New
Timekeepers Club / June 8, 2024

Hublot Arsham Droplet

Hublot has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with acclaimed contemporary artist Daniel Arsham. The result of this visionary partnership is the Arsham Droplet, a revolutionary timepiece that reimagines the classic pocket watch, blending antique form with futuristic materials and production methods. The Arsham Droplet represents an incredible piece of art that can be enjoyed in three different ways: a pocket watch, a pendant or an eye-catching table clock.

Hublot and contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, known for his unique style of transforming everyday objects into "future relics,” have come together to create this captivating fusion of past, present and future. The Arsham Droplet seamlessly unites Hublot's technical mastery and Arsham's distinctive artistic vision, delivering a timepiece that pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

Inspired by the organic, fluid forms found in nature, the Arsham Droplet represents a true milestone in the world of horology. This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment of both Hublot and Arsham to creating truly exceptional and transformative experiences that challenge the status quo.

Crafted from a harmonious blend of titanium, rubber and sapphire crystal, the Arsham Droplet reflects Hublot's unparalleled attention to detail and commitment to innovation.

Measuring 73.2mm (length) x 52.6 mm (width) x 22.5 mm (thickness), the ergonomic and tactile design fits perfectly in the hand, allowing for a truly immersive and engaging horological experience.

At the heart of the watch lies Hublot's iconic Meca-10 manufacture movement, which boasts an impressive 10-day power reserve that ensures the timepiece can be enjoyed for extended periods without the need for frequent winding, further enhancing the user's connection with this one-of-a-kind creation.

Over the past decade, Arsham has partnered with a wide range of brands and notable figures. Fusion is key for him, and his past projects have showcased an ability to innovatively blend art, design, and popular culture. This collaboration with Hublot is a natural extension of his artistic practice, as both brands share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of their respective fields.

Limited to just 99 examples, the Arsham Droplet is a true collector's item and a masterpiece of modern watchmaking. With its distinctive rounded drop shape and unparalleled complexity, the timepiece challenges conventional notions of what a pocket watch can be.

The organic design is complemented by a titanium case and rubber bumpers, reflecting a bold departure from traditional watchmaking norms. Presented with two titanium chains, each featuring Hublot’s patented double "one-click" system for seamless attachment, the timepiece can be worn in multiple ways from a necklace to a pocket watch, or displayed as a sculptural centerpiece on its decorative titanium and mineral glass table stand.

Featuring a sandwich construction, with two exquisitely crafted domed teardrop-shaped crystals, the open worked titanium case resembles delicate lace woven in a droplet pattern. The side bumpers are in a custom Arsham Green rubber and with the artist’s monogram stamped onto the surface.

The case boasts a double sealing system with no less than 17 O-ring seals, ingeniously placed to guarantee a perfect seal. The timepiece also displays Hublot's iconic design elements, including the brand's signature six H-shaped screws.

Incorporating the latest advancements in watchmaking technology, the Arsham Droplet boasts a water resistance of 30 meters, ensuring durability and reliability in any setting. With its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design, this limited-edition masterpiece is destined to become a cherished collector's item.

The Arsham Droplet is a true testament to the power of collaboration. By combining Hublot's technical expertise with my own artistic vision, we have created a timepiece that transcends the traditional pocket watch, blending the past, present and future in a captivating and unexpected way." - Daniel Arsham, Hublot Ambassador and Contemporary Artist.

Together with Daniel, we made the impossible possible! The Arsham Droplet is a testament to Hublot's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of both form and function. This groundbreaking timepiece is a true work of art, seamlessly blending our horological expertise with Daniel Arsham's visionary artistic vision. The Arsham Droplet represents an incredible piece of art that can be enjoyed in three different ways: a pocket watch, a pendant or a table clock." - Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO

About Daniel Arsham

Daniel Arsham is a New York based artist whose practice spans fine art, architecture, performance, and film. Arsham’s iconic works meld the past, present and future, showcasing the malleability and power of nostalgia, often through references to moments of the late 20th century. Eroded casts of modern artifacts and contemporary human figures, his works are crafted out of geological material such as sand, selenite and volcanic ash. These materials allow for the appearance and aesthetic of erosion or archeological, future relics, as Arsham has dubbed them. Arsham has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the Orange County Museum of Art, Musée Guimet, Paris, France; UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Dune, China; MOCO Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; HOW Museum, Shanghai, China; The Cranbrook Art Museum, Detroit, Michigan; and the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; among others. Arsham’s works have been exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria Triennial, Melbourne, Australia; The Athens Biennale in Athens, Greece; Musée Fenaille, Rodez, Carré d’Art de Nîmes, and Paris La Défense, France; Frieze Sculpture, London, U.K.; and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, SCAD Museum, Savannah, Georgia, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, the New Museum and MoMA PS1, New York, USA; among others.

Technical specifications


Hublot Arsham Droplet

Reference: 916.NX.5202.NK

Limited edition of 99 pieces

Case

  • Material: Shiny microblasted titanium with Arsham green colour rubber bumpers
  • Dimensions: 73.2mm (length) x 52.6 mm (width) x 22.5 mm (thickness)
  • H-Shaped polished and microblasted titanium screws
  • Sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment
  • Crown: Shiny microblasted and polished titanium
  • Case back: Microblasted M3 titanium skeleton engraved and printed Arsham green colour & black
  • Water-resistant to 30 meters (3 ATM)

Dial and hands

  • Semi-matte varnished, Arsham green colour
  • Arsham index at 12 o’clock, made in 3D in black / Arsham green colour
  • Semi-matte varnished, Arsham green colour hands

Movement

  • HUB1201 Manufacture MECA-10 manual winding
  • Grey PVD treatment - Luminescent Green Arsham colour
  • Power reserve indicator
  • Frequency: 3 Hz (21’600 A/H)
  • Number of components: 223
  • Number of jewels: 24
  • Power reserve of 240 hours

Functions/Indications

  • Hours, minutes, seconds, date
  • Power reserve indicator

Strap and buckle

  • Necklace: full titanium with polished links / shiny microblasted clasp and one-click tip
  • Pocket chain: full titanium with polished links / shiny microblasted carabiner and one-click tip
  • Table stand: microblasted titanium / polished green Arsham colour sphere and mineral magnifying glass

MSRP

  • CHF 80'000 / EUR 92'000 / USD 88'000 / GBP 76'000

For more information, please visit hublot.com

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