HUBLOT and Takashi Murakami Release Latest Drop
The latest collaboration between HUBLOT and renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami has arrived, showcasing their most striking creation yet: the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow. This limited edition piece, of which only 20 exist, reinterprets Murakami’s iconic smiling flower as a sapphire sculpture adorned with vibrant gemstones and features HUBLOT’s first central tourbillon movement.
Murakami, celebrated for his “Superflat” art movement, merges fine arts with commercial mediums, blurring the line between high and low art. The smiling flower stands out among his creations, and HUBLOT has previously incorporated it into several collaborations. The MP-15 symbolizes a friendship built on a shared passion for pushing boundaries.
The partnership began in 2021, and after successful releases like the Classic Fusion models, the MP-15 was unveiled at the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. This timepiece blends contemporary art and avant-garde watchmaking, showcasing HUBLOT's expertise in creating stunning rainbow effects with meticulously chosen gemstones.
Crafted from sapphire crystal, the 42mm smiling flower case features twelve petals adorned with polished titanium inlays and 444 colorful gemstones, including rubies and sapphires. At its core is the HUB9015 manual-winding caliber, housing a central flying tourbillon visible through a domed sapphire crystal. This rare complication requires advanced engineering, offering a remarkable power reserve of 120 hours.
The hours and minutes are indicated by hand tips that revolve around the case, elegantly positioned beneath the tourbillon cage. The MP-15's visual allure is enhanced by skeletonized movement components that appear to float, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The transparent strap, adorned with Murakami’s signature flower motif, and a deployant buckle crafted from sapphire crystal and titanium complete this masterpiece.
The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is available upon request at HUBLOT boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide.
