Hublot MP-13 combines iconic brand style with haute horlogerie technology
Not many brands are as accomplished and controversial as Hublot high luxury store, with heavy sports sponsorships and a much-hyped business model that keep the snobby side of watch enthusiasts at bay. However, looking back at the marketing and press releases, we see that this is a company with a spirit of innovation and technical excellence, and nowhere is that clearer than with the Masterpiece Series. Created to showcase its craftsmanship and industrial design, the MP-13 Bi-Axial Retrograde Tourbillon is just one more example of Hublot’s well-deserved top status.
When it comes to watches costing as much as houses, you can bet that equal consideration has been given to its construction. Although much thicker, the case of the Hublot MP-13 Biaxial Retrograde Tourbillon is truly an evolution of the first Hublot watch from 1980. The lugs are slanted downward to integrate with the rubber strap, blending in perfectly for comfort, while the “ears” protruding from the sides are treated to black for a more aggressive contrast. The large crown is also black and has thick ridges for easy gripping.
The round porthole bezel that gives Hublot its name is actually transformed on the MP-13, almost forming a nozzle at 6 o’clock, evoking a sense of surrealism. This design element immediately sets it apart from other luxury cheap Watches and also provides additional space for the biaxial tourbillon. This detail also requires a very oddly shaped sapphire crystal, but Hublot is no stranger to the use of sapphire crystal. In terms of size, the size certainly matches its bold personality. The diameter is 44mm and the thickness is 16.7mm, but the titanium case helps keep the weight down and gives it a dark tone.
Sometimes, an overly complex dial may look incredible from an aesthetic perspective, but it may be difficult for the wearer to actually read the time. Skeletonization is one of the main ways to achieve this look, but the MP-13 Biaxial Retrograde Tourbillon is actually centered around legibility. It may take some getting used to reading the clock this way, but the minutes and hours have been split into two registers, with a retrograde hand reaching into each register. This means that the minute hand will start at 00, go all the way to 59, and then immediately return to 00 at the start of the new hour. The hour hand does the same thing, albeit 12 times slower, but jumps momentarily at the top of each hour.
In addition to the functions of the dial, there is a power reserve indicator, with each index in the red section representing the remaining 24 hours of power, but the real focus of the dial is the massive tourbillon cage, twisting and spinning. The function of the tourbillon is to reduce the influence of gravity on the hairspring by continuously rotating the hairspring so that the force is evenly distributed in two dimensions. The biaxial tourbillon goes one step further and can also rotate in three dimensions, theoretically extending this functionality even further. Forbest luxury watches that move when worn, it's debatable whether they actually have an impact on timekeeping, but regardless, they can demonstrate technical achievements in a mesmerizing and dynamic way.
watch strap
The Hublot MP-13 features an integrated rubber strap in typical Hublot style. The black rubber is ribbed for a sportier feel, and the black color complements the overall color scheme of the watch. The deployant buckle is made from solid titanium to match the color of the case and reduce overall weight for improved comfort.
sports
There isn’t much to say about the movement that can’t be seen from the dial side, but the HUB6200 is certainly an impressive feat of engineering. The retrograde complications are intricate, so revolving the dial’s main functions around two of them is quite brave. The inclusion of a four-day power reserve is a welcome addition, with the total number of parts reaching 374. It vibrates at the 3 Hz frequency common to tourbillon movements, reducing stress on key moving parts. The HUB6200’s sapphire display caseback is equally impressive, with the tourbillon window surrounded by a crisscross of skeletonized bridges and various wheels. This perspective in particular has a sci-fi feel to it.
