Hublot Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM.
A leader in the creation of timepieces crafted from high-tech materials like carbon and sapphire, Hublot presented a new variation of its Big Bang MP-11 made of SAXEM (Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral), a material never before used in watchmaking. The Hublot Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM ref. 911.JG.0129.RX is produced in a limited run of 20 pieces with a price of Swiss Francs 120,000 / Euro 125,000 / US$ 127,000.
A leader in the creation of timepieces crafted from high-tech materials like carbon and sapphire, Hublot presented a new variation of its Big Bang MP-11 made of SAXEM (Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral), a material never before used in watchmaking.
In order to obtain its unique shade of green, transparency and radiance, the Hublot manufacture mixed aluminium oxide, the basic component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements like thulium and holmium as well as chromium. The resulting material is harder than emerald (too soft to be machined) as well as more brilliant than sapphire.
Moreover, the absence of tension within the matter ensures greater stability in terms of shaping, whereas the cubic crystalline structure guarantees the same shade and intensity of colour, regardless of the angle from which you look at the case.
The entirely polished green SAXEM provides an ideal contrast to the bezel’s six H-shaped polished and microblasted black titanium screws, as well as to the black crown that combines titanium with rubber inserts.
The 45 mm case of the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM houses a hand-wound skeleton manufacture calibre delivering an exceptional power reserve of two weeks thanks to seven barrels connected in series.
The remaining autonomy is displayed on a cylinder placed to the left of the seven barrels, facing the ‘DAY POWER RESERVE’ mention inscribed on the sapphire glass.
In order to enable the transmission of energy between the horizontal axis of the barrels and the vertical train steering the hours and minutes display, the watchmakers at Hublot used a system that is very rare in watchmaking: a 90-degree intermediate wheel by way of an “endless screw”-type helical gear wheel.
To ensure a good aesthetic balance with this helical gear visible at 10 o’clock, the anthracite ruthenium balance has been moved to the dial side in a position symmetrical to 2 o’clock.
Comprising 270 components and fitted with a silicon escapement and black bars and plate, the Hublot HUB9011 calibre beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour).
The readability of the auxiliary hours/minutes dial is reinforced by hands and indexes highlighted in green luminescent plating. The sapphire glass with anti-reflective treatment and the bezel in green SAXEM stand out by their bulge, which embraces the shape of the cylindrical barrels—a feat of engineering that creates a magnifying effect on the power reserve indicator. The total thickness, bulge included, is 14.40 mm.
Completed by a black structured rubber strap secured by a black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant clasp, the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM ref. 911.JG.0129.RX is produced in a limited run of 20 pieces with a price of Swiss Francs 120,000 / Euro 125,000 / US$ 127,000. The watch is water resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet. hublot.com
In order to obtain its unique shade of green, transparency and radiance, the Hublot manufacture mixed aluminium oxide, the basic component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements like thulium and holmium as well as chromium. The resulting material is harder than emerald (too soft to be machined) as well as more brilliant than sapphire.
Moreover, the absence of tension within the matter ensures greater stability in terms of shaping, whereas the cubic crystalline structure guarantees the same shade and intensity of colour, regardless of the angle from which you look at the case.
The entirely polished green SAXEM provides an ideal contrast to the bezel’s six H-shaped polished and microblasted black titanium screws, as well as to the black crown that combines titanium with rubber inserts.
The 45 mm case of the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM houses a hand-wound skeleton manufacture calibre delivering an exceptional power reserve of two weeks thanks to seven barrels connected in series.
The remaining autonomy is displayed on a cylinder placed to the left of the seven barrels, facing the ‘DAY POWER RESERVE’ mention inscribed on the sapphire glass.
In order to enable the transmission of energy between the horizontal axis of the barrels and the vertical train steering the hours and minutes display, the watchmakers at Hublot used a system that is very rare in watchmaking: a 90-degree intermediate wheel by way of an “endless screw”-type helical gear wheel.
To ensure a good aesthetic balance with this helical gear visible at 10 o’clock, the anthracite ruthenium balance has been moved to the dial side in a position symmetrical to 2 o’clock.
Comprising 270 components and fitted with a silicon escapement and black bars and plate, the Hublot HUB9011 calibre beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour).
The readability of the auxiliary hours/minutes dial is reinforced by hands and indexes highlighted in green luminescent plating. The sapphire glass with anti-reflective treatment and the bezel in green SAXEM stand out by their bulge, which embraces the shape of the cylindrical barrels—a feat of engineering that creates a magnifying effect on the power reserve indicator. The total thickness, bulge included, is 14.40 mm.
Completed by a black structured rubber strap secured by a black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant clasp, the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM ref. 911.JG.0129.RX is produced in a limited run of 20 pieces with a price of Swiss Francs 120,000 / Euro 125,000 / US$ 127,000. The watch is water resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet. hublot.com
I am usually not a fan of Hublot timepieces but I think this model looks amazing, especially for the way it displays the power reserve. I would love a larger time indication, though.
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