#Switzerland #Hublot #Nyon #Daniel Arsham #MP-17 Arsham

Hublot and Daniel Arsham Unveil the MP-17 Arsham Splash

Hublot, the renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker, has once again partnered with celebrated American artist and brand ambassador Daniel Arsham for the unveiling of the MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire. This innovative timepiece, which follows the success of the transformable pocket watch—the MP-16 Arsham Droplet—brings a new interpretation to horological design, inspired by the fluidity of water and organic forms.

A Fusion of Art and Watchmaking

The MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire encapsulates the essence of Hublot's Art of Fusion while reflecting Arsham's unique aesthetic of fictional archaeology. He has a knack for reinterpreting modern objects as antiquities, blurring the boundary between different eras. This watch is not just an instrument for keeping time; it's designed as a wearable sculpture, showcasing Arsham's artistic vision at every turn.

At a compact 42mm, this new model features Hublot’s smaller Meca-10 manual-wind movement, which can be admired through a distinctive dial cutout and the sapphire caseback. The materials used—sapphire crystal for the frosted box-shaped bezel, titanium, and rubber—are foundational to the Art of Fusion concept, allowing for an organically sculpted design reminiscent of flowing water.

The centerpiece of the watch is a unique splash-shaped opening on the dial, a visual evolution from the previous droplet motif. Arsham's perception of time plays a crucial role in this design. He once stated, "My work is about collapsing time. You're not quite sure if it's an object from the past or the future." While the MP-16 articulated this through its form, the new MP-17 emphasizes the concept of time’s impression through its fluid case lines and transparent elements.

Signature Hublot Elements

At first glance, the MP-17 may appear to stray from Hublot’s traditional silhouettes; however, upon closer inspection, the hallmark characteristics of Hublot watches remain intact. The six signature H-screws located on both the bezel and caseback, the distinct lugs at 3 and 9 o'clock, and the titanium H-shaped folding clasp keep the essence of Hublot's heritage alive. Adding a touch of Arsham's signature style, the watch features green accents on the hour and minute hands, numerals, and markers, including the small seconds hand at 9 o'clock and the power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock.

An Invitation to Experience Time

The Hublot MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire transcends mere functionality, intertwining fine watchmaking and contemporary art, challenging existing notions of materials and forms. It invites collectors and art aficionados to engage with time through Daniel Arsham's innovative and fluid perspective.

Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot, shared his excitement about collaborating with Arsham, stating, "The MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire represents the next thrilling chapter in our partnership, emphasizing Hublot's Art of Fusion, which harmonizes high-quality watchmaking with artistic creativity. This timepiece encourages us to view time through Arsham's distinctive lens."

Arsham himself describes their collaboration saying, "This exploration of time fluidity has inspired a design reflective of a water droplet's elegant geometry, utilizing Hublot’s Meca-10 movement. The transparent structure symbolizes clarity and motion, encapsulating water's ever-changing nature."

Limited to just 99 pieces, the Hublot MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire will be available at Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers, making it not only a stunning piece of art but also a rare collector's item. Discover more about this innovative creation by watching the official video here.

Conclusion

Since its inception in 1980, Hublot has redefined luxury watchmaking with a philosophy that challenges conventions. From the iconic Big Bang series to unique collaborations like this one with Arsham, the brand consistently pushes the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. As we celebrate innovatory partnerships that foster artistic expression, the MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash stands as a testament to the future of high-end horology.