Hublot

This particular Hublot is as exceptional as it gets when it comes to watchmaking and design. In 2014, Hublot released the MP-05 ‘LaFerrari’ in a limited series of 50 pieces. The model was entirely designed and developed by the Hublot Manufacture engineers and watchmakers in tribute to LaFerrari, the hybrid sports car built by the renowned Italian automotive manufacturer Ferrari between 2013 and 2016. The car was named LaFerrari as it represents the ‘definitive’ Ferrari in its quintessential form. Starting in 2016 and until its discontinuation in 2018, Ferrari produced the LaFerrari Aperta, which is the open-top version of the LaFerrari. Similarly, in 2017 Hublot also created an updated version of the MP-05 and issued a limited series of only 20 pieces housed completely in a black sapphire crystal case.

The center piece of the car is also what the watch represents, namely the incredible mid-mounted 12-cylinder engine. A glass cover on the back of the car reveals the engine bay and the watch takes on its shape from that view, subsequently revealing its own impressive movement thanks to the black sapphire crystal case. In fact, the watch was developed alongside the car together with the Ferrari teams from both technical and design aspects.

An extremely intricate movement made of 637 components contains a tourbillon and a power reserve of approximately 50 days, which is mind-boggling and still a world record today. The watch achieves this unbelievable power reserve thanks to its 11 barrels, which are perfectly aligned like a spinal column, and interconnected so they do not each discharge separately but support each other instead. The winding crown on the vertical top and the time-setting crown on the back are completely integrated into the design and therefore practically invisible. In order to manipulate the time or wind the watch, one of the supplied tools needs to be used and there is even a miniature power drill provided, modeled after the tire-changing tool used in Formula 1, which makes the winding process much easier and quicker for the wearer. The vertical front face reveals the exceptional suspended tourbillon. The small seconds are indicated by means of an aluminium cylinder mounted onto the suspended tourbillon cage, while the minutes and hours are also indicated by means of cylinders to the right side of the barrels. On the left side of the barrels is yet another cylinder indicating the power reserve. The red numbers and the red decoration to the edges of the display allude to Ferrari’s red signature and are simply another detail of this exciting collaboration which is also marked by the use of the Ferrari logo at 12 o'clock. 

The present example is truly astonishing and a display of the exquisite engineering and craftsmanship by Hublot. Very exclusive, it is part of a limited series of only 20 pieces and instead of being numbered, the Certificate of Authenticity confirms the inscription 'SPECIAL PIECE' as the case number. Offered in great condition and as a complete set with Certificate of Authenticity and presentation case, this lot presents an exciting opportunity for watch collectors and sport cars enthusiasts alike.