If you were to describe Hublot, what words would come to mind? innovation? exclusivity? or sophisticated? For me, it has always been a “fusion”. The brand philosophy of “Art of Fusion” has always been one of the most attractive aspects to me. From its initial launch, combining gold and rubber for the first time in 1980 on a Classic Original to recent iterations of the Big Bang made entirely of colored sapphire crystal, Hublot has been a front-runner when it comes to the art of fusion.
Recently, this “fusion art” philosophy has evolved from uncompromising contemporary craftsmanship and aesthetics to a new world of collaborations with talented artists and notable creators from various fields.
With that in mind, we give you a summary of the most important forms of Hublot tech collaboration:
Hublot and Takashi Murakami
Hublot’s most recent collaboration was with Japanese artist and sculptor Takashi Murakami. The partnership resulted in two masterpieces in horology: Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black and Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow. The former is a black animated iteration of the artist’s iconic smiling floral design, while the latter is a glowing version of the flower running through a “whirlwind of transparency and color.”
Murakami is known for his visually modern styles that subtly reflect Japanese traditions and pop culture. He coined the term “superflat” for the art movement he started. The term is based on Japan’s long history of “flat art” and is influenced by the two-dimensional imagery that appears in manga and anime. Its main features include bold cartoon outlines and flat levels of color without realistic perspective or depth elements.
The two watches held in partnership between Hublot and Murakami feature the artist’s signature flower with different aesthetics. All Black (Image at right) comes in a 45mm satin-brushed black ceramic case. The black lacquered dial set gets a rotating smiling flower studded with black diamonds. The Unico caliber 1214 automatic movement powers the watch and watches at a 72-hour power reserve. The Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black Edition is limited to 200 pieces and is available with a black rubber strap.
The latest limited edition Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow is set in a colorful aesthetic with translucent effects. Crafted in a 45mm-diameter full sapphire case, the dial features a sparkling smiley flower with a mischievous smile on a 3D face emanating from the dial. The flower is encrusted with 12 colored petals encrusted with 487 stones – sapphire, pink sapphire, amethyst, blue sapphire, tsavorite, yellow and orange sapphire – representing the colors of the rainbow. These circle the face of the flower, giving it a multi-colored effect to enliven the flower. Rainbow Sapphire is limited to 100 pieces.
Hublot and DJ Snake
The partnership between Hublot and DJ Snake was created when the artist performed at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Russia in 2018. Since then, it has evolved into Hublot launching its first collaborative watch with the world’s most broadcasted French artist – Big Bang DJ Snake.
DJ Snake is one of the most famous French DJs in the world. A world music star, he played on top of the Arc de Triomphe in 2017, gave concerts on every continent, attended the most prominent international festivals, and achieved many global successes. His debut album was certified platinum in France and ranked eighth on the US top albums chart.
The Big Bang DJ Snake is a watch that has a myriad of facets, just like the talented artist who inspired it. “Being able to wear – and also offer my fans – a watch that reflects my personality is something that has been very important to me since the beginning of our partnership with Hublot. I am delighted to be able to combine my inspiration with the expertise of the wonderful watchmakers and technicians of this Swiss brand,” said DJ Snake for cooperation.
The Big Bang DJ Snake 45mm watch features a bezel and case in iridescent paint in blue and purple tones. Satin-brushed titanium is treated with a unique technology that provides an optical effect where colors change depending on the light or when viewed through different angles.
The artist was involved in the watch design process, particularly the cut-outs on the outer edge of the bezel. The top face of the sapphire dial features a globe in the same colors as the case, symbolizing the signature of the electronic music star. The watch heart and semi-transparent case back give you a clear view of the popular HUB1242 Unico movement that offers flyback chronograph function and a 72-hour power reserve. Limited to only 100 pieces worldwide, the Big Bang DJ Snake watch is available in two rubber strap options: a gray, black and purple camouflage pattern that reflects myriad colors on the watch case, and a black ribbed strap.
Hublot and Shepherd Ferry
The Classic Fusion Shepard Fairey watch is the second installment of the collaboration between Hublot and acclaimed American artist Shepard Fairey. The first partnership arose in 2018 when Hublot launched a Big Bang Meca-10 Shepard Fairey missile. The association was one of the most prominent additions to Hublot loves art series.
Painter, graphic designer, DJ, illustrator, street artist, skateboarder and founder of OBEY Clothing, Shepard Fairey is one of the most politically influential artists of his generation. Also known by his pen name Obey, his most famous work is the famous “Obama Hope” poster and piece “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” that he created as a symbol of hope after the terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015.
2021 Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey features a mandala representing harmony, the life cycle, the elements and the precious nature of time in the mind. This symbol or pattern is brought to life by engraving it in titanium – the same material used to create the 45mm bezel and case. The pattern continues on the dial of the watch, precisely cut to reveal the Caliber HUB1155 chronograph movement running inside. The dial center has hands displaying Fairey’s signature “Star Gear” mark. This watch, which is currently a limited edition, will help raise funds for Amnesty International – a non-governmental organization of more than 10 million people in 150 countries, which campaigns to end human rights abuses, in accordance with the theme of global harmony represented by the design on the watch.
Hublot and Orlinsky
Richard Orlinsky’s iconic bezels, dials and bezels have been part of Hublot Watches since 2017. Since then, the artist’s iconic and iconic face has been incorporated into every new watch or watch material released by the Swiss watch manufacturer.
Orlinsky is a best-selling French contemporary artist and sculptor whose work is popular worldwide. Also known as the “rule-breaking sculptor,” Orlinsky poses his version of reality to reveal the connection between ancient instinct and civilized emotion. The artist is known to display his work for free, so it is likely that you will see his multifaceted monsters in the style of Pop-Art somewhere before.
The latest watch released under this long-standing partnership is the 2021 Classic Fusion Orlinski 40mm, now available in monochrome in two all-ceramic versions (apart from the strap and crown). The new editions come in bright blue and glossy black, reminiscent of the color codes used in Orlinsky’s XXL graffiti. The use of ceramics allows the watch to highlight the three-dimensional, multi-faceted folds of the artist’s sculptures.
“I am delighted to unveil two new editions of the Classic Fusion Orlinski. These two monochromatic editions are perfectly aligned with the DNA of the fusion of our two worlds, the world of the House of Hublot, shaping precious materials and dreaming of extraordinary products, and my world, the world of pop and color,” Orlinski said.
Hublot and Sang Plu
Hublot’s partnership with brand ambassador Maxime Plescia-Büchi and London-based tattoo studio Sang Bleu is one of the oldest creative collaborations. Since 2016, the collaboration has resulted in the production of several watches that represent the DNA of the two brands. Like Hublot, Maxime Plescia- Büchi is also keen on fusing the arts to bring together fundamentally contrasting worlds.
Maxime Plescia-Büchi is a world famous tattoo artist who has worked with music stars such as Kanye West, FKA Twigs and Adam Lambert.
In 2021, a collaboration between the two names led to the creation of the Big Bang Sang Bleu II – three colored ceramic watches. Available in blue, gray and white, the new models unveil a new watch architecture that continues to defy tradition. The Big Bang Sang Bleu II watch with sharp angles, skeleton case and multiple facets combines the creativity of the tattoo artist with the expertise of Hublot watchmaking. The case, bezel, case center, strap, and dial are crafted with geometric shapes and come together seamlessly.
The gray version lights up hard ceramic, titanium and aluminum. The blue ceramic copy echoes the “blue blood” (blue singing) used in historical literature to refer to the nobility of the dynasty. The third edition in white ceramic stands for an opaque and simple version of the All-Black Edition released last year. Limited to just 200 pieces of each different color, the newly released models share a 45mm high-tech ceramic case with a Unico automatic chronograph that makes the watch with a three-day power reserve. Each piece comes in an elasticated strap matching the Hublot One Click System.