Hublot and Takashi Murakami Present the MP-15 Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow
In a bold continuation of their boundary-pushing partnership, Hublot has teamed up once again with renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami to create the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow. Unveiled in October 2024, this limited-edition timepiece is a spectacular marriage of avant-garde watchmaking and Murakami’s iconic artistic vision, particularly his emblematic “smiling flower” motif. Limited to just 20 pieces, the watch exemplifies Hublot’s philosophy of innovation, precision, and creativity.
Murakami’s Artistic Vision: The Smiling Flower in Time
Takashi Murakami, a leading figure in contemporary art, is celebrated for his distinct “Superflat” style that merges Japanese artistic traditions with modern cultural elements. His iconic “smiling flower” has become a symbol of joy and positivity, and the MP-15 brings this design to life in the world of haute horlogerie.
This collaboration builds on earlier models, but the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow takes the partnership to new heights, introducing Hublot’s first-ever central tourbillon movement in a visually arresting sapphire case.
Case and Gemstones: A Symphony of Color
The 42mm sapphire crystal case of the MP-15 is shaped into Murakami’s “smiling flower” with twelve polished petals, each set with 444 colorful gemstones, including rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, topazes, tsavorites, and yellow or orange sapphires. The gemstones are carefully selected to create a perfect gradient of colors, paying homage to the artist’s highly chromatic style.
The bezel, crafted from polished titanium, also showcases the meticulous gem-setting, with each petal radiating a different vibrant hue. This complex gemstone arrangement highlights Hublot’s expertise in merging craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Revolutionary Watchmaking: The Central Tourbillon
At the heart of the MP-15 is Hublot’s HUB9015 movement, featuring the brand’s first-ever central flying tourbillon. The tourbillon’s position at the center of the dial provides an unobstructed view of its intricate mechanics through a domed sapphire crystal engraved with Murakami’s signature eyes and smiling mouth.
The manual-winding HUB9015 caliber boasts an impressive 120-hour power reserve, making it as functional as it is artistically stunning. Surrounding the central tourbillon are two co-axial hour and minute hands, which revolve around the edge of the dial, leaving the tourbillon in clear view. This innovative design ensures ease of time reading without distracting from the aesthetic beauty of the movement.
A Wearable Work of Art
The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is more than just a watch; it’s a work of wearable art. The transparent rubber strap is decorated with Murakami’s signature flower motif, complementing the case design. The deployant buckle is made of sapphire crystal and titanium, adding another layer of refinement to this already complex timepiece.
Limited Edition
With only 20 pieces available worldwide, the MP-15 is a rare collector’s piece that blends contemporary art with groundbreaking horological innovation. The combination of Murakami’s artistic flair and Hublot’s mechanical mastery ensures this watch will be highly sought after by both art aficionados and watch enthusiasts alike.
Technical Specifications
- Reference: 915.JX.4802.RT.1199
- Movement: HUB9015 Manual-winding Tourbillon
- Components: 236
- Jewels: 25
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)
- Power Reserve: Approx. 120 hours
- Case: Polished Sapphire Crystal
- Diameter: 42mm
- Thickness: 13.40mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Gemstones: 444 colored gemstones, including rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, topazes, tsavorites, and yellow/orange sapphires
- Strap: Transparent rubber decorated with flower motif
- Clasp: Sapphire crystal and titanium deployant buckle
- Price:
- CHF 340,000
- EUR 389,000
- USD 374,000
- GBP 323,000
For more information, visit Hublot’s official website to explore this unique collaboration.
