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Hublot teams up with Swiss content creator Anil Brancaleoni to document an extraordinary scientific mission to the Greek island of Antikythera

Hublot has announced a new documentary project centred around the Greek island of Antikythera, bringing together archaeology, exploration and watchmaking history. Working alongside Swiss content creator Anil Brancaleoni, the brand has documented an 18-day scientific expedition that follows researchers, divers and specialists as they continue investigating one of history’s most intriguing discoveries.

The documentary, which is available through both Hublot and Anil B’s YouTube channels, offers a closer look at the island that gave its name to the famous Antikythera Mechanism, widely regarded as the world’s oldest known astronomical calculator. Dating back to around 60 BCE, the device was capable of tracking celestial movements and predicting eclipses, demonstrating a level of technological sophistication that still fascinates historians and scientists today.

Hublot Xplorations & The Antikythera Shipwreck

For those unaware of what this ancient mechanism is, or was, here’s a quick lesson: Known as the Antikythera Mechanism, it was discovered in 1901, and was on a Roman-era shipwreck dating back to the second quarter of the first century BC. The mechanism itself pre-dated this by over two centuries, around 200 BC, and at first, scientists really had no idea what it was or what it did.

Imagine an amalgam of rock and oxidised bronze, so complex that it took fifty years for renowned physicist Derek de Sola Price to discover what it is. It turned out to be one of the oldest recorded devices that measured time, or in this case, it was used to predict the positions of the Sun and Moon, and therefore the exact dates of solar and lunar eclipses. Effectivley, making this the oldest computer in the world.

Hublot Xplorations And The Antikythera Mission

While this latest project takes the form of a documentary, Hublot’s involvement with Antikythera goes back further. Since 2014, the brand’s Hublot Xplorations division has supported archaeological missions to the island, spending more than two weeks each year assisting the dive teams.

As the technical arm of the expeditions, Hublot Xplorations has developed specialised underwater drones and other equipment designed to help locate and recover artefacts from the shipwreck site. These technologies allow archaeologists to conduct their work with greater precision while helping preserve the historical remains beneath the sea.

The documentary follows not only the scientific side of the mission, but also life on the remote island itself, which is home to around twenty residents. It highlights the dedication of the teams that have been working in often challenging conditions since 2010 to protect and better understand this remarkable piece of history.

The Antikythera’s Influence On Hublot Watchmaking

The Antikythera Mechanism has already played a significant role in Hublot’s watchmaking history. In 2012, the brand unveiled the MP-04 Antikythera, a concept watch designed to recreate many of the astronomical functions found in the ancient device. Lunar cycles, eclipses and celestial movements were all incorporated into a wristwatch, resulting in one of Hublot’s most technically ambitious creations.

A year later, Hublot expanded on the concept with the MP-08 Antikythera SunMoon. Limited to just 20 pieces in titanium and another 20 pieces in King Gold, the watch displays the positions of the sun and moon while also accounting for the precession of the equinoxes to determine the true zodiac sign for any given date.

Powered by the manual-winding HUB9008 movement, the MP-08 features 295 components, a tourbillon and a power reserve of approximately 105 hours, showcasing the same spirit of mechanical complexity that inspired the original Antikythera project.

Exploration Beyond Watchmaking

For Hublot, the Antikythera project reflects a broader commitment to scientific research and exploration. Through Hublot Xplorations, the brand has collaborated with academic institutions and specialists on projects that extend beyond the ocean floor, including work related to the European Space Agency’s ExoMars mission.

The latest documentary continues that connection between history, science and watchmaking, offering a rare insight into the ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve one of humanity’s greatest technological achievements. If you want to watch the documentary, which we recommend as it is super interesting, then we’ve added it below.

MP-08 Antikythera SunMoon Titanium Specifications

MP-08 Antikythera SunMoon King Gold Specifications

To learn more about the world or Hublot, head to Hublot.com