A momentous collaboration between acclaimed artist Daniel Arsham and legendary watchmaker Hublot transcends the past and present to fashion a new future.
The renowned Swiss watchmaker Hublot, founded in 1980, is no stranger to disrupting traditions. Its eponymous first timepiece, for example, took two materials of varying degrees of nobility, gold and rubber, to create a landmark fusion of art and horology that drew direct inspiration from the design of a ship’s porthole, or hublot in French.
The luxury horology brand stands out in the world of watchmaking for its penchant for using unusual materials and shapes, making it a natural choice for an artistic collaboration with New York-based artist Daniel Arsham. His multimedia contemporary art practice is in its very essence an exploration of the idea of time itself, drawing inspiration from past, present and future to create a series of what the artist calls “future archaeologies”. Through his innovative and thought-provoking work he explores the meaning of the traces that humans leave behind and creates what might be studied in centuries to come as the “relics” of our current time.
Given Arsham’s fascination with the notion of time, as well as his emphasis on delicate craftsmanship and the use of unusual media in his pieces – his work is often constructed out of geological material, such as volcanic ash and selenite – the collaboration with Hublot could not be a more fitting context for the continued evolution of his artistic journey.
Material and form are key elements of the collaboration, which is exemplified in the exquisite shape of the Arsham Droplet. Made from titanium, rubber and sapphire crystal, the watch acts as a multipurpose item, simultaneously pocket watch, necklace and sculptural centerpiece in its table-stand, a beautifully crafted case. This acts as an extension of the Arsham Droplet itself, and is an open-work titanium marvel adorned with two tear drop-shaped crystals, as well as featuring a sandwich construction. The pattern of the titanium is reminiscent of the delicate ligaments of lace, and in the artist’s inimitable fashion, the side bumpers feature the quintessential Arsham Green rubber and Arsham monogram.
Nostalgia is a prevalent theme in Arsham’s work, with many references to the late 20th-century imbued throughout his pieces. This link to the past is echoed in his choice of a pocket watch as a timepiece of choice, which deepens his personal stamp on the Hublot watch collection. Despite the classic connotations of this style of horology, Hublot and Arsham manage to remain distinctly contemporary, breaking the wall between functional item and piece of art. The nostalgic aspect of the pocket watch is turned on its head by the combination of Arsham’s careful artistic vision and Hublot’s boundary-defying craft, transforming into something that one could only picture in the sleekest of futuristic films.
Speaking on the Hublot website about the collaboration, Arsham explains why he was so drawn to working with the brand: “I’ve been watching Hublot and the projects it has supported in the contemporary art space with great interest for many years, and admired its audacious approach to watchmaking, design and craft. ‘The Art of Fusion’ remains one of the smartest projects in watchmaking – I love how Hublot crafts ideas, influences and materials together to create unique, defining forms.”
Of course, Arsham is no stranger to brand collaborations, having previously partnered with fashion designer Hedi Slimane and artistic director of Dior, Kim Jones, as well as with Porsche and Pokémon. However, the Arsham Droplet pocket watch is perhaps his most authentic and memorable collaboration to date. The delicate elegance, sharp modernity, intricate design and historical appeal of the timepiece seamlessly align with Arsham’s own artistic objectives. The rounded-drop shape of the pocket watch, which fits snugly in the palm of one’s hand, evokes something natural and organic, almost cocoon-like, while the mechanics of the piece reveal Hublot’s mastery of the art of watchmaking. Notably, the Arsham Droplet features the celebrated Hublot Meca-10 manufacture movement, which holds a power reserve of 10 days and so drastically reduces the need for winding – an unusual feat that allows for uninterrupted use and quality time between the user and the watch.
Two titanium chains with the patented Hublot “one-click” system allow for ease of use, versatility (it can be worn as a necklace) and functionality, all elements of primordial importance to those seeking a groundbreaking modern addition to add to their watch collections. The titanium casing and rubber bumpers of the watch enhance the uniqueness of the piece, just as the use of the iconic Arsham Green in Arsham’s Relics of the Landscape exhibition (on show at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park until 30 March 2025) undercuts the otherwise classical appeal of his sculptures. Last in the list of impressive features, but certainly not least, the Arsham Droplet is resistant to water for up to 30 metres, demonstrating once again that by integrating the latest cutting-edge watchmaking technology Hublot ensures that style does not have to compromise on function.
With an item as unusually durable, well-crafted and practical as it is eye-catching, it is no surprise that fine watch connoisseurs worldwide will flock to this limited-edition, truly wearable art piece. Given the incredibly small release of just 99 examples, the exclusive quality and craft of this watch will surely attract the most assiduous collectors to the bold, futuristic and yet essentially timeless Arsham Droplet.
