We are in the world of the exceptional. The MP-05 “LaFerrari” represents a very special series, entirely designed and developed by the Hublot Manufacture engineers and watchmakers in tribute to “LaFerrari”. In a demonstration and testimony that lives up to the car, it has achieved a historic record with its 50-day power reserve. It is also the watch with the most watchmaking components created to date by Hublot (at a massive 637).
The watch and the car: The MP-05 “LaFerrari” was developed – in technical and design terms – entirely in parallel with the car, alongside the Ferrari teams. They share a number of common points. Able to boast no fewer than 637 components for the movement, which is also equipped with a Tourbillon, as well as a power reserve of approximately 50 days thanks to its 11 barrels, arranged in a line just like a spinal column and interconnected so that they do not each discharge in turn but support each other, this watch is closer to being a concept watch.
The watch is finely wrought in terms of shape, featuring a complex shaped sapphire crystal clearly reminiscent of the car’s outline, as well as an open case-back, and is made from black PVD titanium. It is topped by a titanium and carbon insert in its centre, revealing the winding crown. The time-setting crown is positioned under the case. Both are completely integrated into the design, and therefore practically invisible.
The movement has an original display, featuring first off on the front vertical face the small seconds indicated by means of an aluminium cylinder fastened onto the suspended Tourbillon cage (significantly bigger than usual with a cage diameter of 14.50 mm, for even better appreciation of the mechanical parts).
The hour and minute are displayed to the right of the barrels, also indicated by means of one anodised black aluminium cylinder each. On their left is the cylinder indicating the power reserve. Reinforcing bars either side, made from anodised red aluminium, bring to mind Ferrari’s red signature.
A small detail, but one which makes reading the time easier; on each cylinder the size of the numerals has been maximised with white SuperLuminova™, to enhance the display for ease of reading. This is all rounded off by a rubber strap with a special folding buckle in black PVD titanium.
The desire for a truly exceptional watch has been extended to the design of the presentation case, made from schedoni leather and carbon fibre, containing the specific tools for winding the watch, and whose design was also inspired by the world of motoring. Unlike other limited edition watches by brands that don’t normally produce them, for example the Hugo Boss Orange watches ‘special 01’, this is a truly special beast. Limited edition of 50 numbered pieces, it is reported to have sold out already, not to be sniffed at considering it is reported to cost over $300,000.