To commemorate the inauguration of their new boutique at Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops in Las Vegas, Hublot established the Vegas boutique-exclusive Hublot Big Bang Las Vegas Edition timepieces. When there are four different references, they are all precisely the same watch offered with different case substances and diamond configurations.At their center, these watches will be the Hublot Big Bang Chronograph powered with the calibre HUB4100, which is an automated movement that delivers 42h of power book and beats in 28,800bph. I believe that the HUB4100 is based off the ETA 2894-2 or is a modified version of it.I’m certain, given that the vegas link and Hublot’s polarizing designs generally, you won’t be surprised when I say these watches won’t be to everyone’s tastes. The first two variants start off with a microblasted black porcelain case, while another two are a combination of ceramic and anodized aluminum and are set with 212 black diamonds.The bezels on every one of the watches change also, with the easiest being a black ceramic like the situation and also the more elaborate ones having anywhere between 48 to 114 diamonds set inside them. The most exclusive option — restricted to one piece only — comes with the 48 baguette cut diamonds. These watches are best for somebody who’s searching for some bling (possibly to indicate that they’ve had a successful run at the tables) and is not especially picky about legibility. Maybe it’s the provided press images or could just be me, but it feels like legibility wasn’t a vital consideration in the design procedure.
Inspired by the hybrid LaFerrari supercar, the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is a superwatch. It has a transverse movement shaped like a car engine, with a vertical tourbillon at one end, and a record-breaking 50 day power reserve.
Hublot has been rapidly growing its line-up of Ferrari timepieces since inking its agreement with the Italian carmaker two years ago. Most of the Ferrari timepieces are ordinary, Big Bang-based watches. The MP-05 LaFerrari is radically different. The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is exotic as the cars it is inspired by. Housed in a sleek, black PVD coated titanium case, the MP-05 LaFerrari was conceived by Mathias Buttet, Hublot’s talented head of development. Essentially a tourbillon wristwatch with a massive power reserve of 50 days, the LaFerrari watch has 11 barrels, each with its own ruby roller to minimise friction and keep them in place. The 11 barrels are laid out in a straight line down the centre of the movement, and all unwind simultaneously. By way of comparison, Hublot’s closest competitor in the power reserve stakes, the Rebellion T-1000 Gotham, has a trifling 41 day power reserve.
The movement of the MP-05 LaFerrari is entirely vertical, that is to say all the gears are vertical, something pioneered by the Cabestan tourbillon.
Rotating drums indicate the time on the right side of the movement, and the power reserve on the left, all of which are secured by red anodised bars, just like the roll cage of a car.
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| The power reserve display, currently reading five days |
And at six o’clock, at the base of the case, is the vertical tourbillon, a feature found in several other timepieces created by Buttet, including the MP-02 Key of Time, which tells the time at varying rates. The tourbillon in the LaFerrari watch is extremely large, with a balance wheel measuring 14.5 mm in diameter, a feat possible thanks to the enormous torque of the 11 mainsprings.
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| The vertical tourbillon |
At the other end of the case is the socket in which a key can be inserted to wind the watch. The key is actually a device like an electric drill, which winds the watch rapidly, saving the user the agony of having to wind all 11 barrels manually.
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| The winding socket with a decorative carbon fibre insert |
The view from the back is consistent with the engine aesthetic, with a bridge running lengthwise similar to an engine frame. Another socket in the back allows the time to be set.
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| The case back with the time-setting socket on lower left |
Only 50 numbered pieces of the Hublot LaFerrari will be made, with a faintly ridiculous retail price of S$585,300 including 7% tax, which is equivalent to about US$475,000. That is approximately a third of the retail price of the actual LaFerrari supercar. – SJX
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| An exploded view of the movement |
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| The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari on the wrist of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s Chairman |