Hublot’s Latest Masterpiece
Hublot, in collaboration with famous Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, has introduced a new striking creation. The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow reimagines Murakami’s renowned smiling flower through a sapphire sculpture adorned with vibrant gemstones. This unique piece also features Hublot’s first central tourbillon movement and is limited to just 20 pieces.
Murakami’s Artistic Vision
Takashi Murakami has transformed modern art by creating his own movement called “Superflat,” which merges fine arts like painting and sculpture with commercial media including fashion and animation. Murakami’s work is known for blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary art, and his iconic smiling flower has been brought to life in watches through his partnership with Hublot.
A Blossoming Collaboration
The MP-15 is the result of a flourishing friendship between Hublot and Murakami, driven by their mutual desire to push boundaries. Their collaboration began in 2021, leading to the development of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon, which was revealed at the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. This watch transforms Murakami’s signature smiling flower into a wearable piece of sculptural art, combining contemporary art, innovative watchmaking, and exceptional gem-setting.
Exquisite Design and Craftsmanship
The watch is crafted from a sapphire crystal block and features a 42mm case with twelve petals. Each petal contains polished titanium inlays and 444 colored gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires, and amethysts, showcasing Murakami’s vibrant color palette.
Revolutionary Mechanical Movement
Beneath its artistic exterior, the MP-15 houses a groundbreaking mechanical caliber. The HUB9015 caliber, with its central flying tourbillon, is visible through a domed sapphire crystal. This rare complication requires advanced engineering and offers a 120-hour power reserve, powered by a manual-winding caliber with a special stylus for easy winding.
Innovative Time Display
The MP-15’s design ensures the central tourbillon remains unobstructed, with hour and minute hands rotating around its edge. These hands are positioned below the tourbillon cage, and their tips elegantly curve upward, thanks to a complex co-axial structure. The watch face also features twelve baton hour markers, each matching the colors of the petals for seamless time-telling.
Floating Mechanics
Adding to the visual intrigue, the movement’s components appear to float, thanks to their skeletonized design, enhancing the watch’s captivating aesthetics.
Limited Edition Appeal
The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is both an artistic achievement and a watchmaking marvel, appealing to art enthusiasts and watch collectors alike. Limited to 20 pieces, it is available at Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide, upon request.
YOU ASKED…
What is the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow?
The MP-15 is a limited edition watch created by Hublot and Takashi Murakami, featuring a central tourbillon movement and a sapphire case with colorful gemstones.
How many MP-15 watches are available?
Only 20 pieces of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow are available.
What is unique about the MP-15’s design?
The watch features the iconic smiling flower design by Takashi Murakami, with a sapphire case and 444 colored gemstones set in its petals.
Where can I purchase the MP-15?
The MP-15 is available at Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers around the world, but only upon request.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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