The last piece in Hublot’s collaboration with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami has made waves, selling for HKD 2,095,500 (approximately $267,000 USD) at the Phillips TOKI Watch Auction in Hong Kong. This final chapter in the series, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow, far exceeded its initial estimate of HKD 450,000. All proceeds from the sale will benefit Fond’Action contre le cancer, a Swiss foundation supporting cancer research.

Balanced Blend of Design and Craftsmanship

This one-of-a-kind watch brings together Takashi Murakami’s signature smiling flower motif and Hublot’s high-level craftsmanship. The watch features a 45mmblack ceramic case, paired with a set of rotating petals surrounded by 384 multicolored gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, and amethysts. The motion of the petals is powered by a ball-bearing mechanism engineered by Hublot.

The watch is driven by Hublot’s Unico Manufacture movement, providing a 72-hour power reserve. It combines bold and bright aesthetics with precise mechanics, displaying Hublot’s ability to integrate artistry into a functional watch design.

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A Thoughtful Farewell

This auction marks the conclusion of a groundbreaking collaboration that started in 2022 with a series of watches paired with unique NFTs. The final piece combines elements from earlier designs, making it a fitting finale. Alongside the watch, the winning bidder receives an NFT and an invitation to visit Takashi Murakami’s studio in Japan – a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative world.

Hublot’s collaboration with Murakami has been one of the more striking examples of how watchmaking can mix with contemporary art.