At Baselworld 2017, Hublot announced the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis, the latest chapter in their collection of Manufacture Piece (MP) watches. Hublot designed a compelling 3-sided sapphire crystal case that tapers at 6 o’clock specifically to display the double rotation of the bi-axial tourbillon. Not just the case was created to put the bi-axial tourbillon front and center, the new movement was created with maximum visibility of this mechanism in mind. So, yeah, this Hublot is all about being seen and the result is a watch that’s really unlike any other.
Limited to 50 pieces in titanium and 20 pieces in King Gold, the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is yet another limited release and that is, at least in part, due to the difficulties involved with the manufacturing process. Evidently, the step-down pattern worked into the lower part of the crystal can’t be easy to achieve but it offers a clear and unrestricted view of the tourbillon’s range of motion. This should be a visual treat to witness as the first axis makes its full rotation every minute while the second axis does it in just 30 seconds. The result is a seemingly frantic display of complication which the wearer can then admire through various angles thanks to the distinct sapphire crystal design.
In big, bold Hublot style, the case of the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis measures 49mm in diameter and 17.95mm thick. I think the size is fitting for the design and will work well to enhance the prominence of the bi-axial tourbillon display. It also provides 30m of water resistance (in case you drop it in the pool or something) and both the titanium and gold versions have been finished with a range of satin, polished, and micro-blasted surfaces. Most notably, the high polishing on both sides of the lugs and the bezel transition nicely as you move closer to the sapphire tourbillon window, something I’m sure will translate much better in person as far as the visuals go. Another interesting feature is the lever system at 9 o’clock which moves the date forward or back a day with ease.
The 43-jewel caliber HUB9009.H1.RA is a self-winding movement that operates at 3Hz and delivers a total 5 days of power reserve. As viewed from the sapphire case back, the movement shows the kind of detailed construction and finishing you expect with gray-coated Anthracite bridges, a polished Rhodium plated balance, and of course, the defining bi-axis tourbillon array that serves as its most notable feature. In addition, both models of the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis come with a patterned black rubber strap with a matching deployant clasp in titanium or King gold.
Looking like a Star Wars helmet for a cyborg, the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis watch is not for the faint of heart considering design and price. But even as a bystander looking from afar, I almost wouldn’t have it any other way when it comes to Hublot and their outlandish designs. They’ve shown that they’re capable of thriving amid controversy while delivering the kind of watches capable of stopping us right in our tracks as we drone through our #dailywatch Instagram feeds. The Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is priced at $169,000 in titanium, $211,000 in King Gold, and $190,000 for the titanium pavé version. hublot.com
