With a limited production of only 50 units, the MP-15 marks Hublot’s inaugural venture into limited edition watches featuring a central flying tourbillon. This distinctive, whimsical, yet technologically advanced model presents a captivating interpretation of sapphire’s visual allure.
Contrary to the conventional belief that the dial serves as the watch’s face, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami deviates from tradition. Hublot ingeniously amalgamates the case, movement, and dial into a unique configuration. Instead of a traditional dial, the complication occupies the customary position, with the hands situated peripherally. At the heart of the timepiece lies Hublot’s inaugural series-produced central flying tourbillon – a creation distinct from anything the Manufacture has developed in its four-decade history.
Surrounded by Takashi Murakami’s iconic motif, a sapphire-crafted flower with 12 petals, the design showcases soft curves and bold volumes. Hublot’s objective was to achieve absolute transparency, maximizing the luminosity of the MP-15 through a sapphire case, sapphire case-back, sapphire crown, translucent flange, and strap. The sun doesn’t merely shine on this floral masterpiece; it passes through, illuminating its curves and reliefs.
This central flying tourbillon boasts an impressive 150-hour power reserve, nearly a full week, a remarkable technical accomplishment for such a complication. Hublot facilitates full winding with a specially designed stylus, supplied with the piece and rechargeable via USB. Placed on the crown, the stylus smoothly winds through 100 revolutions, fully energizing the barrels that drive the central tourbillon. Its position serves both function and aesthetics, with Takashi Murakami incorporating playful eyes and a broad smile, emphasizing its mischievous character.
Peripheral hands indicate the hours and minutes, a daring departure from traditional watchmaking principles as they pass beneath the tourbillon cage. The escapement and hour and minute hands coexist in a single central space, achieved through a co-axial construction by pivoting the cannon pinion and hour wheel around the tourbillon support.
Hublot’s tourbillon design eliminates the upper bridge, showcasing its skeletonized components. This transparent design provides a clear view of the intricate details, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship invested in the MP-15.
Despite its profound innovation, the MP-15 maintains standard markers for natural and easy wearability. Twelve white indices grace the flange, while black-plated hands with white SuperLuminova ensure optimal legibility day and night. The model adheres to traditional winding and setting methods with a crown at 3 o’clock. Additionally, its modest 42 mm diameter and integrated rubber strap contribute to supreme comfort.
For more information, please visit Hublot.com.