A recent live broadcast conducted by Hublot in Tokyo revealed a never-before-seen collaboration between the luxury watchmaker and Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
Limited to only 200 pieces, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black is a fun overhaul to Hublot’s signature All Black, debuted in 2006. The pop artist's iconic flower motif with a smiley face, the Kaikai Kiki Flower, now dominates the watch dial.
Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami | US$27,300
This time the unmistakable flower is in timeless black. Yet it does not mean the gleaming smile dazzles any less. The 12 rainbow petals that we have come to know are adorned with a total of 456 brilliant-cut diamonds in black, and the face with another 107. Interacting with the wearer’s every move, the petals can be playfully sent spinning thanks to the ball-bearing system developed by Hublot. The center of the smiling flowers is mounted onto the sapphire glass, giving the motif a unique three-dimensional effect. The crown is also in a flower shape to complement the fun design.
Powered by Hublot’s Unico automatic movement, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black offers a 72-hour power reserve, housed in a 45mm polished black ceramic case.
The petals playfully spin and interact with the wearer's movement
Black lacquered dial rotates with 12 black-plated petals, set with 456 black diamonds
Satin-finished black ceramic and sapphire crystal case-back
A flower-shaped crown to complement Murakami’s iconic "Kaikai Kiki Flower"
The collaboration was inspired by Murakami’s visit to the Hublot’s manufacture last February. “When I visited the Hublot manufacture in Switzerland for the first time, I realized to what extent the traditional know-how, precision, futuristic technology, and craftsmanship were all intertwined in the creation of a watch. Bringing my art into the creativity of these watchmakers represents a unique adventure for me,” the artist said.
The new timepiece, in 45mm x 13.45 mm, retails for US$27,300, in a limited edition of 200 pieces.
Takashi Murakami (b. 1962) showcasing the new timepieces he co-created with Hublot
Murakami, known for his neo-pop characters and motifs, often takes inspiration from anime and manga. His current auction record stands at US$15.2m, set by his manga sculpture My Lonesome Cowboy that went under the hammer at a Sotheby's 2008 sale. After numerous collaborations with street culture labels Off-White, Supreme, and luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton, he is taking his vision that bridges Japanese tradition and pop culture, to another artistic realm. This collaboration ties his creative world closely with the Swiss horology brand’s motto “The Art of Fusion,” and brings the artistic touch to the wrist of watch aficionados and art lovers alike.
Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black
Diameter: 45mm
Movement: HUB1214 UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Movement
Water resistance: 50m or 5ATM
Retail price: US$27,300