Hublot has once again teamed up with the renowned artist Takashi Murakami to unveil a timepiece that marries artistry and technology like never before. Limited to just 50 pieces, the MP-15 is a true collector’s item that introduces the concept of a central flying tourbillon to Hublot’s impressive lineup.
Hublot has once again teamed up with the renowned artist Takashi Murakami to unveil a timepiece that marries artistry and technology like never before.
At the heart of the MP-15 lies a groundbreaking central flying tourbillon, a first for Hublot, and a testament to the brand’s commitment to continuous innovation. This remarkable complication is surrounded by Takashi Murakami’s signature motif – a sapphire flower with 12 delicate petals. Hublot’s design philosophy for this timepiece was centered around creating absolute transparency, allowing light to pass through the sapphire case, case-back, crown, flange, and strap, illuminating the floral masterpiece from within.
What sets the MP-15 apart is not only its artistic flair but also its technical prowess. The central flying tourbillon boasts an exceptional power reserve of 150 hours, a feat rarely seen in such complications. To ensure it’s fully wound, Hublot provides a specially designed stylus that effortlessly winds the crown through 100 revolutions. This playful interaction with the watch is enhanced by Takashi Murakami’s creative touch, with the tourbillon featuring two twinkling eyes and a broad smile, adding a mischievous charm to the timepiece.
The MP-15 challenges traditional watchmaking conventions with its peripheral hour and minute hands, which ingeniously pass beneath the tourbillon cage. This bold design required a co-axial construction, repositioning the cannon pinion and hour wheel to accommodate the tourbillon. Additionally, Hublot’s tourbillon lacks an upper bridge, showcasing its skeletonized components that appear to float in space.
Despite its avant-garde design, the MP-15 remains highly legible, thanks to twelve white indices on the flange and black-plated hands with white SuperLuminova for day and night visibility. With a modest 42mm diameter, it’s designed for optimal comfort and ease of wear, further enhanced by its integrated rubber strap.
Takashi Murakami, renowned for his vibrant use of color, was excited to explore the concept of absolute transparency for this collaboration. The result is a fusion of his floral motif with Hublot’s mechanical universe, creating a watch that’s pure, unique, and visually stunning.
