The unique timepiece recreates a prismatic pattern without traditional gemstones by using coloured composites on a carbon case — a first in modern-day watchmaking
Best known for their ‘Art of Fusion’ timepieces, Hublot has been consistently pioneering the space when it comes to innovating with new materials such as ceramic, sapphire, carbon, and precious alloys. And their latest launch—MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5-Day Power Reserve Rainbow 3D Carbon—is no exception. The MP collection features timepieces that combine revolutionary movements along with dramatic designs; timekeepers that are way ahead of their time, delivering supreme precision.
For this latest watch, Hublot has taken inspiration from rainbow-hued designs, which have been made immensely popular in the past by brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Chopard, Franck Mueller, and Jacob & Co., but there’s a catch. The differentiating factor here is that no gemstones have been used to create the chromatic effect. In fact, the brand has reinvented the concept, which includes the method, the materials an even the tools involved in the execution of this project.
The brand has used carbon and coloured composites to achieve the Rainbow effect, which is usually produced by a natural variation by putting together diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds on the watch case—a first in the horological world.
“We have mastered carbon. We have mastered traditional Rainbow setting. But no one was yet to master 3D carbon with the Rainbow effect, quite simply because no one had thought about it. That is what makes Hublot different… we explore the unknown regions of haute horlogerie. This new ‘MP’ is therefore not just another manufacture piece; it embodies what Hublot is. Being first, unique and different. And that will never change,” says Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO at Hublot. He is extremely clear that the brand’s strength resides in its unique identity—the ‘Art of Fusion’, which allows the manufacturer to create timepieces that blend tradition and innovation.
The process is extremely complex where thin bars of carbon are straightened out horizontally and then bars containing coloured composite are placed vertically into the gaps and protrude slightly from the carbon. This height difference is then filled with a third carbon mesh that raises all components to the same level. Both carbon and composites are threaded into the mass across all three dimensions: length, width, and height. The challenge here is to ensure the desired hue since the colour of each insert darkens slightly as it set within the carbon case and to also position each composite in the right place, so as to achieve a uniform, effortless pattern.
This unique timekeeper comes in a 49mm 3D carbon case, water-resistant to 30m. At the heart, lies the manufacture HUB9009.H1.RA.B movement with a manual-winding mechanism, which keeps the watch functioning for at least five days. It features a bi-axial tourbillon, which makes one complete rotation per minute for the first axis and a second rotation every 30 seconds for the second axis and is positioned at 6 o’clock on the dial. There’s also a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock and an off-centre hours and minutes display between 12 and 2 o’clock. Limited to eight pieces, it is presented on a vibrant leather strap and is priced at approximately Rs 1.68 crore.
Image credits – Hublot
