BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Hublot is one of the few brands out there that is always ready to experiment with non-conventional materials to create unique product offerings. A few days back, the brand presented its Big Bang Tourbillon watch fully clothed in orange sapphire, something we haven’t experienced before. Now, the brand has taken the wraps off two more cool-looking Big Bang watches, which are a part of their 2021 novelties, currently being showcased through the ongoing digital LVMH 2021 Watch Week event. So, without further ado let’s have a quick look at the Big Bang MP 11 Magic Gold and Blue Sapphire.
Like the Big Bang Tourbillon Orange Sapphire, the MP11 Magic Gold and MP-11 Blue Sapphire continue to exhibit Hublot’s love for innovative materials. While aesthetically quite different from each other, this duo shares quite a few details, and one of them is the drivetrain. The HUB 9011 that powers these watches is a skeletonized variation of the brand’s MP-11 calibre that has been completely developed in-house by Hublot. The highlight of this technical masterpiece is the massive 14- day power reserve it offers. To make this possible, the movement uses a specially designed architecture that integrates seven series-coupled barrels. The movement is manually wound, comprises 270 components, black platinum bridges, and makes use of an anti-magnetic silicon escapement.
Like the case, the MP-11 Magic Gold and Blue Sapphire are equipped with a bold 45mm case that packs all the signature design elements of the Big Bang family such as the integrated lug design and the circular bezel with visible screws. And while the silhouette is the same, the choice of materials sets the two cases apart and lends the watches a distinctive visual appeal. The case on MP-11 Magic Gold is made of a special patented 18kt gold alloy, which is a mixture of gold and boron carbide. This unique combination leads to the creation of a material that has a nice dull finish to it and is completely scratch resistant like ceramic. The case on the MP11 Blue Sapphire has been crafted using blue sapphire which has once again been developed completely in-house by Hublot. The use of sapphire enables the watch to offer unmatched transparency while remaining high on scratch resistance and the blue color also gives the watch a sporty vibe. Both watches feature an easy to use large fluted crown at 3.
The dial on these watches is made of sapphire to offer an unobtrusive view of the skeletonized movement. It comprises of two sections. The upper half features a circular display with applied hour markings in gold/blue and skeletonized hands to read the time. At the 10 o’clock position, one can see a 90-degree helical worm gear that is used to transmit energy between the barrels and the hands. And balancing it out is the escapement mechanism, which is placed at the 2 o’clock position. The lower half of the dial displays the power reserve through a rotating wheel on the left, followed by the barrel assembly on the right.
The new Hublot MP-11 Magic Gold and Blue Sapphire watches are limited to 50 pieces each and would be accompanied by a black and a blue rubber strap. The MP-11 Magic Gold would retail for USD 89,500 whereas, the MP-11 Blue Sapphire would cost USD 132,000.
