The Hublot Solo T Tourbillon

by Ron DeCorte

October, 2005

When speaking with Jean-Claude Biver, managing director of Hublot, you realize the passion he has for the art of making fine watches. “Fusion” is usually the first word you will hear from him, the mix of classic watchmaking with modern technology and materials.

“Solo T”, the focus of this article, is the beginning of Hublot’s adventure into the world of haute-horology. Surely there will be more in the future.

Solo = singular, and T = tourbillon, hence the name. I suppose “crisp” would be my way of describing the Solo T. The case is classic Hublot style with twelve screws securing the bezel and serving as hour markers. Two simple but elegant hands are in contrast with the sharply detailed dial with the flying tourbillon featured prominently in the lower sector of the dial space.

From the back we start to get an idea of “fusion” with the plate design that is a reminder of our modern world of technology, a circuit board. I’m particularly fond of the flying center wheel bridge that is very three-dimensional, revealing and reflecting the inner components.

Under the dial the flying tourbillon cage stands proud while the setting and winding mechanics are hidden.

So, what is a “flying tourbillon”? The vast majority of tourbillons have a bridge across the top that supports the upper pivot of the tourbillon cage. A flying tourbillon is supported vertically from beneath. Let’s have a closer look…

With the tourbillon carriage removed from the watch we can see the support pillar “A” and stationary 4^th wheel “B”.

If you look closely inside the support pillar you can see the upper support jewel, the lower support jewel is removed and to the side. A C-clip, lower right, secures the tourbillon cage in the support pillar.

Components of the tourbillon cage; CW from 1:00, lower tourbillon platform, balance wheel assembly, escape wheel, pallet fork, escapement bridge, upper tourbillon bridge, and upper balance wheel jewel assembly.

The balance is quite unique having two sectors instead of a complete circle. Four eccentric weights allow for dynamic poising and regulation of timing.

The flying tourbillon in action...

Let’s take a virtual tour of the Solo T from different angles…

And from the back…

The dial is subtle but very elegant with extra detail...

A few case details, very nice.

A massive mahogany presentation box protects the investment!