Japanese Movement Replica Up Close With The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari, An Engined-Shaped, 50-Day Power Reserve Monster (With Original Photos And Price)

2017 marks the 70th anniversary of a certain automaker that will create passion among automobile enthusiasts like no other. Synonymous with the colour red, this automaker also appears to possess the most successful team in Formula One. Have you guessed it yet? The automaker is none besides Ferrari. As the official watchmaking partner of Ferrari, Hublot-watch-312cm1120rx Replica introduced the Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70 Years Tourbillon Chronograph watch to mark the occasion earlier this year, but this is a new one-off variation made from PEEK Carbon and King Gold.The venture of Hublot and Ferrari is into its fifth year and has produced many of Hublot’s most audacious and impressive pieces such as the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis (hands-on) watch and the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari watch (hands-on with the sapphire case variant), in addition to more familiar Hublot fare like Big Bang Ferrari (like the version we reviewed) editions.The Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70 Years Tourbillon Chronograph watch has been unveiled earlier this season (hands-on here), and the particular version in the materials you see here has been created as a one-off bit for auction. It is a technically impressive view, of course, using a chronograph function and tourbillon escapement. Designed in collaboration with Ferrari, the consequent watch, with its architectural and bridge-like case layout, seems unlike any other Hublot watch before it.So what’s unique about this watch? The Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70 Years Tourbillon Chronograph watch was originally produced in three versions — King Gold, ceramic, and PEEK carbon — that were limited to 70 pieces each. This variant, however, uses a blend of PEEK carbon and King Gold together. The skeleton frame that shields the case is made out of ultra light and robust PEEK carbon, although the situation itself consists of King Gold. King Gold is the name of a ceramic and gold metal developed by Hublot that includes a richer reddish colour in comparison with typical 5N red gold and can be much more challenging and much more scratch-resistant.
Bund straps were originally invented to be used by German pilots during World War II to prevent the eye cases from freezing or searing the wearer’s skin at high altitudes or in case of a cockpit fire. In addition to providing still another link to history, this manner of strap also perfectly matches a bronze watch to avoid oxidization turning the wearer’s own skin green, although Hublot Watches Big Bang Replica Replica have catered to those wishing to replace the strap with a non-Bund alternative by fabricating the caseback from ceramic. A second strap (not pictured) is also contained and easily accessible thanks to Hublot’s “One Click” attachment method, which offers a slightly dressier look in “altsalzburg” (black-brown) colored deer leather with walnut leaf embroidery. The buckle is made of black PVD titanium using a brushed bronze deployant clasp insert, providing a contemporary touch to an otherwise old-world aesthetic.The size of this Hublot Big Bang Bavaria is going to be a sticking point for some. Hublot’s Big Bang watches already wear very large with their 45mm cases, and the Bund style strap makes this model appear even larger on the wrist. That said the deer leather has been used here was meticulously hand-worked from the craftsmen at Meindl to attain a velvety soft texture and help it wear more comfortably. This piece also provides a strong vintage vibe and a real link with Bavarian history, which should appeal to lovers of German culture or anyone seeking to accessorize their Lederhosen to the intense for Oktoberfest or any Bavarian-themed event. The Hublot Big Bang Bavaria is currently being provided at a limited edition run of 100 bits, with a price of $27,900.

Inspired by the hybrid LaFerrari supercar, the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is a superwatch. It has a transverse movement shaped like a car engine, with a vertical tourbillon at one end, and a record-breaking 50 day power reserve.

Hublot has been rapidly growing its line-up of Ferrari timepieces since inking its agreement with the Italian carmaker two years ago. Most of the Ferrari timepieces are ordinary, Big Bang-based watches. The MP-05 LaFerrari is radically different. The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is exotic as the cars it is inspired by. Housed in a sleek, black PVD coated titanium case, the MP-05 LaFerrari was conceived by Mathias Buttet, Hublot’s talented head of development. Essentially a tourbillon wristwatch with a massive power reserve of 50 days, the LaFerrari watch has 11 barrels, each with its own ruby roller to minimise friction and keep them in place. The 11 barrels are laid out in a straight line down the centre of the movement, and all unwind simultaneously. By way of comparison, Hublot’s closest competitor in the power reserve stakes, the Rebellion T-1000 Gotham, has a trifling 41 day power reserve.

The movement of the MP-05 LaFerrari is entirely vertical, that is to say all the gears are vertical, something pioneered by the Cabestan tourbillon.

Rotating drums indicate the time on the right side of the movement, and the power reserve on the left, all of which are secured by red anodised bars, just like the roll cage of a car.

The power reserve display, currently reading five days

And at six o’clock, at the base of the case, is the vertical tourbillon, a feature found in several other timepieces created by Buttet, including the MP-02 Key of Time, which tells the time at varying rates. The tourbillon in the LaFerrari watch is extremely large, with a balance wheel measuring 14.5 mm in diameter, a feat possible thanks to the enormous torque of the 11 mainsprings.

The vertical tourbillon

At the other end of the case is the socket in which a key can be inserted to wind the watch. The key is actually a device like an electric drill, which winds the watch rapidly, saving the user the agony of having to wind all 11 barrels manually. 

The winding socket with a decorative carbon fibre insert

The view from the back is consistent with the engine aesthetic, with a bridge running lengthwise similar to an engine frame. Another socket in the back allows the time to be set.

The case back with the time-setting socket on lower left

Only 50 numbered pieces of the Hublot LaFerrari will be made, with a faintly ridiculous retail price of S$585,300 including 7% tax, which is equivalent to about US$475,000. That is approximately a third of the retail price of the actual LaFerrari supercar. – SJX

An exploded view of the movement

The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari on the wrist of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s Chairman