Editor’s Note
This article details the auction of a unique Hublot timepiece, the 13th and final watch in a collaborative series with artist Takashi Murakami. Its sale marks the conclusion of a notable fusion of contemporary art and haute horology.
The “Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow” is a unique edition that was listed and sold as Lot #100 at the “TOKI – Moment – Watch Auction” hosted by Phillips in November.
This timepiece marks the finale of an art project launched in 2023 by contemporary art genius Takashi Murakami, known for his numerous collaborations, and Hublot, a brand whose philosophy is the “Art of Fusion.”
The project consists of 12+1 timepieces that boldly feature Murakami’s iconic “flower” motif on Hublot’s signature “Classic Fusion,” along with corresponding NFT art for each model.
While purchasers of the 12 special timepieces receive corresponding “NFT Art,” to acquire the remaining 13th timepiece, one must collect all 12 of these NFT artworks.
The “Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow” was announced as this final piece. This highly rare unique piece was one of the highlights of the auction, thrilling watch enthusiasts worldwide.
At the live auction held in Hong Kong on November 22, it was sold for HKD 2,095,500 (approximately 40.4 million yen), significantly exceeding the initial estimate of HKD 450,000. The proceeds were donated shortly after the auction to Fond’Action, a non-profit foundation based in Switzerland that supports cancer research.
While its high acquisition difficulty draws attention to its rarity, it’s worth revisiting the model’s unique design.
The basic design inherits the style established since the release of the “Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black” in 2021. At the center of the dial, Murakami’s signature “flower” motif smiles innocently, surrounded by 12 rotating petals that dance with the movement of the wrist.
While the “flowers” in the 12 “Classic Fusion” models released in the aforementioned project used a single color, the 13th unique piece’s most distinctive feature is the perfect gradient created by the meticulously calculated placement and coloring of 384 gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites, and topazes.
The gorgeous rainbow shimmer connects to Murakami’s colorful worldview. Its vibrant dynamism is truly fitting to conclude the project.
The black ceramic case, finished with satin and polish, accentuates the vivid colors of the petals. The watch houses Hublot’s proud in-house Unico movement, offering practical watchmaking with stable accuracy at 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 72-hour power reserve. The technology also shines in the uniquely developed ball bearing system that rotates the petals.
This supreme piece, which transcends the category of a watch to become a special artwork, not only comes with a special NFT art but also reportedly includes the right to a private tour of Takashi Murakami’s studio (!). The world’s only one-of-a-kind timepiece and priceless experience will undoubtedly become a lifetime treasure for its owner.
“Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow”
・Reference: 507.CX.9099.RX.TAK23 Unique Piece
・Case Size: 45mm diameter, 13.45mm thickness
・Case, Case Back, Bezel: Black ceramic with satin & polish finish
・Bracelet: Lined black rubber strap, black-coated stainless steel buckle
・Movement: Mechanical self-winding Manufacture movement Unico MHUB1214
・Power Reserve: Approximately 72 hours
・Water Resistance: 5 ATM
・Dial: Micro-blasted rotating decoration (12 petals set with 384 colorful precious stones)
