The newest watch by HUBLOT is a jewelled masterpiece

Arushi Sakhuja
The allure of watches that double up as jewellery pieces is constant. It’s opulent, magnanimous and an investment worth the splurge. Adding to the list of exquisite jewellery-inspired timepieces is the new HUBLOT MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow – the latest creation from HUBLOT and celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. Encrusted with rainbow-coloured gemstones, it resembles the shape of the artist’s iconic smiling flower as a sapphire sculpture set with colourful gemstones and fitted with HUBLOT’s first central tourbillon movement. A limited edition of only 20 pieces, it may well be the duo’s most eye-catching and exceptional creation to date. Making it a true collector’s piece it comes with a hefty price tag of $374,000.

The MP-15 is the symbol of a friendship in full bloom, HUBLOT first began working with Murakami in 2021. After his eponymous Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks paired with unique pieces, HUBLOT and Takashi Murakami took their partnership to the next level with the unveiling of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. Reimagining one of Murakami’s most emblematic motifs the smiling flower,  the MP-15 was a wearable sculpture that seamlessly merges contemporary art, avant-garde watchmaking and exceptional gem-setting making it a jewellery watch.

Details

As stunning as it is to look at, the real appeal of this piece lies in the hard work and attention to detail that went into its creation. Made from a block of sapphire crystal, it features a 42mm smiling flower case with twelve petals and an impressive total of 444 coloured gemstones. These include rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, bi-colour topazes, tsavorites, and yellow or orange sapphires. Each petal of the HUBLOT MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow showcases a different colour that reflects Murakami’s iconic smiling flower design. The watch hands also follow the same vibrant colour scheme, which adds to its clarity and readability

In terms of functionality, this timepiece boasts a groundbreaking mechanical calibre with a central flying tourbillon that is visible through the domed sapphire crystal. The watch operates on a manual-winding calibre, with a skeletal architecture that not only enhances its visual appeal but also boasts an exceptional power reserve of 120 hours—enough to keep the watch ticking for nearly an entire week. To simplify the winding process, HUBLOT has ingeniously designed a special rechargeable stylus that easily fits onto the crown, efficiently winding the twin barrels with 100 precise revolutions. The finishing touch is a transparent strap secured with a clasp, adorned with Takashi Murakami’s signature flower motif. The buckle is also encrusted with a sapphire crystal.

This remarkable piece truly deserves all the attention it garners. One of the great things about such timepieces is their ability to double as statement jewellery. When wearing the HUBLOT MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, it’s best to choose a more subdued outfit to allow the watch’s beauty to shine through.

Available to HUBLOT boutiques and authorized retailers around the world upon request.