INTRODUCING: The big bad Hublot Big Bang MP-11 14-Days 3D Carbon

Given how much Hublot unveiled in Geneva back in January, the volume of additional novelties the brand had ready to go for Baselworld 2018 came as a bit of a surprise. Though nearly faced with a little analysis paralysis, given the broad range of models to choose from, getting a closer look at the Big Bang MP-11 14-Days 3D Carbon was a real no-brainer. The melding of the classic Big Bang case with the clever engineering of the Hublot Masterpiece collection is a total win-win, and provided ample motivation to take a closer look.

Vital statistics

As it says in the name, the big selling feature of the MP-11 is its staggering 14-day power reserve. Cased in what Hublot are calling “3D Carbon”— a variant of carbon fibre woven in a more three-dimensional fashion than conventional carbon fibre — this casing helps offset the additional weight found in the MP-11’s seven series-coupled barrels. Effectively, this multi-barrel configuration is a scaled-down version of what is found in the MP-05 LaFerrari, which uses 11 barrels to achieve a power reserve of 50 days. The trade-off with things like the LaFerrari is you’re then left with a much larger and elaborate case, whereas the Big Bang MP-11 delivers the best of both worlds.

On the wrist

All told, the 3D Carbon-cased MP-11 has a familiar and comfortable feel on the wrist. I will say its oversized crown seems a little out of proportion with the rest of the case; however, given the significant amount of time and effort required to wind the piece up from zero, Hublot upped the crown size in order to fit a special automated winding tool that comes with the watch. Not that you’d be tucking a Big Bang under a shirt cuff any time soon, but it’s also worth noting that the additional domed section of its crystal (to accommodate the barrel stack) makes the piece feel that much more chunky on the wrist. That said, this is Hublot — and for the Big Bang, chunky works just fine.

Who’s it for?

Those with a love for edgy in-your-face design that is backed up by heavy-hitting horology. Also a pick for Meca-10 owners looking to level up, or MP-05 owners wanting something a little more daily-wear friendly.

Any surprises?

So far, only two versions have been announced, in 3D Carbon and in Sapphire. Would have expected to bring a gold or titanium model to the table, but no doubt that’s on its way before long.