Introduction: Hublot Gets Weird

Hublot has never been a brand that plays it safe. Since its founding in 1980, it has built a reputation for blending unconventional materials with bold, often polarizing designs. The MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is perhaps the purest expression of that ethos. It's a watch that looks like it was designed by a sci-fi architect, priced like a small house, and engineered to make traditionalists clutch their pearls. In other words, Hublot gets weird—and we love it for that.

In this review, we'll dive deep into the MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis, a 49mm, 3D carbon beast with a bi-axis tourbillon and a 100-hour power reserve. We'll cover its movement, wrist feel, investment potential, and whether it's worth the hefty price tag. If you're a wealthy collector looking for a statement piece that screams 'I've made it,' this might be your next grail. But is it a smart buy? Let's find out.

The luxury watch market is full of safe bets: stainless steel sports watches that hold value, dress watches that whisper rather than shout. The MP-09 does neither. It's a loud, expensive, mechanically extravagant middle finger to convention. And that's exactly why it exists.

The Hublot Story: Fusion and Controversy

Hublot was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco in Switzerland. The brand's first watch was a gold case paired with a rubber strap—a combination that was unheard of at the time. It was a gamble that paid off, creating a new category of luxury sports watches. In 2008, Hublot was acquired by LVMH, and Jean-Claude Biver took the helm. Under Biver, the brand embraced a philosophy of 'fusion'—mixing materials like ceramic, carbon fiber, and King Gold with high complications. The Big Bang, launched in 2005, became an instant icon, and the MP collection pushed the boundaries even further.

The MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is a direct descendant of that experimental spirit. It's not a watch for everyone. It's for the collector who already has a safe full of Rolex, Patek, and AP, and wants something that says, 'I don't need to follow the rules.' It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's unapologetically Hublot.

The MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis: What Is It?

Launched in 2017, the MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is a limited-edition masterpiece that showcases Hublot's engineering prowess. The headline feature is the bi-axis tourbillon, which rotates on two axes, making it one of the most complex tourbillons on the market. The movement is housed in a 49mm case that is 17.9mm thick, crafted from 3D carbon—a material that gives the watch a futuristic, almost organic look. Water resistance is 30 meters, which is enough for everyday splashes but not for swimming.

The dial is a skeletonized wonder, with the tourbillon taking center stage at 6 o'clock. A date display and a power reserve indicator add practicality to the spectacle. The sapphire crystal is domed and anti-reflective, offering a clear view of the mechanical ballet. There's no lume, which makes sense—this is not a tool watch. It's a piece of mechanical art.

Movement: HUB9005

At the heart of the MP-09 is the HUB9005, a hand-wound, in-house movement. It's a skeletonized caliber with blackened bridges and a contemporary finish that matches the watch's industrial aesthetic. The bi-axis tourbillon is the star, but the movement also features a date complication and a power reserve indicator. The power reserve is a generous 100 hours, meaning you can take it off for a long weekend and still find it running when you put it back on. The frequency is 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), and it uses 22 jewels. It is not COSC-certified, which is typical for high-complication pieces where precision is secondary to spectacle.

Winding the HUB9005 is a tactile pleasure. The crown is easy to grip, and the movement feels solid. The finishing is not as ornate as you'd find on a Patek Philippe, but it's not meant to be. It's modern, technical, and perfectly suited to the MP-09's design language.

Design and Specs

The MP-09 is a large watch. At 49mm in diameter and 17.9mm thick, it's not for the faint of heart. The case is made from 3D carbon, which is lightweight and incredibly strong. The crystal is sapphire, and the strap is black rubber with a deployant clasp. There is no lume, so you won't be reading this in the dark. The water resistance is 30 meters, which means you should avoid swimming with it.

The design is pure Hublot: aggressive, architectural, and unapologetically bold. The 3D carbon case has a unique texture that catches the light, and the skeletonized dial reveals the movement's inner workings. The bi-axis tourbillon is mesmerizing to watch, and the date and power reserve indicators are integrated seamlessly. It's a watch that demands attention, and it gets it.

On the Wrist

Wearing the MP-09 is an experience. It's heavy, but not uncomfortably so, thanks to the lightweight carbon case. The rubber strap is soft and flexible, and the deployant clasp is secure. The curved lugs help it sit on the wrist better than you'd expect from a 49mm watch, but it will still overwhelm smaller wrists. If you have a wrist under 7 inches, this might not be the watch for you.

The wrist presence is off the charts. This is a 5/5 in terms of making a statement. People will notice it, and they will ask about it. It's not a subtle watch, and that's the point. It's for the guy who wants to be the center of attention, who wants to show off his success, and who doesn't care what the traditionalists think.

Accuracy and Daily Wear

As a hand-wound bi-axis tourbillon, the MP-09 is more about spectacle than chronometric precision. Expect reasonable accuracy for a high-complication piece, but don't expect quartz-like consistency. The tourbillon's rotation is mesmerizing, and the 100-hour power reserve means you can take it off for a weekend and still find it running. In terms of daily wear, it's not the most practical watch. It's thick, it's flashy, and it's not water-resistant enough for swimming. But if you're wearing this, you're not worried about practicality.

Occasions? It works for formal events, sporty outings, and dressy occasions. It's not a daily beater, and it's not a travel watch. It's a statement piece for when you want to stand out.

Reference Variants

The MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is available in several variants. The 3D Carbon is the most futuristic, while the King Gold and Titanium versions offer a more traditional luxury feel. Here are the main references:

Each variant shares the same HUB9005 movement and bi-axis tourbillon, but the case material changes the overall look and weight. The 3D Carbon is the lightest and most avant-garde, while the King Gold is the heaviest and most luxurious.

Investment Value

The MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis has an MSRP of around $190,000 for the 3D Carbon version. Current retail is similar, though availability may vary. On the pre-owned market, you can find them for between $120,000 and $160,000, depending on condition and completeness. The trend is depreciating, which is typical for Hublot's high-complication pieces. They don't hold value like Patek Philippe or Richard Mille, but they do offer a lot of watch for the money if you buy pre-owned.

Auction history is limited. When they do appear, they often sell below retail. So if you're looking at the MP-09 as an investment, think again. This is a passion purchase. Buy it because you love it, not because you expect it to appreciate.

Our hold recommendation: If you must have one, buy pre-owned. Let someone else take the depreciation hit. But if you have the funds and want to be the first owner, go for it. Just don't expect it to be a liquid asset.

Service and Maintenance

Servicing a high-complication Hublot like the MP-09 is not a DIY job. It should be handled by Hublot's authorized service centers. The bi-axis tourbillon is complex, and you want someone who knows what they're doing. We don't have exact service intervals or costs, but expect it to be expensive. This is not a watch you buy on a whim; you need to be prepared for the ownership costs.

Similar Watches

If the MP-09 speaks to you, you might also consider the Richard Mille RM 27-04, which offers a similar high-complication, skeletonized aesthetic. The Jacob & Co. Astronomia is another theatrical piece with a vertical movement. For a slightly more traditional take on the skeletonized tourbillon, the Girard-Perregaux Quasar is a strong contender. There are no direct homages to the MP-09, as its design and movement are too complex to replicate at a lower price point.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

The Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is not for the faint of heart or the thin of wallet. It's a bold, unapologetic statement piece that showcases Hublot's ability to get weird in the best possible way. If you want a watch that sparks conversation and doesn't care about resale, this is it. It's a masterpiece of modern horology, and it deserves a place in any serious collection—provided you have the wrist and the funds to pull it off.

The MP-09 is a compelling addition. Just remember: it's not an investment. It's a toy. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.