Hublot and Takashi Murakami normally collaborate on limited-edition series. The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch is a unique piece, which will be auctioned to raise funds for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Hublot's MP models represent the fusion between revolutionary movements and spectacular designs. This floral MP-15 is its first timepiece with a central flying tourbillon.
The Japanese artist explicitly requested the inclusion of a central tourbillon, which represents the hearts of the highest bidder and the children fighting the disease.
This Only Watch actually beams with hope, as under the domed sapphire crystal the face boasts a fine laser engraving depicting two eyes and a broad smile.
The 42mm sapphire crystal case features a stainless steel bezel evoking 12 petals shimmering with 444 gemstones for a joyful aesthetic.
Instead of a traditional rainbow gradient effect, the idea was to play with the shades and brilliance of the gemstones, to create a bright piece of Superflat art for the wrist. The colours of the gemstones echo on the luminescent indices while the petals are angled towards the centre of the movement.
Laser engraving depicting two eyes and a broad smile really makes it a smiling watch.
The challenge was to integrate the complication with the hours and minutes indication.
The cannon pinion and the hour wheel had to be pivoted around the tourbillon support by creating a co-axial construction. The central flying tourbillon seemingly suspends in mid-air with two hands passing under its cage to indicate the hours and minutes.
Thanks to its two barrels, the HUB9015 manual winding movement offers a 150-hour power reserve, which is a technical feat for such a construction. Mounted in series but on a single plane, these generously proportioned barrels can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.
Murakami's iconic flower motif further appears on the transparent rubber strap of the high-jewellery timepiece, which will be auctioned at the 10th edition of Only Watch next year.
The winning bidder will also receive "Time of Rainbow", unique calligraphy on used coffee filter paper by Murakami.
High-jewellery MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch shimmers with 444 coloured gemstones.
