The world of luxury watchmaking and contemporary art came together for a historic moment as Hublot and Takashi Murakami’s 13th and final Classic Fusion Unique Piece sold for a record-breaking HKD 2,095,500 at the Phillips TOKI Watch Auction in Hong Kong. Surpassing its original estimate of HKD 450,000, the sale marked the end of one of the most celebrated collaborations in modern horology.
A Timepiece with Purpose
More than a stunning collector’s piece, this sale had a philanthropic mission at its core. Hublot announced that the proceeds (excluding buyer’s premiums) would be donated to Fond’Action contre le cancer, a Swiss foundation dedicated to advancing cancer research.
“Hublot is humbled to contribute to such a worthy cause,” said Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot. “This collaboration with Takashi Murakami demonstrates the incredible synergy between art and watchmaking, and we are proud to support innovative cancer treatments through this initiative.”
Professor Serge Leyvraz, Chairman of the Board of Fond’Action, added, “This generous donation will make a significant impact on our ability to innovate treatments and offer hope to cancer patients around the world.”
The Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow
The auctioned piece, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow, is a true testament to the fusion of artistic expression and technical innovation.
Key Features:
- Iconic Design: Murakami’s signature Smiling Flower motif is brought to life with a 3D kinetic display of 12 spinning petals, powered by Hublot’s custom ball-bearing system.
- Gem-Set Rainbow Gradient: The petals feature 384 gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites, and topaz, creating a vivid color spectrum.
- UNICO Automatic Movement: Hublot’s in-house movement ensures a 72-hour power reserve, merging reliability with artistic ingenuity.
This final timepiece combines elements from the previous 12 unique editions, making it the crown jewel of the Hublot x Takashi Murakami collection.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration
The partnership between Hublot and Takashi Murakami began in 2022 with a series of 324 exclusive NFT artworks, bridging digital and physical art. These NFTs granted access to 12 limited-edition Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami watches, each featuring a monochromatic gemstone design.
The 13th piece, however, represents the culmination of their collaboration, integrating the entire rainbow into a single timepiece. The winning bidder also received a unique NFT linked to the watch and an invitation to visit Takashi Murakami’s studio in Miyoshi, Japan, offering an unparalleled collector experience.
Hublot: Pioneering Art and Watchmaking for Good
Hublot continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury watchmaking by merging innovative craftsmanship with artistic expression and social impact. The sale of the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow not only celebrates this unique collaboration but also highlights Hublot’s commitment to making a difference through philanthropy.
As a perfect blend of art, innovation, and purpose, this record-breaking sale solidifies Hublot and Takashi Murakami’s partnership as one of the most impactful in the world of horology.
