Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari Interview

KIH · 2013-08-10T08:39:56Z

Explore the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari, a collaboration between Hublot and Ferrari. Read an interview with Mathias Buttet on its design, engineering, and 50-day power reserve.

KIH

WPS member · Hublot forum

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KIH's interview with Mathias Buttet provides an invaluable look into the genesis and philosophy behind Hublot's audacious MP-05 LaFerrari timepiece. This discussion reveals the unique collaboration between Hublot and Ferrari, offering insights into the engineering challenges and design considerations that shaped this distinctive watch. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of high-performance automotive design and avant-garde watchmaking.

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LaFerrari, Neo Antikythera, and interview with Mathias Buttet - Part 1

I had an opportunity to meet and handle these novelties and to interview Mr. Buttet again. I had great times on both occasions and I hope you do, too.

Part 1. Interview with Mr. Buttet on LaFerrari:

I am pretty sure that I have spent the longest time with this "machine" alone so far, except for Hublot staff

Sorry, everyone!

KIH: It's not been such a long time (the last interview was held in November, 2012 - read here: hublot.watchprosite.com ), but how do you feel about visiting Japan for the third time?

Mathias Buttet ("MB"): Well, I am always impressed with the beauty of the ladies, kindness of the people, cleanliness of the street, and most of all, the delicious foods anywhere. The more I visit here, the more I want to visit again and again.

KIH: Let me ask you about LaFerrari today. Hublot and Ferrari, which proposed this watch first?

MB: I am quite often asked that question, but the honest truth is "neither". You see, Hublot has the right to make watches with "Ferrari" name and logo on them anytime it wants. It means that, technically speaking, Hublot could make and sell this watch without consulting Ferrari. But in this case, when we heard about Ferrari's LaFerrari, we thought we wanted to do something together. Also, coincidentally, the development of the long power reserve mechanism was almost finished and we thought it would be a good idea to use that mechanism as the "core" of this special watch.

KIH: Tell us a bit about your experiences working with the Ferrari team.

MB: Obviously, they cannot make comments or suggestion on the movement inside the watch, but their design team certainly gave us comments about the appearance and how the inside should "look". For example, the red color used in this watch is exactly the "Ferrari Red". You might think that we could get the ink from Ferrari, but Ferrari cars are painted many times, thus makes the body "thick" while the watch movement is a very small world and we do not have luxury to tolerate such "thickness". So, we had to come up with the way to make the color in the alternative way by ourselves. Ferrari team is very happy with this coloring.

Hour/Minutes adjustment is done via the screw on the left hand side of the back of the watch. Unfortunately, the tool did not accompany the watch this time.

50 days worth of winding is done via this screw - with special "winch" or "drilling gun look-alike", which did not come this time either.

MB: I also found the similarity and the difference between the two industries. The similarity between auto industry and watch industry is that R&D team and Design team do not invade their respective territories. Engine development team comes up with the new engine, and the Design team creates the surroundings. Movement development team - my team - develops a new movement, and our design team comes up with the outside design. And, the difference is very obvious - auto has a lot more "room" to play and implement the new ideas about the car while watch has far more restriction - the space inside the watch - and it is not easy to design freely. One thing, though, I also have known is that watch industry is at least 15 years behind the auto industry in terms of the "new materials".

MB: But this time, when I showed Ferrari team this color ceramic, they were very interested and impressed. As an engineer, I was so proud. Sure, there were colored ceramic before but they were all dark color and this is the first time to make ceramic with vivid colors. Although the mass production is not ready yet, I expect this to be utilized in not only the watch industry but also in any other industries.

KIH: How did Ferrari team react when they saw this watch for the first time?

MB: It was "Wow! Cool!". Of course they later gave us various useful suggestions on the outside design, but not many. Even for me, it is very common to think "Damn! I should have done like this or that" after finishing the watch, but this watch did not let me think so. I was quite comfortable and happy with what it is now - very well balanced, everything is put in the right place - I think this one will not let people get tired.

KIH: Why did you want to make 50-day power reserve movement to begin with?

MB: I have made 31 days power reserve watch - BNB made it for Jacob's Quenttin - and I heard someone was trying to make 40 days power reserve movement and I thought 50 would be better than 40 as a number

Seriously, when I came up with this movement design, 11 barrels could fit in it - so 5 days for each barrel and with 5 day worth possible power loss (due to friction), 50-day power reserve was made possible. Even 5 days for each barrel is quite long for the conventional watch making. We made this mechanism as torque-efficient as possible and we could achieve such efficient machine.

KIH: What was the most difficult part in the development of this movement?

MB: There are many. But the most difficult task was to use the power built up in all the barrels equally. As opposed to many people may think, 11 barrels DO release power AT THE SAME TIME, NOT one by one. 11 barrels must end at the same time - this was where I had to use my brain most. This contributes to the very long time stable torque and thus reliability and accuracy of the watch.

KIH: Three years have passed since you joined Hublot. Do you notice any change in Hublot and/ or yourself since you joined the brand?

MB: Well, not necessarily because of me, but Hublot is now a "manufacteur". It was buying movement from outside, but now it has capability to make its own movement. As for me, I have become more "kid" and now I am only interested in what nobody has done before. I want to focus more on the new materials, more "first", not only in the watch industry but also in the world. And I also want to challenge more on the complicated movements. Although I can't say too much, I have just finished the movement with more than 4,500 parts. When the time comes, it will be revealed. Can't say if it's for the wrist, either.....

KIH: 4,500 parts? Wow.... Looking forward to such a monster to be revealed sooner rather than later. Thank you very much for your time today.

MB: It is always the pleasure.

Now, Let's take a look at this "machine".....

On the right is Hour/Minute, on top being "hour" and the bottom being "minute". On the left hand side is the power reserve meter - 5 day meter (5, 15, 25, ...) on top and 10 day meter (0, 10, 20, 30....) on the bottom.

Eleven barrels.

Backside has the engine-like beams.

CG by Hublot. The last one has no "stopper".

The center plate is titanium - not exactly the "base plate" but something like that for this movement.
As you can see, the movement parts are put horizontally while the conventional movement parts are normally put vertically - only way to have many barrels.

Wrist shots!

Big, but cool profile.

Even the buckle is made curvy.....

A touch of carbon like LaFerrari body....

It's 1:46

And the power reserve has about 5 days left.

... and 15 second....

Slightly curved back makes the watch wear quite comfortably.

Some of the specifications:

Number of parts: 637
Number of jewels: 108
V.P.H: 21,600
Power Reserve: Approx. 50 days (1,200 hours)
Ref #: 905.ND.0001.RX
LE: 50 - unfortunately. all have been spoken for, most of which have been "sold" even without seeing one. Waiting list is getting longer.....

==============================================================

Thank you very much:
Mr. Mathias Buttet, R&D Director, Hublot S.A.
Ms. Kitty Kano (technical translator)
Ms. Nakai, Hublot Japan

Hope you enjoyed the watch and interview as I did!

End of Part 1

This message has been edited by KIH on 2013-08-10 08:51:47 This message has been edited by MTF on 2013-08-10 20:08:45 This message has been edited by KIH on 2013-08-10 20:46:58 This message has been edited by KIH on 2013-08-19 18:45:46

About the Hublot MP Collection Ref. 905.ND.0001.RX

The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari, reference 905.ND.0001.RX, is a highly conceptual timepiece developed in collaboration with Ferrari. It represents Hublot's 'Masterpiece' collection, pushing boundaries in both design and mechanical innovation, directly inspired by the LaFerrari hypercar. The watch features a unique elongated case and a vertically oriented movement, emphasizing its connection to automotive engineering.

Powering the MP-05 LaFerrari is the manual-winding Hublot Caliber HUB9005.H1.6, notable for its impressive 50-day power reserve, achieved through 11 series-coupled barrels. The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and comprises 637 components. The case is constructed from black PVD titanium, with a sapphire crystal that reveals the intricate movement architecture. Time is displayed via rotating cylinders for hours and minutes, with a separate cylinder for the power reserve indicator.

This reference is significant for collectors interested in avant-garde watchmaking and collaborations between luxury brands. Its limited production and distinctive design make it a notable piece within Hublot's high-complication offerings, appealing to enthusiasts of both horology and high-performance automobiles.

Specifications

Caliber: HUB9005.H1.6

Case: Black PVD Titanium

Dial: Black

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari, with its extreme audacity, defies conventional watch design and represents a 'persona' rather than just a timepiece, showcasing Hublot's innovative approach.
The interview provided unique insights not found in press releases, particularly regarding the collaboration process and the challenges of achieving Ferrari Red in a watch movement.
The watch is considered one of the most appropriate car-watch crossovers, effectively translating the automotive aesthetic into horology.
The design concept of the MP-05 LaFerrari is seen as a significant departure from traditional watchmaking, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to the craft.
The watch's design, particularly the top section, resembles a supercharger or air manifold, enhancing its automotive connection.
The MP-05 LaFerrari is recognized as a conversation starter and a testament to Hublot's successful execution of a unique concept.

The Discussion

ThomasM

Aug 10, 2013

Wow! As a self professed gear head and exoticar fan, all I can say is...

Wow! Thanks, Ken, for the great pictures and interview, and thanks, Mr. Buttet, for the insights and for creating something so very interesting. This has got to be one of the most appropriate watch - car cross over models I have ever seen. I'm drooling... Can't wait to see one in person. TM

KIH

Aug 11, 2013

Thanks, Thomas...

.. I was lucky enough to play with it for over an hour or so.... Amazing "Machine". Hope you get the chance to see and touch it soon! Ken

Ares501 - Mr Green

Aug 10, 2013

Great job dear Ken

Nice interview Very detailed pictures and explanations This one is sure conversation starter piece Hublot did very good job with this one Sincerely Damjan

KIH

Aug 11, 2013

Thank you!

Your comment is much appreciated. Yes, this one is honestly worth the praise. Again, thank you for your mature response, Damjan! Ken

Ares501 - Mr Green

Aug 11, 2013

Sometimes

is hard to be mature among friends ;) Cordially Damjan

KIH

Aug 11, 2013

I know... but...

... the fact that you know that shows that you are mature and that is good enough. Some people are not even aware that they are behaving like spoiled kids, and that is helpless. Ken

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About the Hublot MP Collection Ref. 905.ND.0001.RX

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

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