Hublot’s relationship with Ferrari has yielded a number of watches over the years. Among them is 2013’s MP-05 LaFerrari, a tribute to the eponymous supercar. Hublot this week announced a new version, the aptly named MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire, that replaces the titanium case with a sapphire one that completely exposes the movement.
The MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire follows the company’s “visible invisibility” philosophy. Nestled in its sapphire case, the movement, made up of 637 components and a suspended vertical tourbillon, appears to float in mid-air and is visible from all angles.
With the MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire, Hublot is writing a new chapter in the history of the brand. The three-dimensional construction of the case middle, in sapphire, provides an exceptional setting for the movement. The movement can now be admired from every angle. It appears to be suspended in mid-air in this bespoke setting carved from sapphire. In fact, this movement finally has the sculptured bodywork it deserves! An ambitious project.
The sapphire case middle is made up of 7 components machined from 7 blocks of sapphire. The case alone requires over 600 hours of work, in part due to the challenge of carving the case out of sapphire.
Like the original, the Hublot MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire offers an impressive 50-day power reserve thanks to 11 series-coupled barrels set in a spine formation down the centre of the watch. With all these barrels, winding the watch could be a time-consuming chore if it was not for the small electronic screw-driver.
Hublot MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire (ref. 905.JX.0001.RT) specifications:
- Movement: Hublot HUB9005.H1.PN.1
- Case material: Polished sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Case back: Polished sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Battery/Power reserve: 50 days
- Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters)
- Weight: 53.5 grams
- Strap: Transparent silicon with polished sapphire crystal and microblasted black-plated titanium deployant buckle
The Hublot MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire will be limited to 20 pieces. While pricing was not announced, the original sold for about US$300,000 (about CA$420,000). It’s unlikely that this latest design will sell for less (but it will still be a lot cheaper than the car itself).
Source : Hublot