oid of a conventional dial, the MECA-10 makes visible and aestheticizes something that is normally hidden. Inspired by Meccano-type construction systems, the MECA-10 is a masterclass in micromechanical engineering and a creatively intriguing spin on how we perceive mechanics and the motion of time itself. Like a construction that’s fashioned layer by layer, brick by brick, the Big Bang MECA-10 offers something to discover in every element from every angle, where the interconnection between them creates a dynamic choreography.

The original Big Bang MECA-10 broke all the rules upon its release 2016 with its unique form, consisting of a ring-shaped base plate onto which the bridges are attached. The result was one of visual intrigue and structural integrity. Now, Hublot revisits this unique take on the manual-winding skeleton movement with a refined, open and coherent display, while maintaining its distinctive construction that’s elevated with refined finishing and decoration. For the engineers and watchmakers at Hublot, the challenge was to preserve all that makes the MECA-10 so original, while reducing its dimensions to fit the 42mm Big Bang case without compromising its performance.

Consisting of three linear bridges attached to the main plate, the new and improved MECA-10 is visibly different from its predecessor, with numerous evolutions. The bridges are decorated with satin-brushed surfaces and hand-polished bevels, elevating the notion of haute horlogerie in such an avant-garde and unusual movement. For each of the three different versions in King Gold, Titanium and Frosted Carbon, the movement is galvanically coloured to match the cases with 5N gold tones, metallic grey and black respectively.

True to its name, the Big Bang MECA-10 features an impressive power reserve of 10 days. What truly make it stand out however is its power reserve indicator. Delivered by two mainspring barrels, the energy level of the movement can be read by means of a digital display that shows the power reserve as the number of days of autonomy remaining. These indications are driven by a “crémaillère” rack system rarely seen in mechanical watches, consisting of a linear gear engaging a circular gear, moving in a straight line. A closer look at this system reveals a mechanism that is more subtle than it appears, composed of two superimposed disks rotating in opposite directions and connected by a spiral spring that coils in their centre like the barrel spring.

This results in a very surprising differential display that is nevertheless intuitive to read. In fact, the MECA- 10’s power reserve exceeds ten days, but its display is capped at ten days as that’s the range of optimal chronometric performance, a testament to its precision. This new and ingenious manual winding system guarantees perfect synchronization between the power reserve display and the optimal winding level of the barrel springs.

The balance wheel, positioned on the dial side of the movement, is entirely visible. Beyond providing ceaseless animation to the display, it also highlights Hublot’s unique and patented fine adjusted mechanism.

The regulating organ features a lubricant-free and paramagnetic silicon escape wheel. For precise time- setting, the new Big Bang MECA-10 features a hacking seconds mechanism. With more ergonomic proportions, the 42mm case of the Big Bang MECA-10 retains the inherently familiar silhouette. The King Gold and Titanium versions feature the Big Bang’s signature finish of satin-brushed surfaces and polished edges, while the Frosted Carbon is the first of its kind in the Big Bang to join the core collection, and exceptionally comes on a black Velcro strap to complement the lightweight yet rugged properties of the case. Unlike layered carbon fibre sheets, Frosted carbon has no fixed pattern, making each piece unique in appearance. The Big Bang MECA-10 42mm features Hublot’s ingenious “One Click” system integrated in the case, allowing for easy swapping of the strap.