Hublot Becomes the World's First Watchmaker to Design, Manufacture, and Assemble an All-Ceramic Cathedral Minute Tourbillon Repeater

A FIRST IN THE WORLD: HUBLOT PRESENTS THE WORLD'S FIRST 100-PERCENT CERAMIC MINUTE REPEATER

Several crowns, sometimes bezels, and maybe a pusher. Except for a few anecdotal components, ceramic has never been sufficiently perfected to be extensively used in a Minute Repeater.

With the Hublot Cathedral Minute Tourbillon Repeater, that has changed.

"Never has it been more true to be the first, different, and distinctive as it is for this Big Bang Integral Minute Repeater Ceramic. The world's first ceramic minute repeater, the first black ceramic Integral Big Bang, and the first featuring a tourbillon: Hublot is pushing the boundaries of exquisite watchmaking to new heights. However, as is customary, we do not see it as a zenith; rather, we view it as a milestone that will open up new frontiers for future horological investigations."

Incredible Difficulty

This is a monumental feat that Hublot has recently accomplished. Ceramic is a material that is incredibly difficult to manufacture and finish. To get a flawlessly homogenous outcome in the colouring of the ceramic, extreme accuracy in firing is required. Despite the moving trigger piece that activates the Minute Repeater, it has never been feasible to ensure the case's water resistance until now. Nor has it been feasible to achieve a crystal-clear and strong sound inside a 100 percent ceramic case; this is a global first.

Ceramics Mastery

To reach this achievement, it required almost two decades of perfecting ceramics. The procedure was challenging because the obstacles were all interconnected: the monochromatic ceramic is very difficult to machine, complicating the case design, which in turn compromises water resistance, a need for a clean and crystal-clear sound. All parameters are connected. A one error, the tiniest estimate, and you're back to square one. The Big Bang Integral Minute Repeater Ceramic is therefore not a material success, but rather a statement of comprehensive multidisciplinary watchmaking expertise, encompassing all of Haute Horlogerie's talents. It is the most thorough representation of the demand for flawless workmanship.

A timepiece of distinction

It will not be a one-of-a-kind artwork. We see it more as a well-executed prototype than as evidence of superior production ability. As a result, Hublot provides 36 pieces, each measuring 43mm in diameter and split among 18 black ceramic pieces and 18 white ceramic pieces. Both of these Big Bangs are made of the same material: Integral Ceramic. It was unveiled in 2020 and is fully composed of ceramic components: the case, bracelet, bezel, and case back. Additionally, this is the first time a Big Bang Integral Ceramic has been made in a black colorway.

First & Exclusive

This is not the only 'first': this is the first time a tourbillon has been included in this series, as is traditional with Hublot. It is powered by a manual winding MHUB801 calibre that provides 80 hours of power reserve, or more than three days - an amazing power reserve for a tourbillon, but not uncommon for Hublot, which holds the world record for a tourbillon power reserve (50 days).

Hublot had since perfected the Minute Repeater. 

Indeed, Hublot was awarded the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2014 for its Classic Fusion Cathedral Tourbillon Minute Repeater. However, this is the first time Hublot has integrated a Tourbillon Minute Repeater into its Big Bang, as well as into one of its most acclaimed accomplishments, the Integral Ceramic.

The Big Bang Integral Minute Repeater Ceramic is an exceptional clock that combines technological and cosmetic complexities. These two facets have been combined to produce a true Grande Complication aimed for connoisseurs. Those who are shaping tomorrow's Haute Horlogerie now.

Source: hublot.com