Swiss luxury watchmaker HUBLOT has unveiled its latest collaboration with renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, introducing the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow. This limited-edition timepiece, of which only 20 will be produced, blends cutting-edge watchmaking with Murakami’s signature artistic flair, reimagining his iconic “smiling flower” motif as a sapphire sculpture adorned with vibrant gemstones.
Murakami, a celebrated figure in contemporary art, is known for his creation of the “Superflat” movement, which merges high art and commercial culture by blending traditional Japanese art with modern themes. His smiling flower design, instantly recognisable and often seen across various forms of media, is central to this collaboration. Hublot first partnered with Murakami in 2021, and since then, the duo has continued to push the boundaries of both art and horology.
The MP-15 Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow takes the collaboration to new heights, building on the partnership’s earlier creations, including the Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks. This latest design was first showcased at the Only Watch 2023 charity auction and has now been officially launched for global collectors.
Crafted from a single block of sapphire crystal, the 42mm case features twelve petals, each polished and inlaid with Titanium. The petals are set with 444 coloured gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, amethysts, and tsavorites, arranged to replicate Murakami’s vivid, chromatic palette. Each petal reflects a different colour, much like the original flower design.
At the heart of the watch is a ground-breaking central flying tourbillon – a first for Hublot. The HUB9015 calibre is a manual-winding mechanism with a remarkable 120-hour power reserve. This complex movement, visible beneath a domed sapphire crystal engraved with the smiling flower’s eyes and mouth, demonstrates Hublot’s prowess in horological engineering. The central tourbillon, a rare and sophisticated complication, required a complete rethinking of mechanical movement design.
To ensure easy winding of the watch, Hublot has developed a rechargeable stylus that can be placed on the crown, allowing for effortless winding of the twin barrels in 100 revolutions.
In a further demonstration of innovative design, the hours and minutes are indicated by two hand tips revolving around the periphery of the central tourbillon. The hands are positioned beneath the tourbillon cage, their tips bent upwards and outwards to maintain an unobstructed view of the intricate movement. A flange ring surrounding the opening features 12 coloured baton hour markers, each matching the hue of the corresponding petal.
Skeletonised components throughout the movement appear to float within the case, enhancing the watch’s sense of visual intrigue. This skeletal construction, combined with the central flying tourbillon and vibrant gemstone setting, creates a stunning piece that blends contemporary art with cutting-edge watchmaking.
The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is not only a tribute to Murakami’s artistic vision but also a feat of horological craftsmanship, making it a highly coveted piece among both art enthusiasts and watch collectors. The limited-edition timepiece is available upon request at Hublot boutiques and authorised retailers worldwide.
