#Switzerland #Nyon #Anil Brancaleoni #Hublot Antikythera #Xplorations

Exploring Time: Hublot’s Journey to Antikythera

In a groundbreaking initiative that intertwines the realms of ancient history and cutting-edge watchmaking, Swiss luxury brand Hublot has teamed up with content creator Anil Brancaleoni. Together, they embarked on a remarkable scientific expedition on the Greek island of Antikythera. This venture is not just an exploration; it is a quest to uncover the mysteries behind the origins of time, providing an immersive experience through a documentary available on Hublot and Anil B's YouTube channels.

The Mission on Antikythera

Since 2014, Hublot has dedicated over two weeks each year to exploring Antikythera, serving as a 'technical arm' for teams of diving archaeologists. Their innovative department, Hublot Xplorations, is renowned for developing revolutionary materials and advanced underwater drones. These drones enhance the precision of locating artifacts that remain buried at the site of a famous ancient shipwreck, thus helping to preserve and study this invaluable historical treasure under optimal conditions.

The documentary captures 18 days of exploration by the Hublot Xplorations team alongside a diverse group of international archaeologists and specialists. They focus on the location where the world-renowned Antikythera mechanism was discovered in 1901. Dating back to around 60 BC, this artifact is regarded as the oldest known analog computer. It dramatically demonstrates the technological prowess of its time, capable of predicting celestial events with remarkable accuracy, including star movements and eclipses.

A Tribute to the Past

In 2012, Hublot honored this fascinating artifact by unveiling the Hublot Antikythera watch, an incredible piece of horological engineering designed to replicate the complex astronomical functions of the ancient machine but on a wristwatch scale. This technical masterpiece integrates complications for tracking lunar cycles, eclipses, and celestial positions, echoing its ancient predecessor. The Hublot Antikythera stands as a tribute to the intersection of history, science, and innovation, encapsulating the brand’s ethos.

The following year, Hublot introduced the 'Antikythera SunMoon,' an exceptionally accurate timepiece inspired by the world of Antikythera. It features indications related to the Sun and Moon, allowing wearers to discover the actual zodiac sign for any given date, reflecting on the precession of the equinoxes. Mathias Buttet, Hublot's Director of Research and Development, emphasizes, “Every watch mechanism is a declaration that time is precious and deserves to be honored with boldness and creativity.”

Daily Life and Perseverance

Beyond the technical dives and briefings, the documentary also provides insights into daily life on this isolated island, home to only twenty residents. It highlights the passion and determination of the teams who have worked tirelessly since 2010 under demanding conditions to preserve this invaluable heritage.

This project exemplifies the fusion of precision horology, ancient history, and modern exploration—all core values for Hublot. In addition to their contributions to archaeological research, Hublot Xplorations is also engaged in ambitious projects such as the ESA’s ExoMars mission, further demonstrating their commitment to innovation and discovery.

Don't miss this fascinating exploration available on Hublot and Anil B's YouTube channels. It offers a rare opportunity to see how Hublot is pushing the boundaries of technology to serve both history and science. Check out the video documentary here.