A Futuristic Pocket Watch: The Extraordinary Arsham Droplet by Hublot and Daniel Arsham
Since the 16th century, watches have been helpful companions in one’s pocket. Of course, watches are mainly worn on the wrist these days, yet pocket watches have not lost their charm and still enjoy a certain popularity. Therefore, it is all the more exciting that Hublot has ventured into a new interpretation of the pocket watch with contemporary artist and brand ambassador Daniel Arsham. The result is the futuristic limited-edition Arsham Droplet.
Inspired by organic forms in nature, especially water, the pocket watch combines iconic elements of both partners. The fusion of tradition and modernity plays an important role in the masterpieces made by Hublot and Arsham. Working across different media, the contemporary artist builds a bridge between past, present, and future through his art and has already collaborated with well-known personalities such as Hedi Slimane and renowned brands such as Porsche. The New York-based artist focuses on everyday objects, which he redesigns in such a way that they look like ‘future relics’. The collaboration with Hublot has now brought about a timepiece that plays with the idea of a traditional pocket watch through its form and function. The Arsham Droplet is not just a pocket watch, but can also be worn as a functional piece of jewellery as a pendant or a decorative eye-catcher on a table stand.
The drop-shaped case of the Arsham Droplet
The collaboration between Hublot and Daniel Arsham has resulted in a timepiece that by no means conforms to traditional case shapes. As the name suggests, the titanium case of the Arsham Droplet is drop-shaped and measures 73.2 mm x 52.6 mm. It measures 22.5 mm in height. In addition to its shape, the case is also characterised by its open-worked structure, which lends the timepiece a certain lightness and transparency. The narrow section of the case is permeated by interspersed, openworked circular shapes reminiscent of air bubbles in water. The wider part of the drop, on the other hand, is characterised by the dial, which has a regular round shape.
The special case is complemented by a microblasted and polished titanium crown. Moreover, rubber bumpers in the special mint green colour ‘Arsham Green’ with an embossed artist’s monogram, create a colourful accent along the sides of the metal case. Matching the Arsham Green colour of the dial, the bumpers create an overall harmonious look. Interestingly, this mint green hue is a special Pantone colour created by Arsham, which he repeatedly uses in his works. In addition to Arsham’s signature, there are also six H-shaped (for Hublot) titanium screws surrounding the dial.
Turning the timepiece over, the wearer can admire the caseback’s micro-blasted black M3 titanium frame, which reveals the organic circular shapes. An ‘Arsham Green’ rim frames the movement. Here, Arsham’s logo, consisting of two large juxtaposed and overlapping A’s in ‘Arsham Green’ and black, adorns the sapphire crystal. As a result, the movement is only partially visible.
To further protect this sensitive construction, anti-reflective sapphire crystal arches over the open-worked case and dial. In addition, a double sealing system consisting of 17 O-ring seals in an ingenious arrangement provides protection against water up to a depth of 30 m.
The Arsham Droplet dial
The dial showcases how well the fusion of Hublot and Arsham’s design really works. On the skeletonised dial, a semi-matt varnished ‘Arsham Green’ index ring and colour-coordinated hour and minute hands indicate the time. The three-dimensional Arsham monogram is located at 12 o’clock, while the Hublot logo is emblazoned below. Thanks to their skeletonisation, the small seconds with its quarter division in ‘Arsham Green’ and the titanium power reserve indicator with its exposed numerical disc appear to be floating.
The movement
The Hublot Meca-10 manufacture movement with manual winding is visible via the sapphire crystal from the front and back. The calibre, which is also used in the famous Big Bang, oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz and has a remarkable power reserve of 10 days. The individual components are coated with grey PVD or in luminescent ‘Arsham Green’.
Strap, price, and availability
Water is ever-changing and can take up different shapes within in its three states of aggregation. The same arguably applies to the Arsham Droplet, which can transform into three different variations. This limited edition can be used as a pocket watch, a watch chain, and a table clock. The timepiece therefore does not come with a strap, but rather with two titanium chains and a table stand. The titanium chains consist of alternating circular and angular polished links and are each equipped with a patented, double ‘One Click’ system and clasp. Thus, the watch can be worn as a pendant around the neck or as a pocket watch.
The transformation into a sculptural table clock is achieved with the help of a table stand made of microblasted titanium, on which the timepiece can be placed. A magnifying glass, which is made of mineral glass and allows a closer look at the skeletonised dial, and a tinted sphere in ‘Arsham Green’ complete this transformation. Both emphasise the organic structures of the timepiece. There are only 99 examples of this special collaboration, each of which is available for 92,000 euros.
Along with the launch of the Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo, Breitling has also enhanced the Chronomat collection with new designs. The new models are centred around the Chronomat B01 42, which is available in various materials and colour variants. A highlight is the new Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap, introduced for the first time in the collection. This…
The RM S14 Talisman Origine looks like something from a bygone era, with only the characteristic tonneau case hinting that this is indeed a Richard Mille timepiece. The piece is a tribute to the ‘Talisman Origine’; a talisman which, according to Richard Mille, was discovered in the heart of the Swiss Jura, and said to…
The new Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina departs from the conventional architecture with hands from the centre. Instead, the watchmakers have placed a tourbillon in the centre, from which the time displays wind hierarchically around the dial in stages. "Orbis" can be translated as either "circle" or "world". Both "circle in the machine" and "world…
In 2019, Breitling introduced their first Re-Edition of a Navitimer Ref. 806 from 1959. Now, this series is being expanded by Ref. 765 AVI from 1953, a pilot’s watch (AVI stood for aviation), known as the Co-Pilot. The Co-Pilot was a 1950s interpretation of the onboard clocks designed and produced by Breitling’s Huit Aviation Department…
Hublot has just released a new piece as part of its MP (manufacture piece) collection. This time, the new MP-10 Tourbillon Weight System is not only limited in its production numbers, but also in its presence of traditional timekeeping elements. Conspicuous by their absence are the hands, oscillating weight or even a dial. Case of…
Chopard has acted as the official timekeeper of the Italian classic car rally Mille Miglia. Not only does Chopard's co-president take part in the 1000-mile race, but also the annual event sees the introduction of exclusive timepieces to celebrate the events. This year, Chopard presents the Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Power Control and the Mille…
Panerai announces a partnership with the German car tuner Brabus. However, the two brands are not linked by motorsport, but by a passion for life offshore. In fact, the mechanics from the German town of Bottrop also have the Shadow Black Ops sports boat series in their range. As the first result of this cooperation,…
At the novelty’s presentation during SIHH in 2018, Piaget with the Altiplano Ultimate Concept revealed the thinnest mechanical watch in the world. Measuring only a height of 2 mm thanks to a case that formed part of the movement, a unique, integrated winding crown, an ultra-thin crystal and a new construction for the barrel and…
From 29 June to 2 July, this great classic car meeting returns to the legendary Le Mans race track. Against a history-steeped backdrop, around 800 classic cars as well as another 8,500 club vehicles will take part in a series of fiercely contested races. This year, the 150 exhibitors and 1,000 drivers from 30 different…
From Usain Bolt to Novak Djokovic, Hublot has relied on partnerships with sporting legends from tennis, athletics, skiing and polo for decades. Now, the Swiss watchmaker is expanding its diverse portfolio with an NFL superstar: Patrick Mahomes becomes its newest brand ambassador. Hublot and the NFL Since 2006, Hublot has made its mark primarily in…
Porsche Design has unveiled the Chronograph 1 – F.A.T. 2025 Edition. This limited edition of 136 pieces features an all-white dial coated with Super-LumiNova, a first for the Chronograph 1. The watch celebrates the F.A.T. International motorsport community which goes back to historic success of French logistics company F.A.T. International at the 1994 24 Hours…
I must confess, I am biased: mechanical watch aficionados, in my view, generally have a good relationship with the passage of time. This often goes hand in hand with a certain worldliness and a desire to fill one’s time with a wealth of experiences – preferably while travelling. Those who confirm my preconception will find…
In celebration of its tenth anniversary, Laurent Ferrier is introducing a new, classical timepiece – the Classic Origin Opaline. Housed in a Grade 5 titanium case, it follows a pure design code, featuring an uncluttered white-silver opaline dial and a light brown Barbialla calf leather strap. According to the brand, the latest model is designed…