Hublot’s new collaboration with Takashi Murakami reveals a colourful expression of art and time
Hublot first began its partnership with renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami in 2021, united by a shared vision of creating timepieces that are exceptional, as they are functional. These include the Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks that are paired with unique pieces.
This year, Hublot and Murakami took their partnership to the next level by introducing the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow. The timepiece is inspired by the artist’s most emblematic motif, the “smiling flower” and features a central tourbillon movement, which is a first in Hublot. It is also limited to just 20 pieces, making it a true collector’s dream.
The 42mm sapphire crystal case is meticulously crafted and sculpted to recreate the shape of the flower, featuring twelve colourful petals that are adorned with over 444 coloured gemstones. These include brilliant-cut rubies, pink and blue sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites and yellow or orange sapphires.
Each gemstone was carefully placed by hand and is grouped together to reimagine the original Murakami smiling flower. Complementing the petals are the twelve baton hour markers set on a flange ring, as well as the two hand tips that indicate the hours and minutes.
What makes this timepiece even more unique is that it houses a central flying tourbillon at the heart of the HUB9015 calibre movement. The rare complication consists of 236 components, which vibrates at a frequency of 21,600 A/H and boasts a 120-hour power reserve. It also includes a special rechargeable stylus placed on the crown, which winds the twin barrels in 100 revolutions.
The tourbillon is fully visible through the domed sapphire crystal, engraved with two twinkling eyes and a smiling mouth, which is reminiscent of Murakami’s motif. The dial is also skeletonised, giving the appearance that the components are floating in a vacuum.
The timepiece comes with a transparent rubber strap, still adorned with the “smiling flower” motif and paired with a deployant buckle made from sapphire crystal and titanium.
Visit Hublot for more information.
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