Hublot has accustomed us to creating spectacular watches, as seen with their recent MP-10 Tourbillon sans dial, MP-13 and Big Bang MP-11 with a 14-day power reserve.
But if these models do not go unnoticed on the wrist, the Swiss brand has chosen to explore new horizons with its Arsham Droplet. A mysterious name which designates both a pocket watch, a pendant, and a table clock, a remarkable work created in collaboration with contemporary artist Daniel Arsham.
A “future relic” imagined by Daniel Arsham
Watchmaking is not the field in which one expected to discover a new work by Daniel Arsham. This contemporary artist is more renowned for his unique style and his ability to transform everyday objects into “future relics”. Yet, it is indeed he who joined forces with Hublot to create a watch that “transcends the boundaries of traditional watchmaking”.
Inspired by the organic and fluid shapes of nature, the Arsham Droplet is much more than a simple timekeeper. Arsham has drawn from his artistic repertoire to envision this watch as a fusion of the past, present, and future, thereby illustrating the malleability of time and materials.
Accustomed to combining art, architecture and performance in his works, the New York artist often evokes a nostalgia for the future, with modern objects eroded as if they were archaeological artifacts. This concept is perfectly reflected in the Arsham Droplet, where each component of the watch tells a story of transformation and innovation.
A watch, three ways to “wear” it
Since this object is definitely unclassifiable, the Arsham Droplet cannot be proudly displayed on the wrist. Hublot is exploring new ground here by reinventing the traditional pocket watch. Made of titanium, rubber and sapphire glass, it can transform into a pendant or a table watch, thus offering three unique ways to use it.
Its distinctive teardrop shape and dimensions of 73.2 mm in length, 52.6 mm in width and 22.5 mm in thickness ensure an ergonomic and pleasant grip. Fans of the Swiss brand will recognize some of Hublot’s iconic design codes, such as the six H-shaped screws.
The Arsham Green semi-matte dial and matching hands reinforce the visual identity of this unique watch. Inside, this exceptional piece can rely on the Meca-10 movement already seen on a good number of Hublot timepieces, which displays an impressive 10-day power reserve.
Finally, the Arsham Droplet is also equipped with two titanium chains featuring the patented One Click system from Hublot, thus facilitating their attachment and transformation into a necklace, pocket watch or a sculptural centerpiece on a titanium and mineral glass table stand.
As you will have understood, this new Hublot creation is anything but a watch. A jewel of engineering, a work of horological art, this unique object designed with Daniel Arsham is limited to 99 copies. The price of this piece matches its complexity and rarity, marked at 92,000 Euros.
