Hublot has introduced the world’s first Minute Repeater created entirely in full-ceramic, pushing the boundaries for watchmaking. Although there have been a few examples of Minute Repeaters featuring ceramic cases, no watchmaker has ever attempted to create a Minute Repeater in full-ceramic until now.
The watch achieves many firsts for Hublot, guaranteeing a water-resistant case despite the moving trigger component that controls the Minute Repeater and also produces a clear and powerful sound within a 100% ceramic case. According to Hublot, the process was challenging because the constraints were all closely linked: the monochrome ceramic is difficult to machine, complicating the case design, which can compromise water resistance, and the assurance of a pure and crystal-clear sound.
This is the first time a tourbillon has been included in this series, which is traditional for Hublot. It is housed in an MHUB801 calibre with manual winding and a power reserve of 80 hours, or more than three days. Hublot has created 36 pieces, each measuring 43mm in diameter and divided into 18 black ceramic pieces and 18 white ceramic parts. Both of these Big Bangs are from the Integral Ceramic family. The case, bracelet, bezel, and case back are all comprised of ceramic. This is also the first time a black version of the Big Bang Integral Ceramic has been released.
“Being the first, different and unique has never been truer than for this Big Bang Integral Minute Repeater Ceramic.” Says Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot. ”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 watchmaking 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 horological explorations.”
Both the black and white ceramic variants of the watch are restricted to only 18 pieces apiece. The $295,000 Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater will be offered exclusively in Japan.
Vist Hublot for more information.
(Photos: Hublot)