Hublot’s Classic Fusion timepiece can be termed as classic canvas, as one collaborator after another breathes a different, distinct, and dapper avatar. Truly, it is the ideal base for art, time-telling and then some. The magic that was witnessed with the Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow watch a few years ago is now being witnessed with the most talented and sought-after artist Jeff Koons. The contemporary artist, who is no stranger to elevating everyday objects, has done so for the humble watch by turning it into a literal sculpture-on-the-wrists.
The Classic Fusion Balloon Dog watch by Hublot revamps Koons’ emblematic Balloon Dog to fit seamlessly into the horological world. Yes, just like the childhood balloon animal packed with puffy prettiness, the Hublot timepiece appears inflated through its case, crystal, dial and strap, and is just as desired. Bursting at the seams could be one way to describe it; but the real delight is how committed Hublot is, wherein the smallest element has been tweaked to do complete justice to the theme.
Almost no component escapes the Koon-effect, with every surface made convex, rounded, or softened. The sapphire crystals are raised and domed with rounded edges. Even Hublot’s exposed H-shaped titanium screws have inflated, domed heads. The hero is the highly polished puffy dial with hour markers fitted with three-dimensional white Super-LumiNova inserts. An utterly cute and on-brand addition, the flexible rubber “balloon tail” protrudes from the case at 10:30; while the crown resembles the inflation valve of a balloon.
Integrated into the main design of the theme is the strap too with padded metallic insert which only contributes in making this segment of the watch look inflated too. The timepieces are available in three editions with mirror-polished stainless steel, red or blue anodized aluminum making art wearable like never before. The 42 mm air-sculpted Classic Fusion Balloon Dog is limited to 200 pieces per edition and Powered by a manufactured automatic caliber.
“Translating Balloon Dog into the language of the Classic Fusion required far more than fusing an artwork with an existing watch. The challenge was to fundamentally reinterpret the architecture of the Classic Fusion through the visual and sculptural language of inflatable forms. Traditionally defined by its sleek and relatively flat profile, the Classic Fusion was entirely re-engineered to create the illusion of inflated volume and tension, as though each component had been shaped by air pressure,” stated Jeff Koons.
It’s truly incredible to see artists lend their design sensibilities and signature talents to transform a timepiece. Such collaborations show in effect how an artist can truly transform an object not merely decorate it. The $21500 Hublot Classic Fusion too provides the perfect platform taking a comparatively slim, flat and restrained watch, reworking its architecture to create a one-of-a-kind spin that would please the most discerning watch collectors.
The Hublot MP-14 Origin by Jeff Koons-
The multifaceted collaboration included another stellar horological example, the Hublot MP-14 Origin. Taking inspiration from the birth of the cosmos, the futuristic looking watch features an architecture of sapphire, titanium and gem-set white gold fusing high jewellery and high watchmaking. It is no small feat to display the creation of the cosmos on a micro scale, but that boldness is what sets artists apart and what makes this Hublot creation a visionary piece. It marks the introduction of the luxury watchmaker’s first automatic central tourbillon.
Limited to just 30 pieces, the 44 mm watch boasts an octagonal sapphire and titanium case. In a nutshell, two suspended rotating rings display hours and minutes, each carrying a floating indicator cube. Adding to the mystique are concentric rings set with baguette-cut diamonds, which appear to float like interstellar orbits. In all the four rings are set with a total of 202 stones, approximately 2.6 carats. With a 60-hour power reserve, sapphire construction, and the HUB9014 manufacture movement, the $488,000 MP-14 Origin by Jeff Koons is a collectible that only a lucky few on the planet will own.
