To support the Only Watch 2023 Charity auction, Hublot presents a unique MP-15 Tourbillon in collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Made of sapphire crystal, its round case resembles a child’s drawing of a 12-petalled daisy, tipped with green as a sign of hope. This is also the first central tourbillon watch made by Hublot.
Floral composition is central to the work of Takashi Murakami, who has been a Friend of Hublot since 2020. What sets the MP-15 apart from any other Hublot timepiece is its central tourbillon, which represents the fusion of art and horological design.
Imagining this piece, Takashi Murakami requested the inclusion of a central tourbillon. By accepting Takashi Murakami’s challenge, Hublot has succeeded to integrate the aesthetic components of the central tourbillon to the technical requirements.
In this design, the cannon pinion and the hour wheel had to be pivoted around the tourbillon support by creating a co-axial construction. This was made possible thanks to the central flying tourbillon that is seemingly suspended in mid-air with two hands passing under its cage to indicate the hours and minutes.
These hands gravitate towards 12 luminescent indices that echo the colours of the 2023 edition of the Hublot for Only Watch.
Thanks to its two barrels, the manual movement offers a 150-hour power reserve. Mounted in series but on a single plane, these generously proportioned barrels can be admired through the case back which is made entirely from sapphire.
From the tourbillon and the indices to the petals, fans of Takashi Murakami’s colourful poetry will follow his rhythm on this MP-15, from the interior to the exterior, where 12 petals richly set with 444 gemstones give the piece a bright, joyful aesthetic.
Like a real flower, these petals are angled towards the centre of the movement. The clear and bold demarcations of colour are representative of the 2023 Only Watch.
Under its domed sapphire crystal this MP-15 Only Watch reveals a fine laser engraving depicting a broad smile, complete with two smiling eyes. This colourful piece offers an escape into Takashi Murakami’s lively imagination, and the watch’s bright energy is an ode to the incredible power of a child’s wonder and their endless curiosity.
Takashi Murakami has also created a unique calligraphy, “Time of Rainbow”, inspired by the Hublot for Only Watch 2023.
Technical details
Model: Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch Unique Piece 2023
Reference 915.JX.4802.RT.1198.OWM23
Case
Polished sapphire crystal
Polished titanium screws
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 13.4 mm
Water-resistant: 30 m
Case-back: Polished sapphire crystal
Bezel: Polished stainless steel set with 444 coloured gemstones
Dial
Black-plated appliques with Colored SuperLuminova
Movement
Calibre HUB9015
Manual winding central tourbillon
Frequency (Hz): 3 (21,600 Vib/h)
Power reserve: Approx. 150 hours
Number of components: 236
Jewels: 25
Strap
Transparent decorated rubber with Takashi Murakami flower motif
Sapphire crystal and titanium deployant buckle
