Daniel Arsham and Hublot Reinvent the Pocket Watch with the Arsham Droplet

In a bold departure from traditional watch design, Daniel Arsham and Hublot have collaborated to create a timepiece that is as much a piece of art as it is a functional object. The Arsham Droplet, a pocket watch that defies convention, pushes the boundaries of horological innovation. This creation captures the convergence of past, present, and future, encapsulated in a form inspired by the fluidity of water and the precision of modern engineering.

Designer: Arsham Droplet +

Daniel Arsham

From the first glance, the Arsham Droplet captivates with its organic, droplet shape, setting the stage for a tactile and visual experience that is unique and mesmerizing. The watch’s sapphire crystal body showcases material innovation, providing a window into the intricate mechanics within. Unlike the solid, opaque cases of traditional pocket watches, this transparency invites the wearer to engage with the movement of time on a deeper level.

The vibrant Arsham Green accents break the monochrome norm, adding a splash of color that is both striking and playful. This bold choice enhances the aesthetic appeal and underscores the watch’s modern, innovative identity. The incorporation of titanium and rubber elements further distinguishes the Arsham Droplet from its predecessors, emphasizing durability and contemporary design sensibilities.

This limited-edition masterpiece, restricted to just 99 pieces, is a collector’s dream. The collaboration between Daniel Arsham and Hublot challenges the status quo, presenting a pocket watch that is anything but ordinary. It is a daring exploration of form, function, and artistry, set to redefine the future of watchmaking.

Design, Craftsmanship, and Functionality

The Arsham Droplet diverges from traditional pocket watches with its unique drop shape, reminiscent of fluid droplets. This form is not only visually striking but also ergonomic, ensuring a comfortable fit in the hand. The design reflects Daniel Arsham’s fascination with organic, fluid forms found in nature, creating a seamless blend between natural aesthetics and technological precision.

The use of sapphire crystal as the primary material enhances the tactile and visual appeal. It offers exceptional clarity and durability, allowing an unobstructed view of the intricate mechanics within. This choice of material ensures that the watch maintains its pristine appearance over time, resisting scratches and wear. The sapphire crystal’s transparency also highlights the inner workings of the watch, making the movement a central visual element. Traditional pocket watches often utilize materials such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, which, while luxurious and durable, do not offer the same level of transparency or modern aesthetic as sapphire crystal.

Titanium is used for the case and chains, lending the watch a modern, industrial aesthetic. Its lightweight yet strong properties enhance the overall durability of the watch, ensuring it can withstand daily use. The addition of Arsham Green rubber bumpers adds a contemporary touch, providing extra protection against impacts and a striking visual contrast. The vibrant green color pops against the metallic and clear elements, drawing the eye and adding a playful element to the design. In contrast, traditional pocket watches typically use more classic materials like leather for the chain or fob, which offers a different, more vintage aesthetic.

The craftsmanship involved in creating the Arsham Droplet is meticulous. The open-worked titanium case resembles delicate lace, showcasing Hublot’s expertise in detailed metalwork. This intricate design is not only a realization of technical skill but also of artistic vision. The delicate, almost skeletal structure of the case allows light to pass through, creating dynamic shadows and reflections that change with movement. Traditional pocket watches tend to have solid cases with engraved or polished surfaces, offering a more static visual appeal.

Arsham Droplet on a stand

The watch can be worn in three different variations: as a pocket watch, a pendant, or an eye-catching table clock. This versatility allows users to adapt the timepiece to various settings and personal styles. The titanium chains and decorative stand provide additional options for display and wear, emphasizing the watch’s multifunctionality. The stand itself is a work of art, complementing the watch with its smooth curves and reflective surfaces. Traditional pocket watches are primarily designed for pocket wear and occasionally come with chains or fobs but rarely offer the same level of versatility in wear and display.

Technical Specifications, Artistic Vision, and Collaboration

Measuring 73.2 mm by 52.6 mm by 22.5 mm, the Arsham Droplet is substantial yet manageable in size. The ergonomic design ensures it fits comfortably in the hand, while the smooth, rounded edges enhance its tactile appeal. At its heart lies Hublot’s Meca-10 manufacture movement, which boasts a 10-day power reserve. This enhances the user’s connection with the timepiece, offering a prolonged period of uninterrupted use. The exposed gears and mechanical components are functional and add to the watch’s aesthetic allure, showcasing the complexity and precision of its inner workings. Traditional pocket watches often feature mechanical movements as well, but the extended power reserve and visible mechanics of the Arsham Droplet provide a more interactive and engaging experience.

The double-sealing system and 30-meter water resistance ensure the watch is durable and capable of withstanding everyday wear. These features make the Arsham Droplet both a beautiful object and practical, suitable for various environments and activities. In contrast, many traditional pocket watches lack significant water resistance, making them more susceptible to damage from moisture.

Arsham is celebrated for transforming everyday objects into “future relics.” The Arsham Droplet reflects this vision, blending the past, present, and future in a captivating and unexpected way. As Arsham notes, “The Arsham Droplet is a true realization of the power of collaboration. By combining Hublot’s technical expertise with my own artistic vision, we have created a timepiece that transcends the traditional pocket watch.” This collaboration is a fusion of art and horology, pushing the boundaries of what a timepiece can be. Traditional designs tend to adhere to more established aesthetic and functional norms, focusing on heritage and classical elegance.

Hublot’s commitment to innovation and material mastery is evident in this collaboration. The seamless integration of advanced materials and technical precision showcases Hublot’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of horology. Their expertise in crafting complex, high-performance watches is perfectly matched with Arsham’s creative vision, resulting in a product that is both a functional timepiece and a piece of art.

Limited Edition and Collectibility, Visual and Aesthetic Details

Limited to just 99 pieces, the Arsham Droplet is a true collector’s item. Its distinctive design and exclusive production run make it highly desirable among watch enthusiasts and art collectors alike. Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO, emphasizes the unique nature of this collaboration: “Together with Arsham, we made the impossible possible! The Arsham Droplet is a realization of Hublot’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of both form and function.”

The Arsham Droplet’s color scheme features a harmonious blend of clear sapphire crystal and Arsham Green accents. The open-worked titanium case and custom rubber bumpers add visual interest, while the artist’s monogram is a subtle nod to Arsham’s signature style. The green accents are strategically placed to highlight key design elements, such as the edges of the case and the tips of the hands, ensuring they stand out against the more muted metallic tones.

The overall aesthetic is both futuristic and timeless, challenging conventional notions of pocket watches. The combination of transparent, reflective, and matte surfaces creates a dynamic visual experience, with each angle revealing new details and interactions between light and shadow. The design invites viewers to explore it from multiple perspectives, appreciating the interplay of form, color, and material.

By integrating advanced materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a visionary artistic approach, the Arsham Droplet redefines the boundaries of watchmaking. This limited-edition pocket watch stands as a realization of the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities of horological design.

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Strictly limited Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is futuristic time teller with vertical display

There are a few in the haute horlogerie that do futuristic, fiercely unconventional timepieces like the MB&F. The LVMH Watch Week is a place of reckoning for the best watchmakers, and it’s here that we see them going beyond the usual. Hublot for 2024 has gone seriously unconventional with the novel MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium watch that sways afar with its display and functioning.

Over the years timekeeping machines in the higher echelons have evolved from analog and digital to the other variants of time telling. An example of such futuristic watches is the new Hublot which has a wraparound sapphire crystal over what you would consider the dial, revealing all the innards of the skeletonized movement components. This interesting layout ensures even the otherwise unorthodox time-telling is super legible.

Designer: Hublot

MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium’s interesting layout is designed in a way that the watch with its fluid, natural movement has to be read from top to bottom. The vertical time display is the first of its type for the Swiss luxury watchmaker complemented by an oversized micro-blasted titanium case emitting innovation from the first look.

The casing measures 41.5mm wide and 54.1mm from lug to lug. The watch has an integrated lug design with an otherwise large crown at 12 o’clock. The casing of the MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is little a talking point. The standout here is the most technically complex crystal wrapped around the watch sides. On the one side, you can see the 6 o’clock tourbillon, while the visible vertical movement can be seen running through from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock.

On the top of the watch face is the rotating hours scale with the rotating minutes display just alongside. Fascinating however is the power reserve indicator just below, which has red and green indication for movement winding and seconds. The MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is equally compelling within where the brand’s in-house HUB9013 automatic tourbillon movement runs the show. Comprising 592 pieces, the inventive movement offers 48-hour power reserve and beats at the rate of 21,600 bph.

For me personally, the caseback of the Hublot Tourbillon is more enticing than the front. The simple transparent caseback has a side cutout to accommodate the crown and tourbillon, and gives a nice view of the brushed and matte blasted skeleton bridges. MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium watch paired with an integrated black rubber strap is only 30-meter water resistant; if that is not much of a concern, you can get one of the exclusive 50 watches for 250,000 CHF or $290,000 each.

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Takashi Murakami adds iconic sapphire flower design to limited edition Hublot watch

There are a lot of smartwatch options available in the market already but there are still who prefer their watches to just tell time. Some prefer these analog timepieces as they are more well designed and beautifully crafted than the smart versions. Hublot is still one of the top brands out there when it comes to watches and their latest one is a collaboration with iconic Japanese designer Takashi Murakami. Even for the most casual watch lovers, this seems to be something to aim for although it is a very limited edition.

Designer: Takashi Murakami for Hublot

There are only 50 MP-15 Takashi Murakami watches available and for a serious watch collector who likes pretty things, this is a must-have. Not only does it have the iconic motif from the Japanese designer of a sapphire flower, but it is also the first watch that Hublot produced for an exclusive release that has a central flying tourbillon and it also does not have a traditional dial. Instead, you get a complication in the center and the hands are moved to the edge instead of the center, running under the tourbillon.

The aforementioned tourbillon is in the middle and surrounded by the sapphire flower with 12 petals. The entire design is luminous and so you get to experience the play of light when it is reflected on the translucent flange and bracelet as well as the sapphire case, caseback, and crown. The flying centre tourbillon has a power reserve of 150 hours and a special pin to wind it up that can be charged through a USB port. All of the components for the watch are skeletonized, giving off a mixture of transparency and delicacy.

The overall effect of all these different elements make it look like it is floating in space. Since there are only 50 pieces of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami, you can expect that it is not cheap. But for those who collect rarities like this, the chance to own an intricate timepiece like this will probably be too good to pass up.

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This limited edition $127,000 Hublot tourbillon watch is a micro-blasted titanium treasure

Hublot is back again with another limited edition luxury watch, and this time it’s a unique Big Bang Tourbillon made in collaboration with British artist Samuel Ross – best known for his modern luxury brand, A-COLD-WALL. Called the Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A, this limited edition $127,000 mechanical tourbillon watch is 44 millimeters of incisive craftsmanship, using gorgeous micro-blasted titanium throughout the body and selectively-colored rubber in the straps and on the crown.

Don’t be shocked by the price; tourbillons are the most luxurious watches you can find on the market. The Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A watch is a luxury item of the highest caliber, which is why it’s staggeringly expensive compared to the already eye-watering Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition watch – in fact, a single Tourbillon SR_A piece is more expensive than both the aforementioned Porsche Design watch and a brand-new 2023 Porsche 911 combined. The explanation for that is simple: only 50 pieces will ever be produced.

Designer: Samuel Ross (via Hublot)

Evidently, this collaboration has been an ongoing effort between Hublot and Samuel Ross since 2020, and it shows. The entire watch is filled with thoughtful visual and mechanical design, right down to the honeycomb-like hexagonal pattern proliferating the entire watch, including its strap.

The Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A strap comes in three different colors, most notably the Vivid Green smooth rubber strap equipped with a shiny titanium clasp. The watch can also be fitted with a black or white rubber strap, both of which look just as elegant thanks to the SR_A’s micro-blasted titanium case and bezel which are covered in little hexagonal holes, matching the visual style throughout the design.

From a purely mechanical perspective, the SR_A impresses with its 72 hour power reserve and HUB6035 automatic tourbillon movement, which is built for gravity-defying precision. Unlike chronograph watches, tourbillon movement relies entirely on balancing a rotating wheel inside of a contraption. In this case, it uses a device called a “mainspring” to maintain the wheel’s balance. The internal powering mechanism must eventually be recharged – by hand, mind you – by winding the crown a certain number of times after the power reserves run out. The SR_A can keep a charge for 72 hours, as previously mentioned, while surviving water submersion up to 30 meters.

The automatic tourbillon system is made up of 243 moving components in an intricate array that measures 33.8mm x 33.8mm x 7.37mm. At the center is a micro-rotor that drives its automatic winding system. Watching all the moving pieces in the Big Bang Tourbillon SR_A work in unison is a sight to behold, especially when the entire thing is dismantled – as you can see in the official Hublot collaboration video linked below:

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Hublot and Veuve Clicquot collaborate for the exclusive Spirit of Big Bang Skeleton Tourbillon

Luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot has once again collaborated with the renowned Champagne House, Veuve Clicquot, to create an extraordinary limited-edition timepiece. This marks the fifth collaboration between the two prestigious brands and is exclusively available at the Hublot boutique in New York City.

Combining high-end watchmaking and the elegance of champagne, the Spirit of Big Bang Skeleton Tourbillon showcases the expertise and creativity of both Hublot and Veuve Clicquot. This collaboration brings together the worlds of luxury watches and polo, celebrating the harmony between horology, sport, fashion, and the iconic New York skyline.

Designer: Hublot

The Spirit of Big Bang Skeleton Tourbillon features Hublot’s distinctive Matte Black Frosted Carbon 42mm case. This exquisite timepiece is presented with a choice of black alligator strap with the signature orange Veuve Clicquot logo and an alternative orange alligator strap with reverse black stitching.

The standout feature of this limited-edition timepiece is the engraved micro-blasted black carbon case back, adorned with a sapphire crystal dial. The case back also carries the words Veuve Clicquot in black set atop vibrant orange, a unique design element that enhances the exclusivity and allure of the timepiece.

The Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon is powered by the impressive self-winding HUB6020 Power Reserve Skeleton Tourbillon Movement. This movement offers a remarkable 5-day power reserve, while the intricate tourbillon mechanism showcases Hublot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

With only five units available for purchase, the Spirit of Big Bang Skeleton Tourbillon is priced at $105,000. True enthusiasts and discerning collectors will have the opportunity to own this piece of horological history exclusively at Hublot Boutiques in the United States.

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Hublot create an exquisite green Big Bang watch fueled by recycling Nespresso capsules with eco-conscious approach

In an interesting collaboration that merges elegance and sustainability, Hublot has partnered with Nespresso to introduce a limited-edition watch that embraces recycling and screams green in creativity.

This remarkable fusion of luxury and eco-consciousness is dubbed the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin. It’s the first-of-its-kind Hublot timepiece made from recycled Nespresso aluminum capsules and real coffee grounds.

Designer: Hublot

Nespresso has been promoting environmental responsibility through collaboration with esteemed Swiss brands to find ways of producing new products from its discarded aluminum capsules. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin exemplifies the remarkable outcome of this shared initiative in a showcase of vibrant green colorway utilizing recycled aluminum and coffee grounds for construction.

The captivating green colorway of this limited-edition watch is inspired by the Master Origins Peru Organic Nespresso pod. Nespresso’s branding presence on the watch is understated but its iconic N symbol serves enough to substantiate the brand’s impact on this Hublot. The watch displays how repurposing used materials can benefit the haute horology.

Coming to the watch, Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin has a 42mm case meticulously crafted from recycled aluminum. Almost 28 percent of which comes from Nespresso coffee capsules. Anodized in a striking green hue , the case, crown and pushers are satin finished and polished for a refined and luxurious appearance.

Hublot takes sustainability a step further by incorporating recycled titanium into the caseback and container housing of the watch movement. This material usage enhances the corrosion resistance and durability of the watch while also aligning it with the ethos of minimizing environmental impact.

Inside the eco-titanium housing of the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin beats Hublot’s HUB1280 Unico automatic chronograph movement. This precision-engineered Hublot watch comes with choice of two straps, both crafted from recycled materials and attached to a click interchangeability system for easy swapping. One is a fabric strap made from 5 percent coffee grounds and 95 percent recycled polyester. The other one, a rubber strap is available in a combo of coffee grounds and recycled rubber.

As a testament to its exclusivity, only 200 pieces of the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin will be produced each one will retail for EUR 25,200 (approximately $24,000).

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Hublot adds time and function to football with Big Bang e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 smartwatch

2022 is going to end on a high for all football fanatics. The FIFA World Cup in Qatar is the ultimate year-ending spectacle I for one am desperately looking forward to. Come November; whether you are a referee on the field, coach in the dugout, or a supporter in the office cubicle; Hublot has a new connected watch to keep you in the heart of the action all the time.

Partnering with FIFA for the World Cup 2022, Hublot has extended its scope in the Big Bang e line-up to release the Hublot Big Bang e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. This connected watch is designed for the world’s largest football tournament by Hublot which is the official timekeeper of the FIFA World Cup now for the fourth consecutive time. The smartwatch intends to time all 64 games of the mega event and be your favorite workout companion thereafter.

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Designer: Hublot

Hublot and FIFA collaboration is a celebrated affair since 2010 when the Haute horology giant tied knot with FIFA. The watchmaker has etched its name in each football buff’s consciousness by outfitting referees of FIFA men and women World Cups with essentially designed Big Bang e-smartwatches ever since. In spite of that, The Big Bang E FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is one of the finest Big Bang e’s to date. The 44mm polished titanium case and black ceramic bezel are overpowered by an AMOLED touchscreen display touting 127dpi resolution. The official variant of the watch will arrive in a burgundy dial paired with a black colored rubber strap finished with burgundy lines. This look is inspired by the flag color of Qatar, the country which will be hosting the world cup.

Drawing power from a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor, the watch comes with a 400 mAh battery, claimed to offer a day’s battery life, and can be customized for each fan willing to spend on the state-of-the-art timepiece. The fans can choose the dial and strap-in colors of any of the 32 teams participating in the FIFA World Cup kicking off on November 20 with the game between Qatar and Ecuador. Until then, the Big Bang e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be in a ‘countdown mode:’ keeping note of the days to kickoff.

The watch runs Wear OS 3.0 to let the user access apps on Google Play. Additionally, it can display fast, simple in-match statistics on the dial for quick fan consumption. The dial will show up team line-ups and player profiles 15 minutes before each game and go into specially designed ‘match mode’ after kick-off to display highlights – including goals, game time, etc. – so you don’t miss a minute of the match your country is playing. Limited to just 1,000 examples, the Hublot Big Bang e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 smartwatch will retail for $ 5,800.

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