Once upon a time, Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami’s madness met with Hublot’s unorthodox methods and a stunning all-black timepiece, with the signature smiling flower motif was born. That sounds like a happy ending, but the happiness has continued to the second chapter, with Hublot and Takashi Murakami coming together again to unveil the second timepiece of their collaboration- the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow. At the same time, there are some similarities in the two iterations, like the smiling flower and a classic Hublot shape of the timepiece. What’s strikingly different is how Murakami has gone to the other end of the spectrum, from monochromes to an entire rainbow of colors entering into the world of horology.
The Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow watch flaunts a new technique that grants the timepiece a transparent background. The vibrant watch reuses the characteristic features of the Classic Fusion model and sports a 45mm-diameter case, cut from sapphire crystal, a technological feat pioneered by Hublot. The transition from all-black to all-color with a stylish touch of transparency helps focus on the colorful dial is applaud-worthy. The dial showcases 12 bright petals brought to life by setting 487 rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, tsavorites, yellow and orange sapphires together.
A real treat for wearers comes in the form of an ingenious ball-bearing system specially developed by Hublot’s engineers to make the precious petals turn under the watch crystal, breathing life into Takashi Murakami’s smiling flower motif. The artist shared, “This partnership with Hublot has enabled me to express my creativity in what is a new medium for me. The mastery of the watchmaker’s technicians has opened up new fields of possibilities for my inspiration. The result is this new watch in the colors of the rainbow.”
A similar sentiment is shared by Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, “Our continuing collaboration with Takashi Murakami is taking us to new lands of expression as yet unexplored by the watchmaking world. In this work, artistic creation and our company’s know-how intertwine to give birth to a work of art you can wear on your wrist!” Watch lovers take note the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow watch is available in a limited edition of 100 numbered pieces for $106 000.
