Hublot, the Swiss watchmaker known for its bold designs and innovative use of materials, has once again pushed the boundaries of Haute Horlogerie with the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Black Carbon. This limited-edition timepiece is a masterpiece of engineering and design, a fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless watchmaking tradition.
Hublot's story began in 1980 with a vision of bringing together the best of Swiss watchmaking tradition and bold, contemporary design. Their first timepiece, the Classic Fusion, embodied this philosophy perfectly. It featured a revolutionary natural rubber strap paired with a classic gold case, a juxtaposition that challenged traditional notions of luxury watches. Over the years,
Hublot continued to forge its path as a pioneer of watchmaking, constantly experimenting with materials and pushing the limits of design.
Courtesy of Hublot
The MP series, introduced in 2004, exemplifies Hublot's commitment to technical innovation and audacious design. These exceptional timepieces are not for the faint of heart. They are large, complex, and packed with features that cater to the discerning watch collector who appreciates the intricate mechanics and groundbreaking technology behind a wristwatch. Hublot's Manufacture Manufacture in Nyon, Switzerland houses the entire production process for the MP series, from initial concept to final assembly, ensuring that each watch is a true masterpiece of Haute Horlogerie.
The MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Black Carbon is the latest addition to this prestigious lineage. The watch’s imposing 44mm case is crafted from a unique material combination. Hublot utilizes carbon fiber, a material prized for its lightness and strength commonly found in the world of motor racing. The carbon fiber in the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Black Carbon is further enhanced with a layer of Texalium, a proprietary material that incorporates carbon fibers into a resin base. This combination results in a watch case that is not only lightweight and incredibly strong, but also boasts a striking, stealthy black appearance that is undeniably masculine and contemporary.
Courtesy of Hublot
While the bold black case commands attention, the true star of the show is the watch's dial. From a watch collector's perspective, this is where the magic happens. The dial is openworked, meaning that the watch’s complex inner workings are on full display. This configuration offers a glimpse into the intricate mechanics that drive the timepiece. Collectors will be particularly impressed by the double-axis tourbillon, a sophisticated complication that rotates on two axes to counteract the effects of gravity and ensure exceptional timekeeping accuracy. The tourbillon is positioned at 6 o'clock on the dial, its mesmerizing dance a constant reminder of the sheer ingenuity that went into creating this watch.
The hours and minutes on the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis are displayed on two separate retrograde arcs. Retrograde complications are rare and technically challenging to create, making them highly desirable amongst watch collectors. In a retrograde display, the hands travel along an arc until they reach the end of their range and then jump back to the beginning in an instantaneous motion. On the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Black Carbon, the hours and minutes hands are skeletonized, their lightweight construction complementing the openworked dial aesthetic.
Another interesting feature visible on the dial is the power reserve indicator, located at 11 o'clock. This indicator tells the watch collector how much energy remains in the mainspring before the watch needs to be wound again. In the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis, the power reserve is an impressive 96 hours, which means the watch can run for four days without needing to be wound.
The beating heart of this watch is the Calibre HUB6200, the 13th in-house movement developed specifically for the MP series. This hand-wound masterpiece is a testament to Hublot's engineering prowess, boasting 374 components, 44 jewels, and a remarkable 96-hour power reserve.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Calibre HUB6200 operates at a frequency of 3Hz, which translates to 21,600 vibrations per hour. This high frequency contributes to the exceptional timekeeping accuracy of the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Black Carbon. However, the true star of the show is the double-axis tourbillon featured at 6 o'clock on the dial. This complication is considered one of the most prestigious in haute horlogerie and for good reason.
A tourbillon, essentially a whirlwind cage, houses the watch's escapement and balance wheel. The escapement is the part of the watch movement that controls the release of energy from the mainspring and governs the ticking rate. The balance wheel oscillates back and forth at a consistent rate, regulating the speed at which the watch runs. The problem is that gravity can affect the rate of oscillation of the balance wheel, especially when the watch is worn in certain positions. This can lead to inaccuracy in timekeeping.
A tourbillon counters the effects of gravity by mounting the escapement and balance wheel in a cage that rotates on a single axis. This constant rotation averages out the positional errors caused by gravity, resulting in superior timekeeping precision. The MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis takes this concept a step further by utilizing a double-axis tourbillon. This innovative complication rotates the escapement and balance wheel on two axes, providing an even greater degree of accuracy than a single-axis tourbillon.
Observing the double-axis tourbillon through the openworked dial of the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is a mesmerizing experience. The intricate cage seems to float weightlessly as it performs its balletic rotation, a constant reminder of the sheer ingenuity that went into crafting this timepiece. For watch collectors who appreciate the finer points of haute horlogerie, the double-axis tourbillon is undoubtedly the pièce de résistance of the MP-13.
Courtesy of Hublot
Beyond the technical prowess of the movement, the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis also impresses with its unique time display. The hours and minutes are shown on two separate retrograde arcs. Retrograde complications are not only aesthetically striking, but they are also technically challenging to create. In a retrograde display, the hands travel along an arc until they reach the end of their range and then jump back to the beginning in an instantaneous motion. This jumping motion requires special mechanisms within the movement and adds an element of dynamism to the time display.
On the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis, the retrograde hands are skeletonized, their lightweight construction complementing the openworked dial aesthetic and offering a clear view of the intricate movement beneath. The hour hand travels along its 180-degree arc, reaching the 12 o'clock position before snapping back to the beginning of the arc as the minutes hand reaches 60. This jumping motion adds a touch of theatricality to the time display, a subtle detail that watch collectors are sure to appreciate.
Complementing the bold aesthetics of the case and dial, the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is fitted with a black structured lined rubber strap. This choice of material might surprise some who associate luxury watches with exotic leather straps. However, the rubber strap on the MP-13 is not your average rubber strap. It is specially selected for its durability, comfort, and sporty look. The structured lining adds a touch of sophistication and ensures that the strap conforms comfortably to the wrist.
The strap is secured by a black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant buckle clasp. The ceramic is remarkably scratch-resistant and lightweight, while the titanium adds strength and durability to the clasp. The deployant clasp mechanism itself is user-friendly and secure, ensuring that the watch remains firmly on the wrist even during active wear.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Hublot MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is a timepiece that is not for the faint of heart. With its imposing 44mm case, bold design, and innovative features, it is a watch that demands attention. It is a conversational piece that is sure to turn heads and spark conversations amongst those who appreciate haute horlogerie at its finest. However, beyond its flashy exterior, the MP-13 is a masterpiece of engineering and watchmaking skill. The Calibre HUB6200 movement is a testament to Hublot's commitment to innovation, while the double-axis tourbillon and retrograde time display represent the pinnacle of watchmaking complications.
Ultimately, the Hublot MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Black Carbon is a watch for the discerning collector who seeks a timepiece that is both technically impressive and visually striking. It is a watch that pushes the boundaries of what a wristwatch can be, a fusion of power, performance, and audacious design. While the price tag of $176,000 puts it out of reach for most, it serves as a remarkable example of what can be achieved when cutting-edge technology and sheer watchmaking expertise come together.