Introducing: Daniel Arsham Returns With The Hublot MP-17 Arsham Splash

What We Know

This week, Hublot continues its ongoing collaboration efforts with artist Daniel Arsham for the wild new MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire. The materials are all in the name, but despite the very traditional materials found in the industry, the form is certainly a brand-new one for Hublot.

Using the new downsized (and much improved, from a finishing standpoint) Meca-10 caliber introduced at the beginning of the year, the sandblasted titanium case measures 42mm in diameter and 15.35mm in case height. From the exterior, the case might actually come off quite conventional, as a round puck seemingly floating between the integrated black rubber strap. But the dial and bezel are quite different. 

With design DNA taken directly from Arsham and Hublot’s first collaboration, the MP-16 Droplet pocket watch, the bezel is crafted out of laser-textured frosted sapphire and made in a fluid, splash-inspired form. Secured by the signature Hublot screws, it surrounds the rehaut that takes the same splashed form, framing the open-worked Meca-10 bridges for a very unique dial shape. With a small seconds sundial, the rack and pinion power reserve, and balance wheel in full view, the MP-17 ties it all together with Arsham’s iconic blue-green coloring on the accents and lume.

The caseback features a titanium caseback with a sapphire crystal matched in the front dial shape, giving view to that HUB1205 movement with its much improved finishing, hand-finished anglage included. Limited to 99 pieces in total, the Hublot Arsham MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire is priced at $69,000.

What We Think

Much like the Arsham Droplet Pocket Watch, I have a hunch that this MP-17 is targeted for a very niche market — those who want something with Arsham’s design touch while being able to take it everywhere they go. 

A gut reaction might be that this is something of a Crashified Hublot — it’s hard to really see any new watch with a liquid, fluid form like this without acknowledging the icon. But with the Arsham, there’s enough of a linkage from the design language established with the Droplet pocket watch that it still feels unique, and very unashamedly Hublot.

The Basics

Brand: Hublot
Model: MP-17
Reference Number: 917.NX.6909.RX

Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 15.35
Case Material: Titanium
Dial Color: Green
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Arsham-monogrammed integrated rubber strap

The Movement

Caliber: HUB1205
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve
Diameter: 33.5mm
Thickness: 6.8mm
Power Reserve: 240 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 VpH (3 Hz)
Jewels: 29
Chronometer Certified: No

Pricing & Availability

Price: $69,000
Availability: Hublot Boutiques
Limited Edition: Yes, 99 pieces

For more, click here.