Hublot Debuts Three New MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Watches In White, Orange, And Violet 3D Carbon
Last year, as one of its final releases of 2022, Hublot unveiled a limited edition version of its high-tech MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5 Days Power Reserve watch that was made from rainbow-colored carbon fiber. While the major news surrounding that particular release was that Hublot had figured out a way to make carbon fiber components with a multi-colored gradient effect, those with keen eyes would have noticed that some of the tones in the spectrum used for the rainbow edition were colors that had not yet appeared on previous MP-09 watches. Given the research and development that was required in order to make the multi-colored carbon fiber used for the rainbow version, it was only a matter of time before some of those colors (and others) would make their way into other models, and joining the lineup for 2023 is a trio of new Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis watches that are made from white, orange, and violet colored 3D carbon.
Realistically speaking, the Hublot MP-09 itself is not a new watch. The core design debuted back in 2017, and colored carbon fiber editions have even been around since 2021. While a number of Hublot watches could be categorized as tech-forward, six-figure statement pieces, the MP series represents this sentiment taken to the extreme, and the brightly colored carbon fiber editions of the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5 Days Power Reserve look less like wristwatches, and more like items that could be used to summon a Power Ranger’s Megazord.
Although orange and purple were both colors featured on the rainbow edition launched last year, the white version from this latest trio of models represents a new color that hasn’t yet appeared on any MP-09 watches before. Beyond the novel colors, the actual structure of the 3D carbon is identical to what can be found on other executions of the MP-09, and rather than being made from forged carbon (which is less expensive to manufacture and results in natural wavy patterns running through its structure), Hublot’s 3D carbon essentially consists of thin bars of carbon braided among colored composite, which results in a geometric grid or checkered pattern.
I actually had the chance to get a quick sneak peek at these new MP-09 watches when I visited the Hublot factory last summer (hence why you will see a few hastily shot hands-on photos of the purple version), and while their massive 49mm cases make them undeniably too large for my fairly small wrists, the colored carbon MP-09 watches are still incredibly fun and dynamic timepieces. Additionally, despite being color variations of a model that has now been around for several years, the fact that the color extends to the case itself makes these new releases feel a bit more unique than if they were all just dial variations of the exact same model.
That said, from a technical perspective, these three new Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis watches are the same as their predecessors, which means that they feature the same 49mm carbon fiber case with a large three-dimensional sapphire crystal that prominently protrudes at the 6 o’clock location to showcase the movement’s bi-axis tourbillon. Similarly, just like their siblings, the cases of these new models feature a rubberized winding crown at 3 o’clock, a date corrector switch on the side of the case opposite it at the 9 o’clock location, a screw-on display caseback to offer a view of the reverse side of the movement, and 30 meters of water resistance. Additionally, unlike the rainbow version from last year that was fitted with leather strap, the new trio of carbon fiber Hublot MP-09 models are all paired with matching rubber straps that further lean into their respective colors.
Given that the primary focus of these Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis watches relates to their case materials and mechanics, the dials offer a largely skeletonized design. However, each of the different colored models also features its designated color on its hands, hour markers, and power reserve indicators. That said, the overall design is the exact same as what can be found on the other colored 3D carbon MP-09 models, with an off-centered dial surrounded by an arc-shaped date display, along with a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock and the model’s signature bi-axis tourbillon protruding from the bottom at the 6 o’clock location. Beyond these three main elements, the rest of the display is open-worked in order to show off the internal mechanics of the watch.
Just like their predecessors, the new trio of Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 3D Carbon watches is powered by the in-house HUB9009.H1.RA manual-wind movement. In addition to running at a frequency of 21,600vph (3 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 120 hours (5 days), the HUB9009.H1.RA also features a bi-axis tourbillon, an arc-shaped date display with its own independent adjustment switch, and a large power reserve indicator sitting to the left of the dial. Although Hublot makes a number of movements that feature a tourbillon at the heart of their display, the HUB9009.H1.RA is one of the most tech-forward and impressive, and it has been the caliber chosen to power the MP-09 series ever since it was first introduced in 2017.
Despite being different colors, the new white (ref. 909.QDW.1120.RX), orange (ref. 909.QDO.1120.RX), and violet (ref. 909.QDV.1120.RX) versions of the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 3D Carbon all cost the same as their single-color predecessors, which means that they are each accompanied by an official retail price of $200,000 USD (making them $11k less expensive than the rainbow edition of the watch that appeared last year). However, just like the rainbow version and the previous single-color variations of the 3D carbon MP-09, each of these new colorways will be produced as a limited edition of just 8 pieces worldwide. Although the various colored sapphire Hublot models are my personal favorites when it comes to the brand’s six-figure statement pieces, it’s undeniable that the MP-09 series offers some of the boldest and modern designs currently available, while still embodying the same fun and playful nature that is inherent to so many of Hublot’s designs. For more information on the new trio of 3D carbon Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis watches, please visit the brand’s website.