{"product_id":"hublot-mdm-skeleton-ref-1512-3-18k-yellow-gold-frederic-piguet-cal-21-manual-wind-vintage-skeleton-watch","title":"HUBLOT MDM Skeleton Ref. 1512.3 18K Yellow Gold · Frédéric Piguet Cal. 21 Manual-Wind · Vintage Skeleton Watch","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore the Big Bang, there was this.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn early Hublot in solid 18K yellow gold, opened to reveal the mechanics within and powered by the remarkably slim Frédéric Piguet Calibre 21. Ref. 1512.3 captures a very different chapter of Hublot: restrained, experimental and already rooted in the maison’s defining fusion of precious metal and black rubber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIntro\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is something particularly compelling about encountering Hublot before the brand became synonymous with the monumental architecture of the Big Bang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hublot most collectors recognize today is muscular, layered and extroverted. Ref. 1512.3 speaks in an earlier vocabulary. Its compact yellow-gold case, black rubber strap and exposed hand-wound movement reveal the design philosophy from which modern Hublot would ultimately evolve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt its heart is one of the watch’s most compelling details: the \u003cstrong\u003eFrédéric Piguet Calibre 21\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDescription\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLong before oversized cases and the Big Bang established Hublot’s contemporary identity, the manufacture was already exploring an unconventional idea: combine precious metal with an industrial material and allow the tension between the two to become the design itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MDM Ref. 1512.3 expresses that philosophy with remarkable clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts case is crafted in \u003cstrong\u003e18K yellow gold\u003c\/strong\u003e, yet instead of being paired with the traditional leather strap expected of classical Swiss luxury watches, it meets a stark black rubber strap. The contrast is deliberate. Gold brings warmth, permanence and traditional value, while rubber introduces modernity, practicality and visual tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat juxtaposition would become one of the foundations of Hublot’s identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere, however, the concept goes further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conventional dial has largely disappeared, replaced by an elaborate openworked composition that allows the mechanics themselves to become the visual centerpiece. Golden skeletonized structures frame exposed wheels, jewels and movement components, while a restrained Roman numeral chapter ring preserves a sense of classical order around the perimeter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is beautifully contradictory: ornate yet disciplined, traditional yet experimental.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside is the \u003cstrong\u003eFrédéric Piguet Calibre 21\u003c\/strong\u003e, an exceptionally slim manually wound Swiss movement operating at \u003cstrong\u003e21,600 vibrations per hour\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its mechanical architecture can be admired from both the dial side and through the exhibition caseback, allowing the movement to become part of the watch’s character rather than remaining hidden beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe proportions are notably restrained by contemporary Hublot standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e36.6 mm across excluding the crown\u003c\/strong\u003e, approximately \u003cstrong\u003e34.0 mm across the case body\u003c\/strong\u003e, and only \u003cstrong\u003e7.1 mm in thickness\u003c\/strong\u003e. Total watch weight is approximately \u003cstrong\u003e67.1 g\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat slimness is central to the appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than dominating the wrist through scale, Ref. 1512.3 draws attention through detail, texture and mechanical intricacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black Hublot rubber strap provides the visual counterweight to the yellow-gold case. Its simplicity allows the skeletonized movement and polished gold architecture to remain the focus, while the matching deployant clasp preserves the distinctive metal-and-rubber language for which Hublot became known.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Hublot rubber strap sections are included, offering useful flexibility for fit and long-term ownership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch has also undergone an \u003cstrong\u003eoverhaul\/service\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a recorded timing measurement of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e+10 seconds per day in the flat position\u003c\/strong\u003e at the time of testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the collector, Ref. 1512.3 offers something quite different from simply acquiring another gold Swiss watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a window into early Hublot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential ingredients are already present: precious metal, rubber, visible hardware, open mechanics and an eagerness to question what a luxury watch was supposed to look like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly the scale of the idea would change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHighlights \u0026amp; Features\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Hublot MDM Skeleton Ref. 1512.3\u003cbr\u003e• Solid K18 \/ 18K yellow-gold case\u003cbr\u003e• Gold-tone openworked skeletonized display\u003cbr\u003e• Frédéric Piguet Calibre 21\u003cbr\u003e• Two-hand manual-winding mechanical movement\u003cbr\u003e• 21,600 vibrations per hour\u003cbr\u003e• Roman numeral chapter ring\u003cbr\u003e• Exhibition caseback\u003cbr\u003e• Original Hublot black rubber strap\u003cbr\u003e• Matching deployant clasp\u003cbr\u003e• Approx. 36.6 mm case width excluding crown\u003cbr\u003e• Approx. 34.0 mm case dimension excluding lugs\u003cbr\u003e• Approx. 7.1 mm case thickness\u003cbr\u003e• Approx. 67.1 g total watch weight\u003cbr\u003e• Maximum wrist size approx. 17.3 cm\u003cbr\u003e• Overhauled \/ serviced\u003cbr\u003e• Approx. +10 seconds per day recorded in flat-position testing\u003cbr\u003e• Additional Hublot rubber strap sections included\u003cbr\u003e• Box included\u003cbr\u003e• Distinctive early Hublot precious-metal-and-rubber construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eItem Details\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hublot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollection:\u003c\/strong\u003e MDM\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Skeleton\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1512.3\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e K18 \/ 18K Yellow Gold\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold-Tone Skeletonized Openworked Display\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHour Markers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roman Numerals\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mechanical, Manual Winding\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalibre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frédéric Piguet Cal. 21\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, Minutes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e 21,600 vph\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 36.6 mm excluding crown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Dimension:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 34.0 mm excluding lugs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 7.1 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Watch Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 67.1 g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Wrist Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 17.3 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original Hublot Black Rubber Strap\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClasp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deployant \/ Folding Clasp\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaseback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Exhibition Caseback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService:\u003c\/strong\u003e Overhauled \/ Serviced\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. +10 sec\/day in flat-position testing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Box and Additional Rubber Strap Sections\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Manufacture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Switzerland\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good Vintage \/ Pre-Owned Condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCase\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 18K yellow-gold case presents attractively with light surface hairlines, fine scratches and handling marks consistent with careful previous ownership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe broad bezel, curved case profile and distinctive strap interfaces remain well defined, preserving the elegant proportions and character of the original design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSkeleton Display\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe openworked display presents beautifully, with golden decorative structures, exposed wheels, jewels and contrasting metallic components creating substantial depth beneath the Roman numeral chapter ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of skeletonization and classical detailing gives the watch an unusually refined mechanical presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCrystal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crystal remains clear and provides an unobstructed view of the openworked movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight surface wear may be present consistent with age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMovement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFrédéric Piguet Calibre 21\u003c\/strong\u003e has undergone an overhaul\/service and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA timing measurement of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e+10 seconds per day in the flat position\u003c\/strong\u003e was recorded at the time of testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStrap \u0026amp; Clasp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original black Hublot rubber strap complements the yellow-gold case beautifully and remains central to the visual identity of the watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Hublot rubber strap sections are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe matching deployant clasp completes the original metal-and-rubber aesthetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverall Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery Good Vintage \/ Pre-Owned Condition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch shows light signs of age and previous enjoyment while retaining an exceptionally strong overall presentation, attractive gold surfaces and a striking openworked mechanical display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Collectors Want This Piece\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fascination of Ref. 1512.3 lies partly in hindsight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern Hublot is inseparable from the idea of fusion, but this early MDM reference shows that the concept was already deeply embedded in the house’s design language long before the Big Bang transformed the brand’s global profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solid yellow-gold case paired with black rubber still creates a compelling visual tension. Add an intricately openworked display and the exceptionally slim Frédéric Piguet Calibre 21, and the result becomes far more unusual than a conventional vintage gold watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Calibre 21 connection is especially appealing to mechanically minded collectors. Rather than hiding the movement beneath a traditional dial, Ref. 1512.3 makes its mechanics the visual protagonist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts compact proportions also give it a very different presence from later Hublot watches. The design rewards close inspection rather than sheer scale, revealing a chapter of Hublot history defined by experimentation, restraint and mechanical detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collectors interested in the origins of Hublot’s fusion philosophy, the MDM Skeleton represents an especially compelling intersection of early brand identity, precious-metal watchmaking and open mechanical architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eBrand Heritage\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHublot was founded in Switzerland in 1980 and distinguished itself almost immediately through an unconventional design proposition: pairing traditional precious-metal watch cases with black rubber straps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when luxury watchmaking remained strongly tied to classical materials and established conventions, the combination was strikingly modern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat philosophy became the foundation of what Hublot would later describe as the \u003cstrong\u003eArt of Fusion\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MDM era belongs to this formative chapter. References such as the 1512.3 reveal many of the ideas that would eventually become central to the brand: precious metals juxtaposed with contemporary materials, visible construction, strong case architecture and an instinct to challenge the traditional boundaries of Swiss luxury watchmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeen today, the Ref. 1512.3 is not merely an early Hublot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is an elegant glimpse of the design philosophy that would eventually reshape the entire maison.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector \/ Curator \/ Personal Shopper From Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53741196542245,"sku":null,"price":13760.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/8829\/6229\/files\/yahooauc_d1194084146_2_i-img1000x1000-175348608520642316xvfw8.jpg?v=1788495550","url":"https:\/\/japonista.com\/products\/hublot-mdm-skeleton-ref-1512-3-18k-yellow-gold-frederic-piguet-cal-21-manual-wind-vintage-skeleton-watch","provider":"Japonista","version":"1.0","type":"link"}