Hublot’s MP-15 Takashi Murakami Only Watch Sapphire is a timepiece with deep symbolism, captivating viewers in various ways. The central tourbillon symbolises Hublot’s commitment to Haute Horlogerie, while the round case resembles a child’s drawing of a daisy, representing hope. This extraordinary watch celebrates individual values, flourishing with a multitude of colours, from high-tech and exquisite to playful and hypnotic. Inspired by Takashi Murakami’s iconic smiling flower, this fusion of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie showcases creativity at its finest.
Photos – courtesy of Hublot SA ©
Takashi Murakami’s artistic style heavily features floral compositions. As a renowned Japanese artist and Hublot’s Friend since 2020, his collaborations with the brand have always been limited editions. However, the MP-15 timepiece takes uniqueness to another level, being truly one-of-a-kind. Its construction sets it apart from any other creation in Hublot’s four-decade history, thanks to its central tourbillon.
The central tourbillon represents the convergence of art and horological design—a concept embraced by Hublot and reflected in the world of Takashi Murakami. It not only takes a physical centre stage but also symbolizes the heart of the person who acquires it at the auction benefiting Duchenne’s disease research and the hearts of the children fighting the disease.
At Takashi Murakami’s explicit request, the MP-15 features a central tourbillon, presenting a significant challenge for Hublot. It marks its first-ever creation with this design element. Overcoming the difficulties of indicating hours and minutes competing for the central position, Hublot had to make precise choices to seamlessly integrate the aesthetic and technical aspects of the central tourbillon.
The design required the cannon pinion and hour wheel to pivot around the tourbillon support, creating a co-axial construction. This innovative approach allowed for a central flying tourbillon seemingly suspended in mid-air, with two hands passing beneath its cage to indicate the hours and minutes. These hands align with 12 luminescent indices, echoing the colours of the 2023 Hublot for Only Watch edition, meticulously adhering to Murakami’s beloved design proportions.
From the tourbillon and indices to the petals, the MP-15 embodies the vibrant poetry of Takashi Murakami’s artistry. The watch’s interior to exterior showcases 12 petals adorned with 444 gemstones, emanating a radiant and joyful aesthetic. Similar to a real flower, these petals angle towards the movement’s centre. The vivid colours, with clear demarcations, mirror the 2023 Only Watch theme. Rather than a traditional rainbow gradient, the focus was on playing with shades’ brightness and the brilliance of gemstones, akin to a child’s playful exploration with crayons. The result is a vibrant piece of Superflat Art for the wrist.
In line with Murakami’s artistic universe, beneath the domed sapphire crystal, the MP-15 Only Watch reveals a delicate laser engraving—a broad smile with two joyful eyes. This colourful timepiece transports wearers into Takashi Murakami’s lively imagination, embodying the energy of a child’s wonder and boundless curiosity.
