot’s expertise. As a 100% integrated manufacture, which includes the conception, design, production and assembly of every one of its creations, Hublot’s creative independence is embodied in the MP-09.
After the three initial versions in titanium, King Gold and black 3D carbon, Hublot is continuing the adventure of the MP-09 with four new versions. What they all have in common is a new 3D carbon case in colour. Every word in this description counts: “new”, because of the conception, but above all the method, because machining a case made from a multi-layer composite, such as carbon, is nothing like machining a case made from titanium or gold, which are homogeneous metals. Not to mention, new plans, new tools and new finishings: the MP-09 has a truly ultra-high-tech chassis.
“3D Carbon” is a material that Hublot has mastered, and is capable of sculpting it to form curves, angles and inclined planes of a rare complexity, while always guaranteeing its water resistance and durability. Carbon also offers the new MP-09 a significant weight saving, accentuating the sensation of a piece with an extreme look and a unique complication – which is as light as a feather on your wrist.
Finally, “colour”, which is what sets this new MP-09 family apart. It comes in a choice of four: yellow, blue, green and red. Four radically different approaches, with solution-dyed 3D carbon cases that have matching structured rubber straps, hands and hour markers. Sporty, stealthy or flashy, there is one for every taste, but not for everybody: only 8 numbered pieces will be made of each version.
The new Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis beats to the rhythm of the HUB9009.H1.RA manual-winding, mechanical calibre with a 5-day power reserve. It is equipped with a bi-axial tourbillon with a full rotation every minute for the first axis and a second rotation every 30 seconds for the second axis. It is this hypnotic and unique double rotation that guided the conception of this inclined case, which shows the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, as part of a new colour, 3D carbon architecture, with the middle and back cover in titanium, as well as a double anti-reflective sapphire glass.
Big Bang Unico Summer
It is the dazzling blues that nature creates, transformed by the summer light, and so hypnotic that they seem unique and impossible to reproduce, that we would most like to bring back with us. Through its expertise in materials technology, Hublot is immortalising this perfect simplicity with the creation of the Big Bang Unico Summer. The 42mm case is made from anodised satin-finished aluminium, a modern, lightweight coloured material. This technical feat creates a uniform blue; turquoise like the deepest lagoons. Just 200 of these unisex pieces are being released, initially available on the e-commerce site and in the Mediterranean boutiques in Capri, Forte dei Marmi, Mykonos, Ibiza, Bodrum, Saint-Tropez and Monaco.
Reminiscent of the holidays of our dreams, the Big Bang Unico Summer features a unique turquoise blue, which shimmers as its satin and polished finishes catch the light. Anodisation was used to colour the case and its components this very special pastel shade. This process guarantees remarkable longevity and protects the case from scratches and impacts. This lightweight timepiece, with its 42-mm diameter, is designed to suit every wrist. At its heart beats the UNICO manufacture calibre (HUB1280), featuring a 72-hour power reserve, and an oscillating seconds clutch, a chronograph friction system with ball-bearing adjustment, and a column wheel that can be seen through its dial. The hands shimmer in luminescent white and turquoise as they move around the dial to the rhythm of the hours and minutes. The movement is just 6.75 mm thick, allowing for a thinner case measuring just 14.5 mm.
Equipped with the patented interchangeable ‘One Click’ attachment system, the Big Bang Unico Summer comes with two straps in this same radiant colour: one Velcro strap with matching stitching and one natural rubber strap. The sports buckle (for the Velcro strap), and the decorative plate on the deployant clasp (for the rubber strap), are also made from turquoise anodised aluminium with the Hublot logo engraved and lacquered in brilliant white.
Big Bang Tourbillon Only Watch
Since 2005, Hublot has been committed alongside Only Watch to help research to overcome Duchenne muscular dystrophy one day and protect future generations. How? By creating a unique piece every two years that is sold at auction with all profits going to the association. Beyond the technical prowess of the piece and its innovation, it is the reason behind the fund-raising that has been motivating the watchmakers for so many years to surpass themselves so that the exceptional can bring an end to the unacceptable: the illness.
This year, the unique piece is called Big Bang Tourbillon Only Watch. Its translucent case cut from sapphire and its orange bezel display the expertise of Hublot and the colour code for Only Watch 2021. The dial, which is also made from sapphire reveals the mechanics of the new self-winding manufacture tourbillon movement – MHUB6035 – launched in January. Still in the same tones: A raised section, Superluminova on the hour and minute hands, and the numerals are also orange coloured. The watch is engraved with “Pièce Unique” and the Only Watch logo on the sapphire back cover and comes with two interchangeable One Click structured lined rubber straps, one of which is transparent and the other is orange.
Hublot & Only Watch is a story that began in 2005. For this 9th edition, Hublot has fused together in a unique piece their iconic model – the Big Bang – with one of their flagship innovative materials – sapphire – a translucent sapphire case and a bezel in one of the colours that is the most difficult to produce – orange, and an innovative movement – the brand’s new self-winding tourbillon and its 3 sapphire bridges. A complex, polarising piece, which is simultaneously powerful, positive and inspiring and combines the best of Hublot for a good cause.
Only Watch
The Monegasque Association against Muscular dystrophy was founded in 2005 by Luc Pettavino and placed under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. Every two years, dozens of watchmakers produce a unique piece. They put their expertise and their innovation at the disposal of the Association to raise funds. Since 2005, Hublot has produced 8 unique pieces specifically for the Association’s auction and is now unveiling its 9th creation. On November 6, this year, the Big Bang Tourbillon Only Watch will go under the hammer at Christie’s to be transformed into a donation for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
A unique piece cut in sapphire – translucent and orange – with the iconic design of the Big Bang and revealing the mechanics of the self-winding tourbillon manufacture movement with sapphire bridges. To create its bezel in orange sapphire, Hublot once again added a world first to its list of records. Solution-dyed sapphire, in a powerful orange, which is vibrant and positive, resulting from the fusion of titanium and chrome, and that follows the Only Watch codes.
To make the most of this unique piece with its total transparency, Hublot has decided to reveal everything and hide nothing, right down to the chassis itself, which is entirely cut in sapphire. This means that the Big Bang Tourbillon Only Watch can be admired like a work of art, from any angle, from your wrist to its frame.
Whereas standard tourbillon movements are manual winding, the MHUB6035 calibre, which was entirely developed and designed by the Hublot Manufacture, is self-winding. Its sunray-brushed and sandblasted angled micro-rotor in 22-ct white gold is visible on the dial side, creating a spectacular and sophisticated impression. Playing with the ultimate transparency of the case and the strap, right down to the movement, Hublot has also included sapphire in the calibre itself by equipping it for the first time with three sapphire bridges – the barrel bridge, automatic watch bridge and tourbillon bar.
