Introducing: The Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System
Today, Hublot is releasing a fascinating timepiece, the likes of which most of us have probably never seen. According to CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, “I gave our designers and watchmakers carte blanche, and this is the fruit of their labors.” Well, they certainly didn’t hold back! Let me introduce you to the Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System, the latest watch from the “Manufacture Piece” skunk works of Hublot.
This is a limited edition of 50 pieces with a theme — verticalization. Yes, that’s a word. Let’s have a closer look at the madness that is the Hublot MP-10.
Hublot MP-10: A vertical approach to watchmaking
Normally, you have a handset pointing out the time on a horizontal dial. Also, on the backside of the movement, there is a rotor providing the power. This, too, is in horizontal orientation, provided you lay the watch down on its back.
Here, the time is displayed vertically, on two rotating cylinders. Additionally, the running seconds are marked directly on the cage of the tourbillon at the bottom of the watch. I would say “at 6 o’clock,” but…well…you see the problem. In short, you read the time from top to bottom. Also, between the displays for the minutes and seconds, you will find a power reserve indicator.
However, that’s not all that has been “verticalized” on the Hublot MP-10. In addition, the winding system is also turned on its side. Hublot’s engineers have also split in two, adding to the complexity of this creation. On either flank of the watch is a white gold weight mounted on a rail. These two weights can move freely on a vertical plane, with shock absorbers on either side. Additionally, there is a big crown “at 12” for manual winding. However, the time is set via a small crown on the back of the watch.
A complex sapphire crystal
The Hublot MP-10 features a microblasted titanium case. Amusingly, its rectangular profile and rounded corners reminded me somewhat of a — dare I say it? — Apple Watch. What’s very different, though, is the way that the textured black rubber strap connects to the case, with Hublot’s signature “H” screws holding it in place. The case measures 41.5mm across, 54.1mm long, and 22.4mm tall, with water resistance rated to 30 meters.
The star of the show here is the sapphire crystal. It features radical curves on three sides and drapes over the bottom and two flanks of the case. This provides a terrarium-like view of the magic that resides inside. Additionally, there is a curved sapphire crystal on the back, although the view is less impressive from that side.
Initial impressions of the Hublot MP-10
We know that Hublot can produce some crazy stuff under its MP line. This latest entry to the collection is deeply impressive. The movement reminds me of an engine with two pistons going up and down and a driveshaft running down the middle. I particularly enjoy the brutalist styling, which is emphasized by the markings “hours”, “minutes”, “power reserve”, and “sec”. These provide a utilitarian aesthetic that is offset by the extreme levels of fine finishing.
However, you will have a bit of a challenge on your hands if you want one of these watches. The Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System is limited to 50 pieces. On top of that, it has a price of €275,000 / CHF 250,000 / US$264,000. So no, you will not likely run into one at the next watch enthusiasts’ get-together you attend.
What do you think of the new Hublot MP-10? Let us know in the comments below!
