HUBLOT presents the MP-15 developed together with Takashi Murakami
Floral sapphire and central tourbillon - With an edition of only 50 pieces, the MP-15 is Hublot's first limited edition with a central flying tourbillon. This unconventional, playful and highly technical model offers a magnificent interpretation of the visual effects of sapphire.
"Our customers don't want to have to choose between technology and style: they want both without having to compromise. And our job is not to fulfil their expectations, but to exceed them. This is exactly what we do with our MP-15, a watch that celebrates sapphire, a material that only the Hublot Manufacture masters to such perfection, both in terms of its complexity and its geometry. The result is a unique play of light that creates a major first: the first centre tourbillon produced by Hublot in an extremely limited edition. It is a collector's item - just like all our MP models." - Ricardo Guadalupe CEO of HUBLOT
It is said that the dial is the face of a watch. But the MP-15 Takashi Murakami does not have a dial in the true sense of the word: in this model, Hublot has merged the case, movement and dial into an extraordinary composition.
For this masterpiece, the hands have been moved to the edge, while the space normally reserved for the dial is almost entirely taken up by the complication in the centre. This complication is Hublot's first series-produced flying centre tourbillon - unique and unlike anything the Manufacture has ever created in its 40 years of existence.
The tourbillon is surrounded by Takashi Murakami's iconic motif - a flower with 12 petals made entirely of sapphire. The flower is characterised by gentle curves and bold, voluptuous shapes. To maximise the luminosity of the MP-15, Hublot has created absolute transparency - from the sapphire case, sapphire caseback and crown to the translucent flange and bracelet. The sun will never simply shine on this floral work of art: it will shine straight through it, illuminating its curves and reliefs.
The flying centre tourbillon has an impressive power reserve of 150 hours, almost a whole week - an exceptional technical feat for a complication of this type. To wind it completely, Hublot has developed a special pin that is supplied with the watch and can be charged via a USB port. It is placed on the crown to wind it gently and lightly at 100 turns until the two barrels that drive the central tourbillon are fully wound. The position of the tourbillon also epitomises its function: a visual delight that is visible at all times. With two sparkling eyes and a broad smile, Takashi Murakami has skilfully emphasised the playful character of this watch.
The hours and minutes are indicated all round by the tips of two hands. These are not positioned in the centre, but on the periphery. Connoisseurs will appreciate the technical masterpiece behind this: The hands literally run under the tourbillon cage, a bold affront to the elementary principles of traditional watchmaking. The escapement and the hour and minute hands compete for a position in a single central space. In order to accommodate everything, the minute tube and the hour wheel had to be rotated around the tourbillon support by means of a coaxial construction.
In addition, Hublot designed its tourbillon without an upper bridge. All components are skeletonised. This makes it easy for viewers to recognise how much work went into the development of the MP-15 - part of the gear train and all the components of the tourbillon, which appears to float in space, can be seen.
As innovative as the MP-15 is, it still has the usual markings required for good wearability and readability. There are twelve white indices on the flange and the black-coated hands with white SuperLuminova ensure perfect readability by day and night. The watch is wound and set in the traditional way using a crown at 3 o'clock. With its discreet 42 millimetre diameter, the MP-15 is also very comfortable to wear, not least thanks to the integrated rubber strap, which ensures optimum comfort.
"Up to now, I have concentrated on colour in my work. It was an exciting challenge to now open up a whole new chapter focussing on absolute transparency. The shapes and volumes are perceived in a completely different way. Together with Hublot, we were able to preserve the individuality of my flower motif, but give it a unique and different identity that is purer and harmonises perfectly with Hublot's mechanical universe. I am very proud of the result!" - Takashi Murakami
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Photos: PR
