Manufacture
SteppeWolf provides an exclusive look inside Hublot's factory, detailing the manufacturing processes for their innovative materials and movements. This tour offers a rare glimpse into the production of Hublot's in-house components, including the intricate creation of Magic Gold and the assembly of the Unico movement.
Last week I had the opportunity to visit Hublot's factory with some of my friends
The tour guide is a master watchmaker. He has ~40years of experience. He started is career at Rolex, then Vacheron Contantin, Patek Phillipe and finally join Hublot. He works on high complication pieces.
We start the tour in the machining room with CNC. We were still in the "old" factory. Hublot will move some of the equipements into the "new" building across the road in the next week. Some parts manufactured in-house by Hublot.
Main plate in carbon fiber
More small CNC
Main plate of the Unico movement. 12'000 Unico movements are actually produce per year by Hublot.
We visit then the Magic Gold room.
Step 1: Powder packing
Ceramic powders are packed in a silicon mold, while pure gold (24 carat) is prepare for casting
Step 2: Pressing
The powder is cold pressed at 2000 bar of isostatic pressure to produce a compact preform
Step 3: Sintering of the preform
The ceramic particles are bonded to one another at 2200 degrees Celcius and 100 millibar of gas pressure.
Step 4: Gold casting
The pure gold (24 carat) is casted by melting it at 1100 degrees Celsius and pouring the liquid metal into a mould.
Step 5: Final stage
The 18 carat Magic Gold is created by injecting the gold with 200 bar gas pressure at 1400 degrees Celcius into the sintered preform
The preform is then cut and polished to reveal the Magic Gold
Magic Gold parts
Setting:
At this station, stones, screws and pins are fitted in the main plates and bridges. They are fitted manually using arms, or mechanically using a press
Unico assembly room
The chronograph wheel is automatically oil by a machine
Hand finishing, polishing
Almost the end, the movement is fitted with hand and then encased
High complication room
LaFerrari with diamonds
Minute repeater
Many thanks to Hublot for this wonderful visit ! !
The Patek Philippe World Time reference 2523, launched in 1953, is distinguished by its innovative two-crown system. One crown serves for winding the watch, while the second, positioned at 9 o’clock, controls the city disc. This design marked a significant development in the functionality and user experience of world time complications for the brand.
The reference 2523 was offered in two primary versions. The initial ref. 2523 featured larger lugs that extended above the bezel, with a case diameter of 35.5 mm. A subsequent variant, ref. 2523/1, presented a slightly larger diameter of 36 mm and thinner lugs that were integrated without extending above the bezel. Both versions were powered by the caliber 12-400 HU, which incorporated the world time module developed by Louis Cottier.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in Patek Philippe's historical advancements in complicated watchmaking, particularly the evolution of its World Time series. The distinct design differences between the 2523 and 2523/1, especially regarding lug integration and case dimensions, provide specific points of interest for enthusiasts tracking the model's development and variations.
I also get some info about BaselWorld 2016. New materials will be introduce Presentation of a high complex complication with around 12'000 parts, no more details......
I can't imagine a watch with so many parts! I remember the Genta one with 1200! ;) Fx
perhaps something with planets moveing around the Earth. The earth could be in the middle ... let's see at Baselworld 2016
SteppeWolf Thanks for the update visit to the Hubloty old factory before the move of some processes to the building across the field. What processes move to the building next door? Regards, MTF
Some CNC machines will move to the new building. They are too many CNC machines in the old "building". They will have more space. After Sales Service will also be in the new factory. R&D and assembling remain in the actual building. They will then increase the production of the Unico movement. The "sister" company producing carbon fiber for Hublot (~20 persons) will also be located inside the new factory. I forget the company name, something with "carbon". I can't remember
Profusion was aquired by Hublot in 2011. They are specialising in carbon fiber. They are a watch case manufacturer.
This thread is active on the Hublot forum with 24 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
