The Hublot MP-08 Antikythera Sunmoon watch replica. Hublot took the watch world by utter surprise back in October 2011 when they revealed their most complex movement to date at the time, the Antikythera.
Although the mecahanism was broken into fragments and heavily corroded, scientists were able to deduct that it dated back to 150BC and that it served as a precise astronomical calculator, as well as an astronomical navigation system, since celestial bodies were often used as a reference point in determining geographical positions. The mechanism has the oldest known complex gear mechanism and is often referred to as the very first analog computer” in human history. The original Antikythera mechanism was discovered in the shipwreck of a vessel off the shores of Antikythera in Greece decades ago. A long with other treasures like statues and ornate vases, the mechanism immediately became a thing of enigma.
A miniature homage to the ancient and mysterious Antikythera mechanism of Greek antiquity, the Antikythera not only took Hublot back in time to an epoch no other watchmaker could claim, but it also demonstrated what Hublot’s R&D team headed by Mathias Buttet were able to achieve.
So in fact the original Hublot Antikythera movement is based on research up until 2008, and from what I hear there have been some major developments since. Unique fake Hublot MP-08 watch is so committed on furthering the research and collaborating with the Antikythera Research Group that they’ve hired Yanis Bitsakis who headed the research up until then as a full-time member of Hublot’s R&D team. You can count on the fact that we’ll be hearing a lot more about the Antikythera mechanism from Hublot in the future.
Now let’s get back to the watch. One of the main criticisms of the original Hublot Antikythera mechanism was that it was perhaps far too complicated and complex for most of to understand. While true to the original mechanism that displayed information like the earth’s position relative to the sun and celestial bodies, the moon’s position relative to the earth and sun (thus predicting solar and lunar eclipses), the moon phase, the current astrological zodiac, and much more. However, the movement also provided information no one really cares about like the Metonic and Soros cycles.
Besides the hours and minutes, The MP-08 Neo-Antikythera SunMoon provides the following indications: a complete perpetual solar calendar, a lunar calendar, the position of the sun and moon in the night sky relative to constellations, the shape or age of the moon, the name of the constellation behind the Moon and the time required for the Moon to pass through a constellation, as well as the constellation located behind the Sun and the time required for the Sun to pass through a constellation.
The things is, as the movement was fragmented and heavily damaged after a millennia or two under the sea, it was difficult for researches to find out just how complex this mechanism was. In fact, we still don’t know exactly what indications the original Antikythera displayed, as scientists are still discovering new gears and wheels deep within the unrecognizable mass.
Limited to only 20 pieces, the MP-08 is a fine example of just how far Hublot watch replica has come in terms of being a full-fledged manufacture capable of pushing the boundaries. As far as astronomical watches go, this one deserves a spot near the top.