The Hublot Large Bang MP-11 Energy Reserve 14 Days King Gold Jewelry is an assault on one’s senses, that could be a given. That title already ought to have ready you, actually. Below its diamond-studded exterior, nonetheless, lies HUB9011, an enchanting caliber straight from the in-house skunkworks of Hublot.
Earlier than we started, can I simply say, with all that’s been occurring, I already miss photographing such fascinating and novel watches. These off-the-wall creations play a significant function in making horology enjoyable for me, and I do know that is true for a lot of others, as effectively. To see and expertise these creations within the steel, even when for simply half an hour or so, is a privilege that I want to justify by photographing them in a method that conveys all these parts which have put a giant smile on my face when first seeing them at commerce reveals and occasions.
This watch has 336 hours of energy reserve: not a spec you see typically. Offering this two-week energy reserve takes seven series-coupled barrels, flipped on their sides and elevated from the flat dimension we’ve gotten used to seeing in most all different mechanical calibers. The consequential thickness stays shockingly … regular. Measuring simply 10.92mm from caseback to the dome of the specifically formed sapphire entrance, the Hublot Large Bang MP-11 affords a case thickness corresponding to classical — albeit a lot simpler — references of watchmaking historical past.
The humorous factor is that the MP-11 truly isn’t that sophisticated, so far as a pure numbers recreation is anxious. It packs 270 elements and affords only one additional indication past hours and minutes: the power-reserve show. Bolted onto the top of the seven-barrel stack, that is to let you recognize when to start your finger exercise sesh’ — as a result of it would be best to put together for re-winding that 14-day reserve by way of the crown. A fast look on the caseback reveals the absence of an computerized winding mechanism. No marvel, actually, as it could take a huge self-winding rotor to work in opposition to the mighty torque of this many mainsprings. From what I recall, Hublot provides a particular winding instrument, like an electrical screwdriver, that plugs into the crown and permits for a hassle-free, secure rewinding of the HUB9011.
That ungodly energy from these has to go away the verticality of the barrels and discover its method to the remainder of the motion, set within the conventional horizontal aircraft. Hublot explains: “The drive of the barrels is tilted on a perpendicular aircraft by a transmission system very not often employed in watchmaking: a 90-degree helical worm gear.” (Professional tip: If you would like a fast and simple method to discover some correct bonkers watches, go to aBlogtoWatch.com and easily seek for the phrase: helical.)
As one other distinctive characteristic of this progressive calibre, the stability is transposed to the dial aspect to create symmetry with the helical gear. A silicon escapement drives the stability to its four Hz frequency, with a flowery (and patented) index-assembly system with the Hublot “H” built-in into it.
It’s when you see it up shut that you just get to actually admire the blank-page engineering of the Hublot Large Bang MP-11. Simply have a look at all these numerous tooth profiles, spokes, bridges and supplies. At a time when manufacturers reminiscent of Cartier, Girard-Perregaux, Harry Winston — and lots of others that used to dominate the haute horlogerie section only a decade in the past — have all both deserted it utterly or toned it down, for Hublot to have such a daring and liberal facet to its watchmaking is simply refreshing and admirable. It’s wheels meshing, bridges overlapping and three-dimensionality prevailing — all evergreen elements of high-end watchmaking.
The Hublot Large Bang MP-11 Energy Reserve 14 Days King Gold Jewelry, as its title as soon as once more implies, throws a fortunate variety of 222 diamonds into the combination — 172 diamonds are individually hand-set into the 18okay King Gold case, which is Hublot’s personal purple gold alloy. One other 50 baguette-cut diamonds are channel-set (by hand, after all) into the bezel itself. Channel-setting is a bit like invisible setting within the sense that the diamonds are set straight subsequent to one another, with gold flanking them from above and beneath. I’ve mentioned this earlier than, however I’ll say it once more: Hublot’s small however succesful in-house diamond-setting atelier belongs among the many best possible within the commerce.
The 45mm case is so long as the Hublot Large Bang circumstances usually are. Whilst you could get away with carrying a 44mm Luminor or 45mm Radiomir, the Large Bang, with its built-in lugs, One Click on quick-strap launch system, and oval-shaped rubber straps make this a long-wearing case. Fear not, although — with all that bling, nobody will discover the lugs stretching past the perimeters of your wrist.
One heck of a watch carrying expertise, the Hublot Large Bang MP-11 Energy Reserve 14 Days King Gold Jewelry is priced at $148,000, and you’ll see different variations of it at Hublot.com.
