Hublot’s latest collaboration with celebrated American artist Daniel Arsham has materialized in a new expression of artistic horology: the Hublot MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire. This exceptional timepiece is far more than a watch; it is a sculptural timepiece that captures the fleeting moment of impact, evolving the artistic narrative that began with the previously launched MP-16 Arsham Droplet. Blending the Swiss watchmaker’s mastery of materials with Arsham’s distinct vision of Fictional Archaeology, the MP-17 is a statement that deliberately blurs the lines between past, present, and future, delivering a challenging yet entirely wearable piece of wrist architecture.
The core concept driving the design is the fluidity and kinetic energy of water, with the watch’s overall aesthetic meant to represent a drop hitting a surface and scattering in a dynamic, frozen ripple. Unlike the rigid symmetry typically associated with high-end watchmaking, the defining characteristic of this limited-edition model is the radically irregular, splash-shaped aperture on the dial. This asymmetrical cut-out provides an organic window onto the movement beneath, creating a visual tension between the precision of the mechanics and the free-flowing nature of the design.
In terms of material innovation, the watch is a masterclass in Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy. The case, measuring a contemporary 42mm in diameter, is crafted from shiny microblasted Titanium, a material chosen for its lightness and robustness. This matte finish offers a unique tactile quality and contrasts strikingly with the box-shaped bezel made of Sapphire Crystal that has been polished and laser-textured to achieve a frosted, granular surface. This complex process results in an optical effect that enhances the watch’s wet, fluid look, an intentional nod to the aquatic inspiration.
Powering this kinetic artwork is the manual-winding, in-house HUB1205 Manufacture caliber, a scaled-down version of the iconic MECA-10 movement. The movement’s skeletonized architecture is visible both through the dial’s organic opening and the sapphire caseback, allowing the wearer to admire the intricate mechanics. The impressive technical feat is its staggering 240-hour or 10-day Power Reserve, a key feature of the MECA-10 series, which is prominently displayed at the 3 o’clock position on the dial.
Arsham’s creative signature is woven into the details, most notably through the use of his eponymous Arsham Green. This subtle, oxidized bronze hue is applied via Super-LumiNova to the hands, hour markers, and the power-reserve indicator, adding a thematic link to the artist’s work which often explores erosion and decay. The black rubber strap is also custom-designed, featuring a Charmille-grained texture and decorated with the artist’s monogram, securing the MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash to the wrist with a titanium deployant buckle.
Limited to just 99 pieces worldwide, this collaboration solidifies the place of both Hublot and Daniel Arsham at the intersection of haute horlogerie and contemporary art. The watch, which is priced at $69,000 USD, is a compelling dialogue between precision engineering and artistic freedom. It’s a bold statement for collectors and enthusiasts of design, inviting them to experience the concept of collapsed time on their wrist—a true future relic defined by the suspended motion of a simple splash.