In 2021, Hublot announced its first collaboration with Takashi Murakami, one of the most celebrated contemporary artists of our time. The watches have all explored Murakami’s “Smiling Flower” motif, with the first watch being an all-black Classic Fusion that was later followed up by a fanciful and captivating all-sapphire Rainbow model. Now, Hublot is releasing the first of a whopping thirteen watches, the remaining twelve of which are set to be unveiled at Watches & Wonders in two months. Interestingly, these watches will be made available through an online platform only accessible to those who purchased at least one of 324 Hublot x Takashi Murakami NFTs from 2022. Here we see the new Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow which the brand calls the “masterpiece” of the thirteen.
This new Hublot x Murakami piece effectively merges the first two collaboration watches by using the black ceramic case of the first model and the colorful rainbow motif of the second. The twelve petals and disc (technically disc floret if my memory and elementary school education serves me correct) are done in a gradient of rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites, and topaz. Indeed, these are beautiful but the watch really comes to life when movement causes the petals to wildly spin around the disc. I challenge even the most calloused enthusiast to not smile— at least smirk or chuckle— if given the chance to see it in action.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow comes in a 45mm wide black ceramic case that measures 13.45mm thick with 50m water resistance (uh, don’t swim with this six-figure work of art, please). Like the previous iterations, this watch is powered by the automatic MHUB1214 UNICO movement that operates at 28,800 vph with a 72-hour power reserve.
The first Hublot x Murakami watch was done in black ceramic with black diamonds making up the smiling flower with a price of $27,300. The second was significantly pricier at over $100,000 due to being done in all-sapphire case along with the smiling flower done in. the same precious gems we see here. So, how exactly does one get this new watch? Well, it’s a little complicated (because NFTs). Collectors will have until April 2024 to obtain/trade the twelve NFTs on the OpenSea platform after which only those who have all twelve will be eligible to acquire the watch. Indeed, all these words will come together to create a cohesive statement for those of you who are fluent in blockchain. In the event nobody is able to obtain it, Hublot will auction the watch off for charity which is a very thoughtful and generous back up plan.
In addition to hopefully getting some hands-on time with the Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow, I’ll also be looking forward to seeing the remaining twelve collaboration pieces at Watches & Wonders later this year. For now, you can learn more at hublot.com
