Hublot, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, consistently pushes the boundaries of watchmaking with its motto "Be First, Unique, and Different." The
Hublot MP-11 Power Reserve 14 Days Water Blue Sapphire is a testament to this motto. The watch combines a striking and innovative design with technical prowess, making it a coveted timepiece for discerning watch collectors.
Hublot's story began in 1980 when it introduced its first timepiece, which audaciously combined a gold case inspired by a ship's porthole with a black rubber strap. This fusion of tradition and innovation established what would become the brand's signature aesthetic, the "Art of Fusion." Hublot further solidified its reputation as a pioneer in 2005 with the introduction of the Big Bang collection. The Big Bang collection established Hublot's reputation for its expertise in complicated watch mechanisms, the use of manufacture movements, and its embrace of cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and ceramic.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Hublot MP collection exemplifies the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. Standing for "Manufacture Piece," the MP collection serves as a platform for Hublot's engineers and watchmakers to experiment with new ideas and materials. These experimental timepieces often pave the way for the introduction of new features and techniques that find their way into Hublot's broader collections.
The Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Power Reserve 14 Days Water Blue Sapphire is the latest addition to the prestigious MP collection. This timepiece takes the already impressive MP-11 platform and introduces a stunning new 45mm case crafted from water blue sapphire. The translucent, vibrant blue hue of the case is a major departure from the more contrasting materials previously used in the MP-11 collection. This innovation speaks to Hublot's constant mission to develop new and exciting ways to utilize sapphire in watchmaking.
Courtesy of Hublot
The water blue sapphire case of the Big Bang MP-11 is not just a beautiful innovation, it's a feat of engineering. Creating a sapphire case that is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound is a complex challenge. Sapphire is an incredibly hard and scratch-resistant material, but it is also brittle and prone to cracking during the machining process. Hublot's engineers have developed a new chemical formula and crafting techniques to create the water blue sapphire case for the Big Bang MP-11. The resulting case is not only exceptionally strong and transparent but also boasts a level of polishing that is usually only achieved by hand.
Beyond its striking water blue sapphire case, the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Power Reserve 14 Days offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-end mechanical watchmaking. Hublot developed the HUB9011 manufacture movement specifically to achieve the watch's astonishing 14-day power reserve. Let's take a closer look at what makes this movement so exceptional.
It's not hyperbole to say a power reserve that lasts two weeks is a genuine feat in watchmaking. The vast majority of mechanical watches offer power reserves between 40 and 70 hours. Achieving a 14-day power reserve required Hublot's engineers to think outside the box. They developed a solution involving seven in-line barrels that store and release energy sequentially. Imagine it like those giant fuel tankers you see on the highway—instead of just one, you've got a whole convoy delivering power to your wristwatch, each contributing its share of the journey.
Courtesy of Hublot
Typically, the components of a mechanical watch movement are arranged horizontally, stacked within the thickness of the watch case. However, to accommodate seven barrels, Hublot adopted a vertical architecture for the HUB9011 movement. The barrels are physically positioned in front of the watch face at the 6 o'clock position, rather than being hidden inside the case.
The 6 o'clock area where the barrels reside is like a raised stage for this mechanical show. Everything is out in the open, and that vertical stack, well, it's kinda badass. Imagine seeing the engines mounted on the side of a dragster rather than under the hood – that’s the vibe you get.
The vertical arrangement of the barrels posed a challenge: how do you transfer the stored energy from the barrels, aligned horizontally, to the vertical gear train responsible for displaying the time? Hublot’s answer was to incorporate a 90-degree transmission system using a helical worm gear, similar in principle to those found in certain precision machine tools. This intricate mechanism is visible between 9 and 10 o'clock and serves as a visual reminder of the ingenuity required to bring the MP-11 to life.
Courtesy of Hublot
Hublot designed the HUB9011 movement with both functional and aesthetic considerations in mind. To create a sense of visual harmony, the watchmakers positioned the balance wheel at 2 o'clock, directly opposite the helical transmission system. The rhythmic oscillation of the balance wheel serves as a counterpoint to the static, industrial look of the gear system. The power reserve indicator, located at 4 o'clock, completes the tripartite display.
Each of the 270 components in the HUB9011 movement is meticulously finished and assembled by hand. The movement features a silicon escapement, which offers superior resistance to wear and tear, along with immunity to magnetic fields. Hublot also incorporated its patented index-assembly system, which ensures precise regulation of the movement's timekeeping.
While the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Power Reserve 14 Days Water Blue Sapphire boasts impressive technical specifications, its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. This watch is about the experience it offers. The winding process alone is something special. You can use either the large, fluted crown, which has a cool industrial feel, or a little electric stylus shaped like a Torx screwdriver. That little touch—it's the sort of thing that makes you appreciate the watchmaker's sense of playfulness.
Courtesy of Hublot
The water blue sapphire case allows you to witness the interplay of light and mechanics, making the watch feel more like a living organism than a piece of machinery. And the power reserve indicator, with its slowly rotating disc, gives you a constant reminder that you've got this mini power plant on your wrist.
The Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Power Reserve 14 Days Water Blue Sapphire is a watch that defies categorization. Its bold design, innovative engineering, and the exquisite craftsmanship of its manufacture movement are impressive. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, the MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire is a rare and highly collectible timepiece reserved for those who appreciate the audacity and complexity of Haute Horlogerie and have the means to add it to their personal collection!