In fact, dials and instrument on cars in the 1970s were not sexy at all. Much of the 1970s and 1980s had rather plain looking gauges and instruments – which is interesting now that I think about Hublot. This is a beauty pageant winner compared to many of them. The Hublot is however useful. I found it legible, and we can’t of course forget the lume. Yes, the numerals are lumed if you recall. They charge “manually” when you open the slits (louvres) on the back of the case. These are opened and closed using a little lever switch. It is fun to play with for sure. Open them up and light spills onto the discs charging the lume. Like I said before, it’s a very fun piece of over-engineered magnificence.
A group shot with the Hublot and its “inspiritors” show its relative size and case complexity. The watch looks a bit larger than it is, but it isn’t a small timepiece. The case is 51. 5mm tall and 49mm wide. It is also 22. 5mm thick. But it wears more svelte on the wrist I found. This is likely because of the case’s wedge shape. It is also quite comfortable even though it has a tendency to be visually a bit lopsided given the mass toward the dial. The case is rather light actually because it is mostly made from titanium-like zirconium. The Hublot case which houses the movement is in steel. The crown is large and great to operate, and I really like that Hublot made sure the movement was able to make the time adjust back and forward (not just in one direction which can be common with movements like this).
In pictures of the absolute rear of Hublot watch where the crown is located one can see the two water vent “exhaust ports” on the ends of the case. These are meant to look like automobile exhaust pipes, but are also there to allow water and moisture to escape the case (which is water resistant to 30 meters). On the back of the case, only two of the louvres open and close – the rest are in a dark gray replica u boat . The case with its different tones and polishes looks very interesting and quite cool to be honest. In my opinion, the case of the Horological Machine No. 5 is difficult to dislike. With its automotive styling and lovely curves, it looks like Hublot should put wheels on it and a small steering wheel.
I find it interesting that the bottom of Hublot watch is very different than the top. A good example are the screws. The top and sides of the case are totally clean. Turn it over and the bottom has tons of screws – and they look good. Though replica Jacob&Co might be a few too many screws depending on your taste. It overall makes for a fascinating contrast that helps the Hublot stand out as a complex design object even in its small form. This for me is artful engineering.
