A world first: Hublot unveils the first 100% ceramic minute repeater, the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater – Three firsts for two very high-level limited series: Hublot, is at the leading-edge of Haute Horlogerie.
Being the first, different and unique has never been truer than for this Big Bang Integral Minute Repeater Ceramic. The first ceramic minute repeater in the world, the first Integral Big Bang in black ceramic, the first with a tourbillon: Hublot is pushing the limits of fine watch making far, very far. But as always, we do not see it as a zenith: it is a milestone which, in turn, will open up new horizons leading us to other h orological explorations.
Ricardo Guadalupe, HBublot CEO
A few crowns, sometimes bezels, possibly a pusher. Until now, other than a few anecdotal components, ceramic has never been mastered sufficiently to be fully used in a Minute Repeater. Today, we have turned a page: Hublot is the first watchmaker in the world to design, manufacture and assemble a Cathedral Minute Yourbillon Repeater entirely in ceramic.
This is a colossal challenge that Hublot has just pulled off. Ceramic is an extremely hard material both to machine and finish. The colouring of the ceramic requires exceptional precision in firing to obtain a perfectly homogeneous result. Until now, it has never been possible to guarantee the water-resistance of the case, despite the movable trigger piece which operates the Minute Repeater. Nor, for that matter, has it been possible to obtain a clear and powerful sound within a 100% ceramic case; achieving this is a world first.
It took some 20 years of mastering ceramic to achieve such a result. The process was difficult because the
challenges were all closely tied: the monochrome ceramic is very complex to machine, which complicates the design of the case, which in turn can compromise water resistance, the guarantee of a pure and crystal-clear sound. All the parameters are interlinked. A single mistake, the slightest approximation, and you have to start again from scratch. The Big Bang Integral Minute Repeater Ceramic is not therefore a triumph over a material, but rather a declaration of complete interdisciplinary watchmaking mastery, spanning all the skills of Haute Horlogerie. It stakes the claim for absolute craftsmanship in its most comprehensive expression.
It will by no means be a unique piece. We see it rather as an accomplished prototype than proof of fine manufacturing achievement. Hublot, therefore, presents 36 pieces, each measuring 43mm in diameter divided into 18 pieces in black ceramic and 18 in white ceramic. These two Big Bangs belong to the same family: Integral Ceramic. Unveiled in 2020, it features parts made entirely of ceramic: the case, bracelet, bezel and case back. This is moreover the first time that a Big Bang Integral Ceramic has been produced in a black version.
It is not the only ‘first’: it is also the first time that this collection includes a tourbillon, entirely crafted in house, as is customary with Hublot. It is housed in a MHUB801 calibre, with manual winding, providing 80 hours of power reserve, in other words more than three days – an exceptional power reserve for a tourbillon, but not at all unusual for Hublot, since it holds the world record for a tourbillon power reserve (50 days).
Hublot mastered the Minute Repeater long ago. Indeed, in 2014, Hublot received a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) for its Classic Fusion Cathedral Tourbillon Minute Repeater. However, this is the first time that Hublot has transposed this Grande Complication, a Tourbillon Minute Repeater, within its Big Bang, in addition, in one of its most prestigious achievements, the Integral Ceramic.
A superlative timepiece, the Big Bang Integral Minute Repeater Ceramic is equally a technical and decorative complication. These two aspects have been merged, to create an authentic Grande Complication which is intended for discerning collectors. Those who are defining the Haute Horlogerie of tomorrow, today.
Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater Technical Specifications
Reference
- 458.CX.1170.CX.YOS – Limited to 18 pieces
- 458.HX.1170.HX.YOS – Limited to 18 pieces
Movement
- Hublot MHUB8001.H1.RH Calibre
- Hublot Tourbillon with manual winding
- Cathedral Minute Repeater
- Frequency: 3 (21’ 600A/h)
- Power reserve: Approximately 80 hours
- Number of components: 319
- Jewels: 30
Case
- Black satin-finished and polished ceramic
- White satin-finished and polished ceramic
- Diameter: 43 mm
- Thickness: 14.15 mm
- Water resistance: 3 ATM (30m)
Case back
- Satin-finished black ceramic
- Satin-finished white ceramic
Bezel
- Satin-finished and polished black ceramic
- Satin-finished and polished white ceramic
Dial
- Black mat dial Rhodium-plated satin appliques with black SuperLuminova
- Grey mat dial Rhodium-plated satin appliques with white SuperLuminova
Bracelet & Buckle
- Satin-finished and polished black ceramic with black PVD titanium folding clasp
- Satin-finished and polished white ceramic with titanium folding clasp
Price
- 280’000.00 CHF
- 291’000.00 EUR
- 295’000.00 USD
- 244’000.00 GBP
- 31’190’000.00 JPY
HUBLOT
Founded in Switzerland in 1980, HUBLOT is defined by its innovation, which began with the highly original combination of gold and rubber. This “Art of Fusion” stems from the imagination of its visionary Chairman, Jean-Claude Biver, and has been driven forward by CEO Ricardo Guadalupe since 2012.
The release of the iconic, multi-award-winning Big Bang in 2005 paved the way for new flagship collections (Classic Fusion, Spirit of Big Bang), with complications ranging from the simple to the highly sophisticated, establishing the extraordinary DNA of the Swiss watchmaking house and ensuring its impressive growth.
Keen to preserve its traditional and cutting-edge expertise, and guided by its philosophy to “Be First, Different and Unique”, the Swiss watchmaker is consistently ahead of the curve, through its innovations in materials (scratch-resistant Magic Gold, ceramics in vibrant colours, sapphire), and the creation of Manufacture movements (Unico, Meca-10, Tourbillon).
HUBLOT is fully committed to creating a Haute Horlogerie brand with a visionary future: a future which is fused with the key events of our times (FIFA World CupTM, UEFA Champions League, UEFA EUROTM) and the finest ambassadors our era has to offer (Chiara Ferragni, Pelé, Kylian Mbappé, Usain Bolt, Novak Djokovic).
Discover the HUBLOT universe at our network of boutiques located in key cities across the globe: Geneva, Paris, London, New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, Tokyo, Singapore, Zurich and at HUBLOT.com