Highlights from Hublot at Watches & Wonders 2022

At the 2022 edition of Watches & Wonders, Hublot created a stir by unveiling different watch designs including Square Bang Unico, MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Retrograde and Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon . All of the new watches are available for pre-order in Harbour City store 

The Square Bang Unico joins the barrel-shaped models already featured in “The Shaped Collection”. Its distinctive geometry is a real feat of craftsmanship for watchmakers who are traditionally accustomed to working with round cases. The specific features that contributed to the Big Bang Unico’s popularity have been reinterpreted in this new format, including the case’s sandwich-like construction and the use of high-tech materials.

In 2023, Hublot has taken the model back to the drawing board, this time exhibiting the Maison’s exceptional skills through the use of sapphire with the exclusive Square Bang Unico Sapphire, offered in a limited run of 250 pieces. Despite the two-fold challenge of its square format and the case’s multi-layered sapphire construction, Hublot’s engineers have successfully ensured that this timepiece is water-resistant to a depth of 5 ATM.

The renowned Unico movement, manufactured in-house, has also retained all the distinct features on which its reputation is founded. Set at 4 Hz (28,800 vib/h) and offering a 72-hour power reserve, is the prestigious automatic column-wheel flyback chronograph calibre known as the HUB1280. Incidentally, it is perfectly adapted for the square format, allowing it to be admired through the openwork dial, the back of the watch, and now through the sapphire crystal case itself.

Furthermore, Hublot is strengthening its position as a pioneer and leader in the use of ceramics by presenting two new editions of the Square Bang Unico, in white and black.

Defying conventions and undeterred by superstition, Hublot reveals the character of MP-13 latest model. The 44 mm MP-13 is encased entirely in brushed titanium and for the first time brings together two complications—the tourbillion and the retrograde display—in one, unique watch. To begin, the tourbillion features two axes—a considerable feat, as Hublot is one of only a few watchmakers capable of manufacturing a double-axis tourbillon entirely in-house, having first done so with the MP-09 in 2017. To further enhance its magic, Hublot has crafted a tourbillon with two refined attributes: it is skeletonized and suspended. This architectural design grants the tourbillon a weightlessness that more traditional versions lack. It does away with the upper bridge and each component is pared back unsparingly to allow light to pass through unobstructed. To amplify the visual effect, the space surrounding the 6 o’clock tourbillion has been opened up and is protected on both sides by anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

As always, Hublot remains firmly dedicated to ensuring the daily use of each client’s MP-13, guaranteeing a power reserve of at least four days or 96 hours. It is likely to have the largest power reserve of any double-axis skeleton tourbillon on the market at present. The three variables, double-axis, bi-retrograde, four days of power, are typically never seen together as retrograde displays are energy-intensive. And a bi-retrograde variant, by definition, even more so.

Like all models in the MP series, the MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis will only be produced as a very limited edition, with only 50 numbered pieces. Designed entirely in titanium with a black rubber strap, the watch has a full satin finish and contains 374 components.

The new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon, with only 50 pieces issued and individually numbered, fuses traditional Fine Watchmaking with Hublot’s cutting-edge spirit. The watch comprises two genuine complications: the tourbillon and the micro-rotor.  As for the tourbillon, Hublot has designed it to be skeletonized and suspended, integrated within a bottom plate dotted with transparent sapphire bridges.

The strap alone also merits being seen as a complication—especially considering its construction. It was designed, manufactured and assembled in-house in order to meet two objectives. Firstly, it is a featherweight 26 grams, making it one of the lightest straps available today. Secondly, it is supremely comfortable thanks to a perfect integration with the case, but also because of the links exclusively designed for this model. Each link is individually machined and finished to achieve the perfect surface quality—a real challenge with composite materials like Texalium and carbon fibre, as each element responds differently to cutting, machining and chamfering.

The new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon watch has been brought to life with the successful fusion of these materials. Its movement is inserted in a carbon fibre case that is 43 mm in diameter, which has two major advantages: resistance and ultra-lightness. By using this construction, the watch head (case and calibre, without the strap) weighs just 42 grams, meaning Hublot can break free from the notion that a robust watch equates to a heavy watch, with their perfectly ergonomic integrated strap.