Hublot’s latest release, the Big Bang Meca-10 10-Day Power Reserve, may at first glance resemble the chunky original, but reveals a host of significant enhancements — most notably, a more wearable 42 mm case.

The new Meca-10 retains the Meccano-inspired skeletonised movement finished to colour-match the case. The calibre boasts a 10-day power reserve indicated by an uncommon crémaillère system visible at 12 o’clock made up of a linear gear engaging a circular gear.

Initial thoughts

Long one of the more interesting but accessible watches in Hublot’s lineup, the Meca-10 was previously available only in a 45 mm case that rendered it less-than-wearable. Hublot has refined the Meca-10 by reducing the case diameter by substantial 3 mm, making it positively compact relative to its predecessor. Not only is the case smaller, it is also thinner at just 13.9 mm high, which is slim for a watch of this type.

But the signature movement architecture has been retained, resulting in a watch that has the technical appeal of the original, but one more versatile and comfortable.

While it may initially appear to be yet another skeletonised Hublot, of which there are many, the Meca-10 boasts an interesting manual-winding movement with an impressive 10-day power reserve and a distinctive movement architecture. Amongst Hublot’s more exotic watches, the Meca-10 stands out as being relatively affordable, with the key word being relatively. It starts at US$23,000 in titanium (and rises to US$42,700 in King Gold).

Crémaillère

Distinguished by its unconventional linear-bridge architecture inspired by Meccano, the children’s construction toy, the Meca-10 movement is treated to match the case material, which is available in titanium, carbon composite, or King Gold.

Though it’s relatively simple in terms of function – just time and power reserve – it has an impressive 10-day power reserve thanks to two large and visible barrels.

The power reserve indicator takes centerstage on the dial, with an indicator at three o’clock and the crémaillère, or rack-and-pinion system, located just above under 12 o’clock and echoes the Meccano style of the bridges.

It’s made up of a linear gear meshing with a circular gear that drives the power reserve hand, which is tensioned by a concentric spring. This contrasts with conventional power reserve indicators that rely on fan-shaped racks.

The HUB1205 calibre is manual wind and beats at 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz). Reflecting the double barrels and elaborate construction, the movement consists of 264 components, a high part count for a time-and-power-reserve.

Key facts and price

Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 10 Days Power Reserve
Ref. 444.OX.1180.RX (King Gold)
Ref. 444.NX.1170.RX (Titanium)
Ref. 444.QN.1170.NR (Carbon black)

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 13.9 mm
Material: 18k King Gold; titanium; or carbon composite
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. HUB1205
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve indicator
Winding: Manual-wind
Frequency: 21,600 beats per second (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 10 days

Strap: Black rubber strap or black fabric strap with velcro fastener

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Hublot boutiques
Price: US$23,000 in titanium; US$27,400 in carbon; US$42,700 in King Gold

For more, visit hublot.com