The minute repeater is regarded as the apex of fine watchmaking, and with good reason. The mechanics of a movement required to audibly chime the time on command is incredibly complex, often requiring hundreds of hours by a highly skilled watchmaker to construct. And this is without mentioning the detailed research and development behind every detail of the case and components to ensure the perfect, crystal-clear note. 

With its latest timepiece, the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater, Hublot has made this immense task even more challenging by crafting the case, bracelet, bezel and caseback entirely out of ceramic. The material is rarely seen in minute repeaters, with this timepiece being the first to test its limits to this extent. This is in part due to the difficulty in machining ceramic and achieving the ideal acoustics. 

Leaning on its decades of experience at the forefront of innovative use of materials, and especially ceramics, Hublot painstakingly created a design that not only delivers on sound, but also guarantees the water resistance of the case. Even so, attention during every stage of the manufacturing process is essential, with even the slightest mistake requiring starting from scratch. 

The showcase of haute horlogerie doesn’t stop there, as the MHUB801 calibre also incorporates a tourbillon, and delivers a considerable power reserve of 80 hours. The 43mm model comes in two different shades, with six in white and 12 in black ceramic, another debut as this is the first time a Big Bang Integral Ceramic has been produced in a black version. 

hublot.com