For Hublot, collaborations are never just a one-off affair; they are a vital part of their creative language. The brand has seamlessly woven The Art of Fusion through every endeavor, whether it’s engaging in artistic dialogues with Richard Orlinski, Maxime Plescia-Buchi, Takashi Murakami, or Samuel Ross, or championing eco-friendly concepts through the SORAI collection and the Nespresso watch crafted from recycled aluminum. Hublot continuously breaks the traditional barriers of watchmaking with innovative crossovers.
In 2024, Daniel Arsham’s collaboration with Hublot brought forth the MP-16 Arsham Droplet pocket watch, designed to convert into either a pendant or a tabletop clock—transforming high-end watchmaking into a cultural experiment. This dialogue about time and material now officially adorns the wrist with the MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash titanium and sapphire watch, inspired by a splash of water. It features a combination of transparent sapphire and microbead sandblasted titanium, resulting in a sculptural timepiece that boasts a remarkable 10-day power reserve.
The new watch features a case diameter of 42mm and is water-resistant to 50 meters, with a design that focuses on organic fluidity. The matte sapphire bezel, transparent case back, and glossy titanium metal create an integrated transparent visual effect. Signature Hublot details, including six H-shaped screws, three-dimensional lugs at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, and the H-shaped titanium folding clasp, are all meticulously retained, but with a softening water-inspired treatment that gives the impression of being shaped by flowing water.
The most eye-catching visual feature is a design evolution from the Droplet pocket watch, which allows wearers to peek into its inner workings. The hour hand, minute hand, numbers, minute markers, the small seconds at 9 o’clock, and the power reserve display at 3 o’clock are all treated with Arsham’s signature green Super-LumiNova, creating a strikingly clear visibility at night.
The watch core is equipped with the new compact HUB1205 manual-winding movement, derived from the same system as the Big Bang Meca-10, featuring an iconic power reserve of 10 days (240 hours). With a thickness of 6.8mm and a diameter of 33.5mm, it comprises 264 components, including 29 rubies, and achieves remarkable longevity through its dual barrel design. Operating at a frequency of 3 Hertz, it showcases a striking mechanical aesthetic with a grey PVD treatment paired with an openwork bridge.
The entire watch design evokes a sense of airiness and transparency, showcasing the artistic vision from Arsham. The rubber strap features a black Charmille textured finish adorned with his unique signature, ensuring both comfort and stability when worn. Complemented by an H-shaped titanium metal folding clasp, it elegantly combines functionality with style.
Daniel Arsham describes this new work as Let the geometric forms of water intersect with the abstract concepts of time within the machinery.. Hublot’s CEO, Julien Tornare, stated: The MP-17 is not just a new watch; it represents a deep dialogue with art..
Introducing the MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash, a limited edition of only 99 pieces, with a suggested retail price of HKD 495,800. Available at Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers.
