Following in the steps of the “naked” motorbike – stripped of its aerodynamic panels to reveal the mechanical power beneath – this year’s Hublot offering has also ripped its clothes off to show us what it is made of!
Forget dials for 2023, Hublot is unveiling three distinct models – a Big Bang MP-13, a Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Automatic Full Texalium-Carbon, and a Square Big Bang Unico – all of which put the movement at the centre of the design. Each in-house movement presents its own particular style that is perfectly matched to the choice of innovative materials and overall design.
Hublot Big Bang MP-13
Let’s start right in the middle of this Big Bang MP-13 with its brushed titanium case and manufacture double-axis tourbillon that completes a full rotation every minute on one axis, and every 30 seconds on the other. If this isn’t already enough action, the tourbillon is skeletonized and suspended to give it a weightlessness that accentuates these two different speeds that are hypnotic to behold. In terms of the hours and minutes, an eye-catching dual retrograde display with large Arabic numbers indicates the time on an arc at the top of the watch.
The rest of the available space reveals the workings of the 13th MP movement produced entirely in-house by Hublot. The MP series started with the inauguration of the first Hublot Manufacturing building 14 years ago. The series is a collection of high-end, complicated, mechanical movements that push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The “MP” stands for “Manufacture Piece” and in addition to being entirely developed and manufactured in-house, they are also characterized by their avant-garde designs and use of innovative materials.
Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Automatic Full Texalium-Carbon
This next piece is also powered by a tourbillon, and not any old tourbillon either, this 100% in-house mechanism provides three days of power reserve via a micro-rotor at 12 o’clock, a feat of engineering in and of itself. Add to this, the fact that the tourbillon is skeletonized and suspended, thanks to a bottom plate with sapphire crystal bridges, and the eye has trouble looking anywhere else.
This limited edition of 50 pieces also stands out thanks to Hublot’s art of fusion, which has combined this extraordinary movement with a case and integrated bracelet made of Texalium-carbon. The carbon fibre case is covered with Texalium that fuses a fibre-glass core with a thin top layer of aluminium. The fiberglass is integrated with a special resin to provide impact resistance, while the aluminium is 99.99% pure and scratch-resistant, making this a performance watch on the inside and out.
Hublot Square Big Bang Unico Sapphire
Completing this trio of “naked” novelties is the Hublot Square Big Bang Unico that was first launched last year at Watches and Wonders 2022. Three new models join the line-up in sapphire crystal and ceramic this year. Photographed here is one of the latest models in sapphire crystal, which affirms Hublot’s expertise in working with this complicated material. The fact that the case is composed of different layers and is a square made the manufacturing even more complex.
On the inside is Hublot’s famous manufacture Unico automatic flyback chronograph movement with its 72 hours of power reserve. In this version, it is not only square, but has been opened up to reveal the workmanship both through the dial and caseback.
Discover more from Hublot over the coming days in our Watches and Wonders 2023 coverage online, on our YouTube channel, and social media.
