Antikythera SunMoon Timepiece by Hublot - a tribute to ''astronomical calculator''
A year after the presentation of the caliber “Tribute to the Antikythera Mechanism” in the Archaeological Museum of Athens, the famous watchmaker Hublot has presented the model Antikythera SunMoon with a high-precision indication of the Moon and the Sun positions.
The Antikythera mechanism is one of the most mysterious objects in the history of civilization. It was discovered in the sea off the coast of Greece in 1901 and is considered the first "astronomical calculator" in the history of mankind, it dates from the 2nd century BC (Approximately between 150 and 100 BC).
It was a great event in the international archaeological and scientific circles. A unique model Tribute to the Antikythera Mechanism, developed by Hublot and equipped with the sophisticated watch mechanism - a tribute to the first "astronomical calculator". Besides, the company became the first brand that represents its exclusive timepiece in the museum.
Hublot Antikythera SunMoon watch
The company has released 4 models, the first of which is exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris (Musée des Arts et Métiers), the second - at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the third is kept in the company in recognition of the skill and talent of its engineers and watchmakers, and the fourth will be sold at the auction in 2014.
This year, at the annual international exhibition BaselWorld 2013, the manufacture has introduced its original novelty Antikythera SunMoon, released a limited edition of 20 items. The model is a simplified miniature version of an old mechanism.
The caliber consists of 295 components with 7 complex functions. One of these functions is to indicate the position of the sun and the moon on the dial. A lunar and solar calendar, as well as an indicator of the sidereal position of the Sun and the Moon equip the novelty Antikythera SunMoon. The owner of a unique model can read the time (hours and minutes), and to determine with high accuracy the phase of the moon in his chosen day, its shape in the sky, the name of the constellation in which it is located and the time it needs to get through it. To this day, the watch indicates the constellation in which the Sun is, and the time to take him to get through it.
Sidereal position is determined by the constellation, which is located directly behind the Moon. Indication of the constellations is not limited to the simple indication of their names - in the novelty they are presented by the respective characters. Some are different in their form. For example, a woman lying on her side represents the sign of Virgo, and Cancer took the shape of a little square crab.
Hublot Antikythera SunMoon watch
The Antikythera SunMoon watch is also equipped by a "flying" tourbillon, committing one rotation per minute, indicating a second. Central hands, located on the dial, carry out indication of hours and minutes. The hand-wound movement has frequency of 21,600 per hour and 120-hour power reserve.
The mechanism is inserted into the rectangular case with a round dial. On both sides of the case, at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions there are two crowns. The first of them (at the 3 o’clock position) in a first position is provided for winding up the spring and in the second - to set the time (hour and minute) in both directions. Placed at the 9 o’clock position, the crown has only one position - viewing the lunar-solar calendar in both directions.
Compared with Antikythera mechanism, this timepiece has no indications on the backside, and they are located on the dial.
Official site of Hublot.
Written by Angel
