Hublot Masterpiece MP-02 Key of Time Prototype

ED209 · 2013-01-12T14:58:21Z

Explore the Hublot Masterpiece MP-02 Key of Time, a unique watch with a time-speed complication and vertical tourbillon. See its design and collector insights.

ED209

WPS member · Hublot forum

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ED209 offers a hands-on look at the Hublot Masterpiece MP-02 Key of Time prototype, a watch that challenges conventional time display. This article delves into the MP-02's unique time-speed complication and its distinctive design, providing a collector's perspective on Hublot's experimental horology.

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"What will Hublot bring this year to us?"... This was the question posed by our Hublot Moderator KIH last week in anticipation of the new models Hublot will debut in 2013. I read through Ken's post and enjoyed the summary of the Hublot 2012 collection that was shown at Basel. Besides the Antikythera Mechanism, I couldn't help but notice that quite a few of these watches were variations of the Big Bang. Personally, I don't mind having all these variations (a common complaint with the AP ROO which I'm a huge fan of) and I actually like having color options.
Anyway, the post I made in December of the Hublot Big Bang Minute Repeater tourbillon made me think of possibilities of watches that Hublot could bring out this year. Having the Hublot Confrerie Horlogerie (formerly BNB Concept) run by Mathias Buttet poses some really nice opportunities to showcase interesting movements and designs. And when I think of having bold designs, I immediately think of a very unique watch that I handled before: the Hublot Masterpiece MP-02 Key of Time. The MP-02 is made in a limited edition of 50 pieces and this is the prototype for the watch.

The MP-02 has an interesting shaped case that is micro-blasted titanium with black colored PVD. It has a multi-layered matte black dial with satin finished black colored nickle plated hands. Various areas have bright green luminescent applied.

Besides the hours, minutes and seconds functions, the key of time has a time speed indicator, power reserve indicator and vertical tourbillon (more on this below).

The crown on the right hand side is the normal time setting crown but also notice in the pics that there is a crown on the left side of the case. This is used to speed up or slow down the time displayed on the watch. It can set to run normally or 4 times as fast (one hour is indicated by fours passing on the watch, or four times slower (an hour is indicated by 15 mins). A red tube (that changes from the regular green) display indicate the speed the hands are set to showing it's 4 x faster or slower. The tourbillon itself continues to run at 1 revolution per minute. It's good to know that the watch still remembers the real time so when the crown is turned back to normal time, the hands will display the correct time.

To be honest, I don't remember and I'm not sure what this function does. I'll have to find out the primary purpose of the 4x speed.

The movement behind the MP-02 is the manual wind HUB9002. The movement diameter is 40.20mm with a height of 9.5mm. It has 74 rubies and made of 512 components with a 120 hours power reserve. Parts of the movement is coated in blackened nickle, and anoticeable complication is the vertical tourbillon cage. The pics I took were the prototype model number 00 of 50. The finishing on the movement was clean, but for some reason when I took this picture it has brownish tint. I think it was the lighting in the room.

The MP-02 has an i ntegrated Rubber strap that reminds me of Richard Mille watches where it is extremely comfortable and pliable and forms around a small wrist.

Notice that the bezel around the vertical tourbillon has the Hublot H shaped screws. I like these little details.

And a few closeups of the tourbillon.

And finally a video I made showing the Masterpiece MP-02.

So what do you think of this case design? Are there elements from this watch that you would like to see make it into production?

Regards,
ED-209

Key Points from the Discussion

The Hublot MP-02 is a redesign of a watch from La Confrérie Horlogère, acquired by Hublot with BNB Concept. Aesthetically, the Hublot version is a significant improvement, but the core complication of accelerating or slowing down time remains conceptually puzzling for some.
The complication, while novel, is not universally exciting, with some collectors preferring other Hublot complications like minute repeaters. There's also a concern that the MP-02's design might age quickly, potentially diminishing its long-term appeal.
The integrated rubber strap, while comfortable, felt somewhat 'cheap' to one collector compared to other options, despite its flexibility.
The concept of a watch that can alter the perception of time, even if impractical, offers a different perspective on how one experiences and values their day.
The white version of the MP-02 is considered by some to be more aesthetically pleasing than the black prototype.
There was initial confusion regarding whether Rafael Nadal wore this specific watch during his games, highlighting its distinctive appearance.

The Discussion

jam2

Jan 12, 2013

Oh I think this is...

Oh I think this is the same watch Rafael Nadal is wearing during his games? That's a very interesting piece.

KIH

Jan 12, 2013

Nadal is the ambassador for Richard Mille...

.. and he has been wearing its RM027 which is extremely light and durable for the shock during his games, and wins! Ken

jam2

Jan 12, 2013

oh i think...

hi Ken! Thanks for the accurate and correct info about Nadal's watch. Got wrong info from friends haha. Great site indeed very informative and supportive people around to help and educate. Good job Ken!

KIH

Jan 13, 2013

You are welcome, and...

.. welcome to PuristSPro, and Hublot forum! Hope you have great time and enjoy here, and looking forward to your posts as well! Best, Ken

KIH

Jan 12, 2013

I had been waiting for the opportunity to see it in person...

.. but never made it here. Thank you, Ed, for your hands-on report. It is a very interesting concept (maybe we won't understand until we actually wear it on daily basis) and would like to experience the slow time or fast time to see how I would feel about how I spend the day..... Sure, I like the accurate watches, but this one, for a change, might give us the different perspective of time :-) Again, thank you for the report. Very informative! And cool beginning title of the video - how do you do

foversta

Jan 13, 2013

Thanks Ed!

First of all, we have to remember that the key of time was found on the shelves when Hublot adquired BNB. This watch is a re-design of the watch which was previously presented by La Confrérie Horlogère: Aesthetically speaking, the Hublot version is a great improvement. But to be frank with you, I don't understand the point of this watch. To accelerate or slow down the flow of time... first of all, the other person has also a watch and this change of pace needs time to become "visible". The compl

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Hublot Masterpiece MP-02 Key of Time Prototype

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