As a watch enthusiast, there are certain releases that make you stop and stare. Hublot‘s latest collaboration with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami – the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow – is definitely one of those pieces. Limited to just 20 pieces, this watch is perhaps the most ambitious iteration of the partnership between the avant-garde Swiss watchmaker and the renowned Japanese artist.
What makes this piece particularly special is how it transforms Murakami’s iconic smiling flower motif into a functional timepiece. The 42mm case is crafted entirely from sapphire crystal, which is no small feat in itself. But what really catches the eye are the twelve petals, each set with different colored gemstones – we’re talking rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, blue topazes, tsavorites, and yellow/orange sapphires. In total, there are 444 gemstones creating a rainbow effect that’s pure Murakami meets Hublot extravagance.
But here’s where it gets really interesting from a horological perspective: this piece features Hublot’s first-ever central tourbillon. For the non-watch nerds out there, a central tourbillon is an incredibly rare complication that requires some serious engineering prowess. The movement (dubbed HUB9015) is manually wound and boasts a rather impressive 120-hour power reserve. In a quirky touch that feels very appropriate for a Murakami collaboration, they’ve included a special rechargeable stylus for winding the watch – 100 revolutions and you’re good to go for nearly a week.
The time display is cleverly integrated around the tourbillon, with hand tips that appear to float around the periphery. They’ve even color-coordinated the hour markers with the petals, creating a cohesive rainbow effect throughout the design. The transparent strap decorated with Murakami’s flower motif completes the look, along with a sapphire crystal and titanium deployant buckle.
At 374,000 USD, this isn’t exactly an impulse purchase. But considering the combination of Murakami’s artistic vision, Hublot’s technical expertise, and the extremely limited production run, it’s likely to be highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the intersection of contemporary art and haute horlogerie.
This piece represents everything I love about modern watchmaking – it’s technically impressive, visually striking, and pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a luxury timepiece. It’s not for everyone, and that’s exactly the point. In a world of increasingly conservative watch designs, it’s refreshing to see a brand and artist collaborate on something so unapologetically bold.
Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that this is exactly the kind of boundary-pushing creativity that keeps the watch industry exciting. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check my savings account…
Read also: Hublot Debuts Newest Collaboration with Takashi Murakami
