Off the coast of Greece, the remains of a 2,000-year-old mechanism rest on the seabed. The device, widely considered the world’s first astronomical computer, was discovered at the Antikythera shipwreck. For more than a decade, Hublot has been involved with the mission to understand it, joining a team of archaeologists, divers, and engineers.
The watchmaker’s support has grown from patronage into direct technical involvement. Through its Hublot Xplorations program, the Maison’s own engineering teams are developing technology for the expedition. They build underwater drones and sophisticated detection systems designed to map the ocean floor and identify artifacts still buried beneath the sediment.
From Tribute to Technology
This marks a clear evolution in the relationship. Hublot's initial connection to the project was horological. In 2012, the brand created a timepiece inspired by the ancient mechanism, a watch capable of reproducing its complex astronomical functions. A second model, the Antikythera SunMoon, followed a year later.
Today, the work has moved beyond watchmaking. The company’s expertise is now a tool for archaeological research, helping to advance the study of one of history’s most significant technological discoveries. It is a different application of an engineering mindset.