In the world of horology, few collaborations capture the imagination quite like that of Hublot and renowned Japanese contemporary artist, Takashi Murakami. Their latest endeavour, the Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, is a vivid celebration of boundary-pushing design, innovative craftsmanship, and artistic expression. It’s capable of blending technical mastery with the exuberant spirit Hublot and Murakami are known for, which will excite both collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Known for his other works in the world of pop culture, Murakami’s clientele includes various celebrities, ranging from Billie Eilish to Pharrell Williams and even Kanye West. At the heart of the new MP-15 is Murakami’s signature motif—the smiling flower—reimagined in a radiant display of colourful gemstones and set within an intricate sapphire case. This unique creation not only demonstrates Hublot’s dedication to constant innovation but also encapsulates Murakami’s “Superflat” aesthetic, a fusion of contemporary and traditional Japanese art that has since turned him a global icon.

The partnership between Hublot and Murakami began in 2021, fuelled by a shared passion for pushing boundaries and rethinking the conventional limits of both art and watchmaking. The MP-15 is their most ambitious project to date, a piece that brings together the Japanese artist's whimsical flair and the Swiss Manufacture's expertise in horological engineering. It follows on from their earlier collaborations, including the Classic Fusion models and an exclusive NFT series. Now, with the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, this collaboration has reached new heights, delivering a product that is as much a work of art as it is a watch.

Murakami’s iconic smiling flower is transfigured into a three-dimensional sculpture, housed in a 42 mm sapphire case. True to his vibrant palette, each of the 12 petals of the flower is meticulously set with coloured gemstones—444 in total—including rubies, sapphires, amethysts, topazes, and tsavorites. The precise arrangement of these stones creates a stunning “rainbow” effect, with each petal radiating a different hue. Hublot’s pioneering approach to gem-setting, combined with its mastery of materials like sapphire, ensures that every element of the watch is crafted with meticulous care and technical precision.

However, the new MP-15 is far more than just an artistic statement—it is a marvel of mechanical complexity. For the first time in Hublot’s history, the rainbow-coloured MP-15 features a central flying tourbillon, an exceedingly rare and challenging complication. Visible beneath the domed sapphire crystal, the tourbillon is the beating heart of the HUB9015 calibre, a manual-winding movement designed specifically for this creation. The central tourbillon is not just a visual spectacle; it also offers an impressive 120-hour power reserve, enough to keep the watch running smoothly for nearly a week.

This technical feat is enhanced by the innovative construction of the hands, which are positioned underneath the tourbillon. Only the tips of the hands are visible, bent upwards and outwards, allowing the tourbillon to take centre stage without obstruction. The hour and minute indicators revolve around the periphery, while the movement itself has been skeletonised to create a sense of weightlessness, as though the components are floating within the case.

The case of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, crafted entirely from polished sapphire crystal, provides a transparent view of the complex mechanics within, offering a unique perspective on the interplay between creativity and engineering. The sapphire construction extends to the strap, which features Murakami’s signature flower motif, and the titanium buckle, creating a seamless aesthetic that ties the entire piece together.

READ MORE: Why Takashi Murakami decided to work with Hublot

Hublot’s dedication to innovative materials is evident throughout the watch, but it is the marriage of those materials with Murakami’s artistic vision that truly sets this watch apart. Every detail, from the gemstone-setting to the placement of the tourbillon, has been considered with an artist’s eye and a watchmaker’s precision, resulting in a timepiece that challenges the norms of traditional watchmaking.

The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is more than just a watch—it is a testament to what can be achieved when two creative forces come together with a shared vision. Crafted with an artistry that resonates with true collectors, this rare creation is poised to be highly coveted across both horology and the art world. Collectors and enthusiasts alike will appreciate the boldness of the design, the complexity of the engineering, and the deeper narrative of collaboration that runs through this remarkable piece.

For those fortunate enough to acquire one, this latest creation represents the pinnacle of Hublot’s Art of Fusion, where art, technology, and craftsmanship converge. It is a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story—a story of friendship, creativity, and the endless possibilities that come when boundaries are pushed, and expectations are exceeded.

Want to discover more about the Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow and its other collections? Check out our catalogue to learn more about the Manufacture or drop us a message to enquire further.