Even before Richard Mille started releasing very colorful watches, our friends at Hublot were already doing so. After the success of the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 in 3D carbon and its clear sapphire crystal case sibling, earlier this year, Hublot released a new iteration of the MP-11 this time in bright red polished ceramic. Following the brand’s limited edition strategy, the Big Bang MP-11 Power Reserve 14 Days Red Magic comes in a very exclusive limited edition of 100 pieces. Equipped with 7 series-coupled barrels, the MP-11 Red Magic provides a 14-day power reserve instead of a 16-day power reserve when compared to its predecessors. Honestly, we don’t understand why the change in the number of days for the power reserve when all MP-11 watches are powered by the same manual wound movement the in-house calibre HUB9011.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic offers a spectacular view of the 7 series-coupled barrels on its dial side and the in-line power reserve indicator takes the center stage at 6 o’clock. The multi-cylindrical construction, which has been positioned on a horizontal axis, guarantees autonomy for an astounding two weeks.
The hour and the minute subdial at 12 o'clock is driven by a vertical gear train, which posed an additional challenge for the designers. The force of the barrels is tilted on a perpendicular plane by a transmission system very rarely employed in watchmaking with a 90-degree helical worm gear. As another unique feature of this innovative calibre, the balance wheel is on the dial side to create symmetry with the helical gear at 2 o'clock.
The Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic is quite light despite its 45 mm case size with a total weight of only 116 grams including the strap. The watch features a very unique look thanks to its protruding curved sapphire crystal and the unique facets and angles of its super glossy case construction. Along with the black middle case, a rubber coated winding crown and a black structured rubber strap complete the watch in a very sporty way.
The Movement
The Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Power Reserve 14 Days Red Magic is powered by the Hublot in-house movement calibre HUB9011. This manual wound skeletonized movement is composed of 270 parts, 39 jewels, and 7 series-coupled barrels with power reserve display roll. The movement is visible via the display case back and the front of the watch. When fully wound, the movement provides an outstanding power reserve of 14 days while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. As mentioned before, we are not sure why Hublot decreased the power reserve from 16 days —as it was originally set on the first MP-11 watches— to 14 days.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic wears true to its size and with incredible wrist presence. A very sexy watch that in addition to its very impressive 14-day power reserve features one of the most unique-looking sapphire crystals in the market. The fact that the sapphire crystal protecting the dial had to be specially designed with such curvature to make room for the series-coupled barrels, makes this watch and even greater feat of horology. Available in a limited edition of 100 pieces.
Sticker Price $86,000 USD. For more info on Hublot click here.
