Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Mighty Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System
No dial, no hands, no rotor… Instead a roller display, an inclined tourbillon and linear weights to wind the movement.
The Hublot MP series is a collection of masterpieces characterized by their disruptive and highly technical take on Haute Horlogerie. The latest chapter in this story, initiated in 2011, is the Hublot Big Bang MP-10 Weight Energy System Titanium. Visually arresting and technically complex, this limited edition timepiece is powered by a movement displaying the hours and minutes on rollers, the seconds on an inclined tourbillon cage and the power reserve on a third roller. Its automatic winding system consists of two gold masses sliding on rails on either side of the movement. Overall, a highly impressive concept watch.
Overtly technical and disruptive in their appearance, Hublot Masterpieces look nothing like a traditional Swiss wristwatch. The latest member of this club changes the classic circular layout of a watch case and its display. Like the MP-05 La Ferrari (and its 50-day power reserve movement), the Hublot MP-10 uses rollers that provide a practical, intuitive digital time indication. Quite cool, but this naturally comes with challenges. In particular, to manage energy since rollers are much heavier than hands. Additionally, as all wheels are not on the same plane, it requires transferring the driving force through a 90-degree angle.
The hours and minutes are indicated by the two upper drums. The power reserve is shown on the lower roller with green and red zones. Last, the seconds can also be read digitally on the tourbillon’s monobloc aluminium cage that is inclined at 35 degrees from the vertical axis.
The automatic calibre HUB9013 required five years of R&D and comprises no fewer than 592 parts. This uniquely shaped, architectural, three-dimensional movement could not accommodate a traditional oscillating weight. Instead, it is flanked by two sliding gold weights winding the movement bi-directionally (up and down). The rails on which these are sliding are fitted with a system of shock absorbers (patent pending) to prevent them from colliding with the banking. Shocks are never a good thing in a movement, if only because these may affect the regulating organ. The watch can also be wound manually with the crown at 12 o’clock and the power reserve is rated at 48 hours. The retractable crown at the back of the watch is used to set the time.
Crafted from micro-blasted titanium, the Hublot MP-10 is essentially a rectangular watch. But with its rounded, aerodynamic profiles, it feels automotive inspired. Its sleek oblong case measures 54.1mm in length, 41.5mm in width and 22.4mm in thickness. If it is a simple two-piece construction, the sapphire crystal atop combines inclined planes on three axes to offer views from all angles of the movement intricacies.
The Hublot MP-10 comes on an integrated rubber strap fitted with a titanium folding buckle. The integration to the case is quite remarkable, with the bracelet literally sandwiching the case. On the wrist, it is unlike most other wristwatches. Obviously, it won’t slip under your cuff, but this horological UFO is meant to be an attention-grabbing watch. And indeed, it is quite mesmerizing to contemplate and wear.
The impressive, polarizing Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is released in a limited edition of 50 pieces. The price is set at CHF 250,000 or EUR 275,000. For more information, please visit www.hublot.com.
