Hublot and Takashi Murakami Unveil Limited-Edition MP-15

Following the unveiling of Hublot‘s first central tourbillon at Only Watch, a collaborative MP Model designed in partnership with Takashi Murakami, the two are collaborating yet again. This time, however, Murakami forgoes his usual colors for a transparent design that showcases all of the watch’s mechanical intricacies.

Limited to just 50 examples, this latest watch, the MP-15, further showcases the central flying tourbillon, with the case, movement an dial fused into a singular seamless entity. Encircling the tourbillon is Murakami’s signature motif: a 12-petal flower crafted entirely from sapphire.

Completely transparent, the 42mm watch features a sapphire case, caseback, crown, translucent flange and strap, achieving a level of luminosity that allows sunlight to not just shine on but pass through the floral piece.

Notably, the central flying tourbillon of the MP-15 features a 150-hour power reserve, complemented by a specially designed USB-rechargeable stylus for winding the watch.

Despite the absence of color, Murakami’s playful touch is still present in the watch’s mechanics, with two twinkling eyes and a broad smile integrated into the tourbillon. Other unique technical aspects include the fact that the hours and minutes are indicated peripherally, a technical challenge as the hands pass beneath the tourbillon cage.

Thanks to being designed without an upper bridge and its skeletonized components, wearers have an unobstructed view of the intricate workings. Despite its innovative features, the watch retains standard markers for easy reading, with twelve white indices and black-plated hands coated in SuperLuminova for visibility in any light.

“Up until now, my work has focused on color. It was a really exciting challenge to start a whole chapter focussing on absolute transparency,” shared Murakami, adding “The forms and volumes are perceived completely differently. With Hublot, we were able to preserve the individuality of my floral motif, but with a unique and different identity which was purer and perfectly in tune with Hublot’s mechanical universe. I’m very proud of the result!”

Hublot and Takashi Murakami’s MP-15 is set to retail for 300,000 CHF or approximately $320,000 USD, available through enquiry only via the watchmaker’s official site.

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