Hublot and Daniel Arsham: A Splash of Time
When Horology Meets Fictional Archaeology
The Hublot MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire isn't trying to tell time so much as freeze it—literally. This collaboration between Swiss watchmaker Hublot and New York-based artist Daniel Arsham takes the concept of a timepiece and turns it into something closer to wearable sculpture.
The Concept: Frozen Impact
Arsham's artistic practice revolves around what he calls "fictional archaeology"—creating objects that look like they could've been excavated from either 3,000 years ago or 3,000 years in the future. For this watch, he's captured the exact moment water hits a surface and splashes. That split-second ripple effect is translated into titanium and sapphire, creating a 42mm case that feels more like kinetic art than traditional watchmaking.
The visual language is pure Arsham: erosion, crystallization, and temporal ambiguity. The watch appears simultaneously ancient and futuristic, which is exactly the point.
The Engineering: MECA-10 Caliber
Beneath the sculptural exterior sits Hublot's MECA-10 manual-winding movement, delivering a genuinely impressive ten-day power reserve. The architecture is deliberately visible through sapphire crystal, exposing the mechanical ballet of gears, bridges, and springs. Hublot's "Art of Fusion" philosophy—combining unconventional materials with high-end watchmaking—is fully realized here.
The titanium construction keeps the weight manageable despite the complex case geometry. Every angle and curve references water in motion, transforming the static metal into something that suggests fluidity.
The Artist: Daniel Arsham's Temporal Play
Arsham made his name eroding the present. His past works include crystallized cameras, calcified basketballs, and geological Game Boys—everyday objects reimagined as future relics. Collaborations with brands like Porsche, Dior, and adidas have brought his aesthetic into fashion, design, and now haute horlogerie.
With Hublot, he's essentially asking: what if a watch could be an artifact from tomorrow? The MP-17 answers that question with authority.
The Market: USD 69,000 and Limited
At approximately USD 69,000, this isn't an entry-level collaboration piece. It's aimed squarely at collectors who view watches as cultural objects, not just timekeepers. Hublot hasn't disclosed exact production numbers, but expect limited availability—scarcity is baked into the proposition.
For that price, you're buying narrative as much as craftsmanship. The watch comes with Arsham's conceptual weight and Hublot's mechanical credibility. It's a conversation starter, a portfolio piece, and a bet that horological art will continue appreciating.
The Verdict: Time as Medium
The MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash succeeds because it doesn't compromise. It's unabashedly artistic while remaining functionally serious. The ten-day power reserve isn't a gimmick—it's a genuine technical achievement. The sculptural case isn't just decorative—it's a coherent artistic statement.
Whether this represents the future of watchmaking or a fascinating detour depends on your perspective. Either way, Hublot and Arsham have created something that refuses to be ignored. In an industry often defined by heritage and tradition, that kind of disruption is valuable in itself.
Time, frozen mid-splash. Not a bad metaphor for luxury in 2024.
