Hublot once again pushes the boat right out

Text: Britta Rossander

The new Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5-Day Power Reserve Rainbow 3D Carbon whose life-affirming pattern consists of coloured composites is a new way of thinking. The coloured parts have that have been inserted into the case were a technical challenge to construct. Eqotime takes a closer look at the model!

Innovative as usual

The rainbow effect, as we are used to seeing it, usually consists of the natural variation of gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, is in Hublot's version made of carbon fibre in combination with composite materials. The time display, which is placed between 12 and 2 o'clock, has also been given the colours of the rainbow for the hour markers

Traditionally stones are chosen that have been formed over millions of years and put together so a rainbow is formed. Hublot has placed thin rods of carbon fibre with a few millimetres between them and then lets equally thin rods of composite, tinted in all the colours of the rainbow, lie the other way so that a pattern is formed like a weave with warp and weft. Since the eye spontaneously combines them so they are perceived as a harmonious and natural gradation, the effect becomes almost an optical illusion. Here an infinite number of shades were required in order for them to be able to recreate the brilliance of the stones. The tone of each inlay darkens somewhat when it is mounted in the case next to the black rods, which you have to bear in mind when making them. Another challenge is said to have been placing each composite in the right spot so that the result becomes seamless to the eye. 

When it comes to the movement the MP-09 contains the exceptional calibre HUB9009.H1.RA.B with manual winding and five days of power reserve. It comes with a bi-axial tourbillon with one full rotation per minute for the first axis and one rotation every 30 seconds for the second axis. The slightly hypnotic double rotation has been allowed to govern the design of the case with curved sides where the tourbillon is shown at 6 o'clock. The model is limited to eight pieces and from Hublot's design team they say:

-We have managed to tame the carbon fibre and been able to make a traditional rainbow in a new way – a way that no one previously thought was possible. It is progress like thisthat makes Hublot different: we explore the unknown within Haute Horlogerie. We want to be first, unique and different. 

Technical specifications

Brand: Hublot
Model: MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5-Day Power Reserve Rainbow 3D Carbon 
Reference number: 909.QDRB.1120.LR

Diameter: 49mm
Thickness: 17,95mm
Case material: Matte Rainbow 3D carbon fibre and microblasted black PVD on titanium
Water resistance: 30m

Dial: Skeletonised
Bracelet: Multicoloured alligator
Clasp: Folding clasp in black titanium

Movement: HUB9009.H1RA.B
Complications: Tourbillon
Power reserve: 120h
Winding: Manual

Price: 211,000 euro (limited to 8 pieces)

Read more about the watch at Hublot