Mention Hublot and you may be faced with a blank expression. In 'watch world' they are of course regarded as an exceptional company but to your average watch buyer they are hardly a household name (unless you watch F1)!
Their designs are somewhat out of the ordinary; you either like or dislike them, but there's no middle ground. The engineering however, is beyond question, and Hublot are not frightened to push the boundaries in every aspect, indeed, it's become their trademark.
For Watches and Wonders 2023 there are one or two models to look at so let's start with the new MP-13.
Hublot MP13 - Hublot
The 'MP' stands for MasterPiece and this particular specimen will set you back £137,000.00. Yes, Yes, I know, but that does include the VAT; all the same, a few extra Saturday mornings may be required. The MP-13 is exquisitely finished with a Titanium case, a fully integrated rubber strap and a Titanium deployant clasp. Water resistance is only 30m, so diving excursions in the vicinity of the Mariana Trench are, to all intents and purposes, off the cards. The case is 44mm and sports a sapphire crystal front and rear through which the new Hublot HUB6200 in-house movement is displayed. This incredible piece of engineering features a duel-axis Tourbillon and a power reserve of 96 hours, although it is hand wound. The MP-13 is limited to 50 pieces.
Hublot Big Bang Full Carbon - Hublot
Next up is the Big Bang Full Carbon with the upper layer crafted from carbon fibre & Texalium. Texalium, from the Hexcel company is a fibreglass-based fabric that has a thin coating of 99.99% pure aluminium on its surface. Hublot have engineered this into the Big Bang, and made a lovely job of it to boot. As is the norm with Hublot, the engineering continues below the surface with the HUB6035 Tourbillon automatic movement, offering 72 hours of reserve power. Sapphire crystal front and rear along with a sapphire crystal dial. Case size is 43mm and water resistance is 30m. Price is £109,000.00, again VAT is included in order to cushion the blow somewhat and it's limited to 50 pieces.
Hublot Square Bang Unico - Hublot
The Square Bang Unico is next in line. This chronograph, like all Hublot creations, is impeccably engineered. The case is classed as a 42mm and is crafted from a number of different materials depending on the actual model. It has a sapphire crystal along with a sapphire crystal dial and water resistance is a respectable 100m. The case is set with a plethora of precious stones that will, no doubt, entertain the fish should you fancy a dip. At the heart of the Square Bang is the Hublot Unico self-winding, chronograph flyback movement with column wheel. The Unico has 72 hours of power reserve when fully wound and all models come on a fully integrated black rubber strap with deployant clasp. The cost varies depending on the model, but expect to pay between £26,000.00 - £86,000.00. Other models include cases in sapphire crystal and ceramic should something a little less ostentatious take your fancy.
Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski - Hublot
Last up is the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski, and is more, dare I say it, run of the mill; a shiver ran down my spine when I typed that! This model comes in a variety of forms that should suit the needs of the more sedate Hublot customer, if there is such a beast. Case size is 41mm, water resistance is 50m and, of course, sapphire crystal front and rear. Underneath the hood nestles Hublot's HUB1153 automatic chronograph movement with a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound. Various strap options and clasps are available to complete the ensemble.
WatchGecko first observations:
Love them of hate then you cannot deny the technical genius of Hublot and that trend continues with the new 2023 range. Getting over the fact that you would never want to wear one of these watches as you kayak down the Amazon we need to look at them as capability showcases rather than functional watches. And that's one of the beautiful parts of the watch industry. Like a concept car where only a few will be made of, Hublot show us what can be achieved in the field of chronological technical excellence. Small wonder this brand name looks right at home on the side of Charles Leclers's Ferrari F1 car.
