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Hublot and Daniel Arsham Present the MP-17 Arsham Splash

In a remarkable collaboration, Swiss watchmaking pioneer Hublot has unveiled the latest innovation in its long-standing partnership with renowned artist and Hublot ambassador, Daniel Arsham. The MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire watch follows the success of the transformable pocket watch, the MP-16 Arsham Droplet, once again redefining the boundaries of horological design. Inspired by the lively energy of water, this timepiece harmonizes natural lines and transparency, pushing the envelope of traditional watchmaking aesthetics.

The MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire brilliantly merges Hublot's Art of Fusion with Arsham's unique vision, which reinterprets contemporary objects as relics of a bygone era, thus blurring the distinctions between the past, present, and future. As Arsham's first wristwatch design for Hublot, this watch transforms the wrist into a canvas of his creativity, showcasing curves that embody his artistic perspective.

This compact 42mm timepiece takes advantage of Hublot’s new Meca-10 manual-winding movement, a smaller mechanism that is visible through the dial’s opening and the sapphire case back. The choice of sapphire crystal – used for the splash-shaped, polished bezel, alongside titanium and rubber as foundational materials – underscores the essence of the Art of Fusion, allowing the sculpted organic shapes of the watch to mirror the flow of water.

The standout feature of this watch is its striking splash-shaped opening on the dial, a direct evolution of the droplet inspiration from the MP-16. Arsham's perspective on time serves as a core element of his design philosophy; in his 2016 TED Talk, he mentioned, “My work is about collapsing time. You don’t really know if it’s an object from the past or the future.” While the MP-16 encapsulated this concept through form, the MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire draws upon the subtle influences of time on our existence.

With its fluid case lines and splash-shaped aperture, complemented by transparent sapphire components, the watch combines Arsham's artistic vision with the Meca-10 movement from Hublot, resulting in a timepiece that excels in both concept and performance. While the design initially seems to diverge from Hublot's traditional styles, a closer look reveals familiar hallmark features such as the six signature H-shaped screws on the bezel and case back, distinctive lugs at 3 and 9 o'clock, and the titanium H-shaped deployant buckle.

Arsham's signature green is incorporated into the hour and minute hands, the numerals, hour markers, the seconds hand at 9 o'clock, and the power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock. The Hublot MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire is more than just a watch; it epitomizes the synthesis of haute horlogerie and contemporary art, reinventing conventional materials and forms. It invites collectors and art enthusiasts alike to experience time through Daniel Arsham's unique and fluid lens.

“Working with Daniel Arsham offers the chance to explore new design and perspectives,” says Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot. “The MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire marks an exciting new chapter in our collaboration with our ambassador, artist Daniel Arsham. It showcases Hublot's Art of Fusion, marrying high watchmaking and art to create a visually stunning timepiece while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This watch encourages us to view time from a fresh perspective, through Arsham's unique and fluid vision.” Arsham adds, “This collaboration with Hublot celebrates the fluidity of time through a case inspired by the perfect geometry of a droplet, utilizing Hublot's Meca-10 movement. The transparent structure captures the clarity and movement of water—suspended, precise, and always in motion.”

Limited to just 99 pieces, the Hublot MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire is available at Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers. Discover the video here.

Founded in 1980, Hublot revolutionized luxury watchmaking by combining a gold case with a rubber strap, establishing its identity in horology. With the launch of the Big Bang in 2005, which features an iconic design and a multi-layered case, Hublot has continued to innovate and redefine the watch industry. The concept of fusion remains a constant inspiration across all collections, giving new geometries to time, balancing elegance with audacity, and creating unprecedented horological objects. Hublot's disruptive approach challenges traditional horological conventions, with movements like Unico, Meca-10, and tourbillon showcasing its commitment to the Art of Fusion.

Hublot also thrives on partnerships beyond watchmaking—whether on the football pitch with major events like UEFA Champions League or UEFA Euro, or through concerts, basketball games, and unique culinary experiences featuring Hublot's family of star chefs. This is how the “Hublot fervor” comes to life, through exhilarating moments shared with Hublotistas, the community of proud Hublot timepiece owners. The Art of Fusion embodies a lifestyle distinctive to Hublot.

The Legacy of the Big Bang

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang, it is essential to acknowledge its role in transforming contemporary watchmaking. Since its launch, the Big Bang has continued to redefine itself while embodying the essence of a brand that challenges the limits of the unknown. By utilizing exclusive materials and internally developed movements, including Unico and Meca-10, the Big Bang breaks from tradition, remaining unique in its bold aesthetics and versatile character.

About Daniel Arsham

Daniel Arsham is a New York-based artist known for his dynamic practice across fine arts, architecture, performance art, and film. His iconic works fuse elements of the past, present, and future, illustrating nostalgia's malleability and strength, often referencing events from the late 20th century. Arsham has collaborated with various industries, bringing his recognizable art to audiences worldwide.