Takashi Murakami does a complete 180-degree in his second collaboration with Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot, unveiling a light-hearted timepiece that is markedly different from the All Black model released earlier this year. 

While still prominently featuring his emblematic smiling flower, this time around the Japanese contemporary artist switches from dark to light by replacing black case and strap with transparent ones and injecting bright colours into the flower’s design, amplifying its cheery effect. 

Its jovial design an embodiment of the Japanese kawaii culture, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow watch is one that truly radiates joy.

Rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, tsavorites, yellow and orange sapphires represent the rainbow’s colours – the 487 stones set into the 12 colourful petals lending them a polychromatic effect. The smiling flower’s three-dimensional face, etched with a mischievous smile, emerges from the dial and comes to life when the petals turn under the watch crystal, a feat made possible by an ingenious ball-bearing system specially developed by Hublot’s engineers.

Measuring 45 mm in diameter, the case is cut from sapphire crystal, a technological feat pioneered by the Swiss haute horlogerie Maison. Beating within is the self-winding Unico MHUB1214 calibre, offering 72 hours of power reserve.

The Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow watch are available now at thehourglass.com. Priced at RM450,000 each, the unique timepiece is released in a limited edition of only 100 numbered pieces.