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…
Breitling is presenting three new models together with Bucherer. The three Breitling Superocean Bucherer Exclusive models in 36, 42 and 44 mm come in novel colours and celebrate the new partnership between the two Swiss companies. Following the takeover by Rolex in summer 2023, the jeweller, retailer and watch manufacturer Bucherer shows itself to still…
At Watches & Wonders 2024 Chanel presented the Monsieur de Chanel Superleggera Edition Intense Black. The models in the collection mostly have precious metal cases and make an elegant appearance. This Superleggera version instead has a robust and lightweight ceramic case and racing-inspired dial and so dedicates itself to sportiness. A similar version with red…
The new Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition draws attention to the threat facing the whale shark. The whale shark is the largest fish on earth and is now on the IUCN list of endangered species. In honour of the species, the new special edition has a dial inspired by the whale shark's skin. It…
Tudor‘s new model shows off a part of the brand’s history, that has only been firmly known until now. The Black Bay P01 (Ref. 70150), which was introduced for the first time on the watch fair Baselworld 2019, is inspired by a prototype from the late 1960’s and has been proposed the US Navy. The Swiss watch…
Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing its most complicated Reverso model ever; the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185. Costing well over a million euros, it took over six years to develop. Furthermore, for the first time in history, this watch integrates no less than four functioning faces. It also marks the first watch of the brand to display…
In honour of this year’s 80th edition of the Monaco Grand Prix, TAG Heuer released the Monaco Skeleton chronograph. Notably, this marks the first time that a skeletonized dial has featured in the Monaco collection. The original model quickly became one of the brand’s most iconic watches after its release in 1969. Now, with the Original Blue, Racing Red, and Turquoise, the novelty is appearing in…
Jaeger-LeCoultre's 'Master Control' collection has been updated to include new 40 mm watches featuring open sapphire crystal casebacks and sunray brushed silver-white dials. The watches are now driven by updated calibres that integrate a new silicon escapement, a redesigned barrel, and various energy-saving enhancements. One of the new iterations is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date…
For Hublot, the possibilities when it comes to materials seem limitless. Founded in 1980, the watch manufacturer is known for its creativity in this department, from tirelessly tinkering with new gold alloys to refining other innovative composite materials. Now the Swiss manufacture has done it again and launched a new case material, at least within…
Vacheron Constantin has introduced the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton watch. The model manages to integrate a perpetual calendar into a slim case measuring 41.5 mm x 8.1 mm. The completely skeletonised dial reveals the movement. However, the watch is available in 18-carat 5N rose gold only. The sapphire crystal protecting the Overseas perpetual calendar…
A year after the first generation of the Tissot Heritage 1973, the brand now launches a second series of its barrel-shaped chronograph. This new timepiece is presented as part of the partnership that unites Tissot and the ‘Kessel Classic’ vintage car racing team. In developing the Tissot Heritage 1973, the brand was inspired by a…
A new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch! The latest version of the first watch worn on the moon features a white lacquered dial and black hands for the first time. A red Speedmaster lettering provides a striking contrast and is inspired by the rare Speedmaster Alaska Project. A first version was spotted on the wrist of Omega…
After having announced its comeback of official sponsor of Formula 1 recently, TAG Heuer is now expanding its Formula 1 collection with five new chronographs. These watches pay homage to the brand's motorsport heritage and feature design elements inspired by Formula 1. Among them is a special edition created in collaboration with Oracle Red Bull…