– By Logan Baker
There are far too few moments in watchmaking that transcend the bounds of traditional craftsmanship and enter the rarefied air of artistry, culture, and philanthropy.
These moments speak to the collaboration between human creativity and mechanical precision, and when combined with a charitable cause, the result can be nothing short of extraordinary. Such is the case with the upcoming auction of the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow, a unique timepiece created by Hublot in collaboration with the celebrated contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
Set to go under the hammer later this year at the Phillips TOKI thematic auction, on November 22, 2024, in Hong Kong, this extraordinary wristwatch represents not only the cutting-edge of high-end watchmaking but also a new form of artistic expression that bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms. The proceeds from the auction will benefit Fond’Action Contre le Cancer, a Swiss non-profit foundation supporting oncology research – a fitting cause for a watch that embodies life, color, and the power of collaboration.
This auction marks a high point in Hublot's ongoing collaboration with Takashi Murakami, one of the most influential contemporary artists in the world, known for his vibrant Superflat art style. The Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow brings together Murakami’s iconic Smiling Flower motif with Hublot’s horological expertise, culminating in a work of art that is not just to be admired but worn.
The Artistic Journey of Takashi Murakami and Hublot
To truly appreciate the significance of this watch, we must first understand the creative journey that brought it to life. Takashi Murakami’s partnership with Hublot has been a celebrated one, with previous collaborations yielding some of the most visually stunning and culturally resonant timepieces in recent memory. Murakami, whose "Superflat" concept blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with the world of anime, manga, and consumer culture, has always been a pioneer in breaking down the barriers between high art and commercial art.
His collaborations with global brands like Louis Vuitton and musicians like Pharrell Williams and Billie Eilish have only reinforced his reputation as an artist who understands the zeitgeist and whose work remains timeless and innovative. The collaboration with Hublot, with the first limited-edition watch introduced in 2021, signaled a new phase for Murakami, where his forays into horology would fuse his playful, colorful imagery with the meticulous craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking.
“When my collaboration with Hublot was announced, we made it known that we would be adopting new forms of artistic expression,” Murakami said of the project. “After creating all the timepieces together, as well as the digital works of art, we are now imagining new ways of accessing contemporary art.”
This visionary approach is precisely what has made the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow so captivating. The watch is not merely a statement of luxury but also an invitation to explore the intersection of art, technology, and time. It represents a bridge between the tangible and intangible, the world of traditional watchmaking, and the burgeoning realm of digital art.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow
At its core, the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow is a statement piece.
It takes the form of Hublot’s Classic Fusion case, a familiar silhouette for aficionados of the brand, but everything else about the watch sets it apart as a singular work of art.
The watch’s black ceramic case, a material that Hublot has mastered through years of innovation, serves as a canvas for Murakami’s famous Smiling Flower. This flower, central to much of Murakami’s oeuvre, has been rendered in three dimensions atop the sapphire crystal, with its twelve petals forming a mesmerizing gradient of color, from rubies to sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites, and topaz. This dazzling array of gemstones is meticulously arranged to create a rainbow effect, transforming the timepiece into a visual spectacle that plays with light and movement.
But the artistry doesn’t stop there. The flower’s petals rotate around its axis, thanks to a clever ball-bearing system developed by Hublot’s engineers. Every movement of the wrist causes the petals to spin, creating a hypnotic display of color and motion. This dynamic element is a testament to Hublot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, combining mechanical innovation with aesthetic beauty.
Powering this intricate display is Hublot’s in-house Unico movement, a self-winding chronograph caliber that boasts a 72-hour power reserve. The movement’s precision and reliability are a fitting complement to the visual artistry of the watch, ensuring that this piece is as functional as it is beautiful.
The fact that this watch is the third collaboration between Murakami and Hublot speaks volumes about the success and collectability of their partnership.
A Unique NFT and the Digital Art Connection
In addition to the physical timepiece, the auction will also include an exclusive NFT (non-fungible token) created by Murakami himself. NFTs have helped revolutionize the art world by allowing artists to sell unique digital works that are authenticated through blockchain technology, and Murakami has embraced this medium with characteristic enthusiasm.
The NFT linked to the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow draws inspiration from Japanese video games and television from the 1970s, adding another layer of nostalgia and cultural significance to the collaboration.
This pairing of the physical watch with a digital counterpart is not only a nod to the growing influence of NFTs in the art world but also a reflection of Hublot’s forward-thinking approach to watchmaking.
The brand has long been known for its willingness to embrace new technologies and materials, and this collaboration with Murakami demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of both the watchmaking and art worlds.
The Road to Auction
The story of the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow auction is as intriguing as the watch itself.
Initially presented to the public on February 24, 2023, at the Glass House in New York, this timepiece was part of a broader initiative that included thirteen unique watches and their corresponding NFTs. The first twelve watches were made available only to those who owned an NFT from a previous Murakami and Hublot collaboration, the All Black or Sapphire Rainbow. Each of these twelve watches was accompanied by a new NFT, and collectors were encouraged to trade them on the OpenSea platform, with the ultimate goal of acquiring all twelve NFTs.
The incentive for completing this digital collection was nothing short of extraordinary: whoever managed to collect all twelve NFTs would be eligible to purchase the thirteenth and final piece, the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow. However, after a year of trading, no collector was able to secure all twelve NFTs, leading Hublot to place this singular watch in the hands of Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo for a public auction.
This decision not only elevates the timepiece’s exclusivity but also adds a philanthropic dimension to its sale. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to Fond’Action Contre le Cancer, an organization dedicated to funding innovative cancer research projects.
This charitable aspect adds a layer of meaning to the watch’s already considerable allure, making it not just a collector’s item but a force for good.
A Celebration of Japan’s Influence on Art, Culture, and Watchmaking
The upcoming auction, which will take place during our TOKI thematic auction, on November 22, 2204 is also significant for its celebration of Japan’s profound impact on art, culture, and watchmaking. Takashi Murakami’s work has always been deeply rooted in his Japanese heritage, and the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow reflects this connection in both its design and cultural significance.
The vibrant colors, playful design, and connection to digital art all speak to the ways in which Japanese culture continues to shape global trends in both art and technology.
For collectors, this auction represents a unique opportunity to own a piece that encapsulates the spirit of Japan’s influence on the contemporary world. It is a tribute not only to Murakami’s artistic vision but also to the craftsmanship of Hublot and the creativity of the watch collecting community in Japan.
A Collector’s Dream
For the lucky bidder who ultimately secures the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow, the rewards go beyond the watch itself. In addition to owning a one-of-a-kind timepiece and its accompanying NFT, the winning bidder will be offered an exclusive tour of Takashi Murakami’s studio in Miyoshi, Saitama.
This opportunity to visit the artist’s creative space offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of contemporary art’s most innovative figures and adds an intimate, personal dimension to the ownership experience.
A Testament to Collaboration and Creativity
The Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow is much more than a watch – it is a symbol of what can be achieved when the worlds of art, horology, and philanthropy come together. Takashi Murakami’s playful, colorful aesthetic, combined with Hublot’s watchmaking, has resulted in a timepiece that is not only visually stunning but also technically advanced.
The inclusion of an NFT and the watch’s connection to charity further elevate its significance, making it a landmark in both the art and watch worlds.
As it heads to auction this November, the Classic Fusion Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow is poised to capture the attention of collectors and art lovers alike.
With its combination of artistic expression, mechanical ingenuity, and charitable purpose, this watch represents a new frontier in horological collaboration.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
About Logan Baker
Logan has spent the past decade reporting on every aspect of the watch business. He joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the start of 2023 as the department's Senior Editorial Manager. He splits his time between New York and Geneva.
Recommended Reading
An In-Depth Collectors’ Guide To The Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5070
Patek Philippe’s TV-Shaped Ref. 5020 Is A Genuine ‘90s Deep-Cut