Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow

The watch world is no stranger to collaborations, but every once in a while, a partnership comes along that truly pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is a prime example of such a collaboration, a vibrant fusion of horological mastery and contemporary art that is as captivating as it is complex. This timepiece isn't just about telling time; it's a testament to the power of artistic expression and technical prowess, a symphony of color and mechanics that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Hublot, a brand known for its disruptive approach to watchmaking, has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the MP-15. This isn't the first time the brand has ventured into the realm of artistic collaborations. In fact, Hublot has a rich history of partnering with artists, athletes, and other creative minds to produce timepieces that transcend the traditional boundaries of watchmaking. This philosophy, known as the "Art of Fusion," is deeply ingrained in Hublot's DNA and is evident in every aspect of the MP-15, from its intricate design to its groundbreaking movement.



The MP-15 is the culmination of Hublot's expertise in sapphire crystal manipulation and its ongoing partnership with the renowned Japanese contemporary artist, Takashi Murakami. Murakami, a master of blending high and low art forms, is celebrated for his "Superflat" movement, a vibrant and playful aesthetic that draws inspiration from traditional Japanese art and contemporary pop culture. His iconic smiling flower motif, a symbol of joy and optimism, has been reimagined in a breathtaking three-dimensional form in the MP-15, transforming the watch into a miniature work of art.

This isn't the first time Hublot and Murakami have joined forces. Their partnership began in 2021 with the release of Classic Fusion models featuring Murakami's signature artwork. This collaboration was further cemented by a series of NFT artworks paired with unique timepieces. The MP-15, however, represents a significant leap forward in their partnership, showcasing a level of intricacy and technical innovation that is truly remarkable.

One of the most striking features of the MP-15 is its sapphire crystal case, meticulously crafted to resemble Murakami's smiling flower. The twelve petals of the flower are adorned with 444 brilliant-cut gemstones, creating a mesmerizing rainbow effect that is both playful and sophisticated. The use of sapphire crystal, a material notoriously difficult to work with, highlights Hublot's technical mastery and its dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

But the MP-15 is more than just a beautiful face. At its heart beats Hublot's first-ever central tourbillon movement, a feat of engineering that is as impressive as it is visually arresting. The tourbillon, a complex mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy, takes center stage in the MP-15, its intricate movements visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case. The hours and minutes are indicated by two hand tips that revolve around the periphery of the tourbillon, creating a unique and captivating display of time. The MP-15 is a limited edition of just 20 pieces, making it an exceptionally rare and coveted timepiece. Its exclusivity, combined with its artistic significance and technical innovation, is sure to make it a highly sought-after collector's item.



To truly appreciate the MP-15, it's important to understand the rich history and innovative spirit of Hublot. Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot quickly gained recognition for its unconventional approach to watchmaking. The brand's name, which translates to "porthole" in French, is a nod to its distinctive case design, which features a circular bezel secured by visible screws. This bold and modern aesthetic, combined with Hublot's commitment to using innovative materials and technologies, has set the brand apart from its competitors.

Hublot's "Art of Fusion" philosophy has been a driving force behind its success. This philosophy is not just about combining different materials; it's about blending traditional watchmaking techniques with cutting-edge technologies and artistic expression. This approach has led to the creation of some of the most iconic and groundbreaking timepieces in the industry, including the Big Bang, a watch that revolutionized the concept of luxury sports watches.

Hublot's expertise in materials science is another key factor in its success. The brand has been a pioneer in the use of unconventional materials such as carbon fiber, ceramic, and sapphire crystal. The MP-15's sapphire crystal case is a testament to Hublot's mastery of this challenging material. The brand's engineers and chemists have spent years researching and developing techniques to manipulate sapphire crystal, transforming it from a fragile material into a robust and aesthetically stunning component of its timepieces.

Takashi Murakami's influence on the MP-15 extends beyond its aesthetics. His artistic vision and philosophy are deeply intertwined with the watch's design and concept. Murakami's "Superflat" movement, which emerged in the 1990s, challenges the traditional boundaries between high and low art, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as anime, manga, and traditional Japanese painting.

Murakami's work is characterized by its vibrant colors, playful imagery, and cartoon-like characters. His art often explores themes of consumerism, globalization, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. His iconic smiling flower motif, which has become a symbol of his artistic style, represents joy, optimism, and the ephemeral nature of life.



Murakami's influence on contemporary art and popular culture is undeniable. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and he has collaborated with numerous brands and artists, including Louis Vuitton, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams. His ability to seamlessly blend high art with popular culture has made him a global icon, and his partnership with Hublot is a testament to his enduring appeal.

The MP-15's case, measuring 42mm in diameter, is a masterpiece of sapphire crystal craftsmanship. Hublot has long been a pioneer in the use of sapphire, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with this notoriously challenging material. The intricate shape of the case, mimicking Murakami's iconic smiling flower, requires an extraordinary level of precision and expertise to create. Each petal of the flower is meticulously sculpted from a single block of sapphire crystal, resulting in a seamless and organic form.

The use of sapphire not only provides exceptional durability and scratch resistance but also allows for a captivating view of the watch's inner workings. The transparency of the case gives the impression that the movement is floating within the flower, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that is both captivating and unique.

Adding to the visual feast is the vibrant array of gemstones adorning the flower's petals. A total of 444 brilliant-cut gemstones, including rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, blue topazes, tsavorites, and yellow and orange sapphires, are meticulously set into the polished titanium inlays of each petal. The careful selection and arrangement of these gemstones create a seamless transition of colors, resulting in a stunning rainbow effect that perfectly captures the playful spirit of Murakami's art.

At the heart of the MP-15 beats Hublot's first-ever central tourbillon movement, the HUB9015. This manually wound caliber is a testament to Hublot's commitment to innovation and its mastery of complex watchmaking techniques. The tourbillon, a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel, is positioned at the center of the watch, creating a captivating focal point.



The tourbillon's central placement is not just an aesthetic choice; it also serves a functional purpose. By placing the tourbillon at the center of the watch, Hublot's engineers have minimized the effects of gravity on the movement's accuracy, ensuring exceptional timekeeping performance.

The HUB9015 caliber boasts an impressive 120-hour power reserve, meaning the watch can run for almost a whole week without needing to be wound. To make the winding process as effortless as possible, Hublot has developed a unique rechargeable stylus that attaches to the crown. This stylus allows the wearer to wind the twin barrels of the movement in just 100 revolutions, providing a convenient and user-friendly experience.

The MP-15's display of time is as unconventional as its design. Instead of traditional hands, the hours and minutes are indicated by two hand tips that revolve around the periphery of the central tourbillon. These hands are actually positioned beneath the tourbillon cage, with their tips bent upwards and outwards thanks to an intricate co-axial construction.

This unique display of time adds to the visual intrigue of the MP-15, creating a sense of depth and complexity. The hour markers, located on a flange ring surrounding the tourbillon, are color-coordinated with the petals of the flower, further enhancing the watch's visual harmony.

To further emphasize the mechanical complexity of the MP-15, Hublot has skeletonized many of the movement's components. This skeletonization allows for an unobstructed view of the intricate gears, levers, and springs that drive the watch, showcasing the artistry and precision of Hublot's watchmaking. The skeletonized movement not only adds to the visual appeal of the MP-15 but also serves a practical purpose. By removing unnecessary material, Hublot's engineers have reduced the weight of the movement, improving its efficiency and performance.

The Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is a true testament to the "Art of Fusion" philosophy. It seamlessly blends the artistic vision of Takashi Murakami with the technical expertise of Hublot's watchmakers, resulting in a timepiece that is both a work of art and a mechanical marvel.



The watch's vibrant colors, playful design, and intricate mechanics capture the essence of Murakami's "Superflat" movement, while the use of sapphire crystal, the central tourbillon, and the unique display of time showcase Hublot's commitment to innovation and its mastery of complex watchmaking techniques.

With a retail price of USD 374,000 and a limited production run of just 20 pieces, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is an exclusive and highly sought-after timepiece. Its rarity, combined with its artistic significance and technical innovation, is sure to make it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.