Hublot and Daniel Arsham Redefine the Pocket Watch with the Arsham Droplet

Renowned for its innovative spirit, luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot, has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with acclaimed contemporary artist Daniel Arsham. The result of this visionary partnership is the Arsham Droplet, a revolutionary timepiece that reimagines the classic pocket watch, blending antique form with futuristic materials and production methods. The Arsham Droplet represents an incredible piece of art that can be enjoyed in three different ways: a pocket watch, a pendant or an eye-catching table clock. The launch films & immersive experience designed and created in collaboration with Tendril represent a new era in surreal brand world-building. 

Hublot and contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, known for his unique style of transforming everyday objects into "future relics,” have come together to create this captivating fusion of past, present and future. The Arsham Droplet seamlessly unites Hublot's technical mastery and Arsham's distinctive artistic vision, delivering a timepiece that pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. 

Inspired by the organic, fluid forms found in nature, the Arsham Droplet represents a true milestone in the world of horology. This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment of both Hublot and Arsham to creating truly exceptional and transformative experiences that challenge the status quo. Crafted from a harmonious blend of titanium, rubber and sapphire crystal, the Arsham Droplet reflects Hublot's unparalleled attention to detail and commitment to innovation.

In this first of its kind timepiece, tradition meets modernity and radical artistry. The droplet shape is perfectly ergonomic and mimics the shape of a water drop, embodying the harmony between water, the artistic human mind, and the passage of time. 

Daniel is known for his powerful works across painting, sculpture, installation, film and fashion. He has frequently explored the concept of time throughout his oeuvre, particularly through his Connecting Time series of works and his iconic Hourglass. His first jaw-dropping collaboration with Hublot saw Arsham create a Hublot-inspired 20-metre sundial in the Zermatt snowscape in Schwarzsee, at 2583m. 

Now with the launch of the Droplet, Arsham gets more intimate with this exploration of the symbiosis between nature, human creativity and time. 

At the heart of the watch lies Hublot's iconic Meca-10 manufacture movement, which boasts an impressive 10-day power reserve that ensures the timepiece can be enjoyed for extended periods without the need for frequent winding, further enhancing the user's connection with this one-of-a-kind creation.

Over the past decade, Arsham has partnered with a wide range of brands and notable figures.Fusion is key for him, and his past projects have showcased an ability to innovatively blend art, design, and popular culture. This collaboration with Hublot is a natural extension of his artistic practice, as both brands share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of their respective fields. 

Limited to just 99 examples, the Arsham Droplet is a true collector's item and a masterpiece of modern watchmaking. With its distinctive rounded drop shape and unparalleled complexity, the timepiece challenges conventional notions of what a pocket watch can be. 

A beautifully surreal launch film & an immersive experience 

In Arsham x Hublot fashion the ground-breaking timepiece will be introduced to the world by a highly sensorial immersive experience at the Tate Modern in London on June 6, and striking portrait and product films – all created in collaboration with Tendril studio. 

Using a mix of 3D motion & CG techniques combined with impressive natural environments and a live-action shoot with Daniel Arsham in jaw-dropping sets, the films present a surreal, imagined space that challenges our perception of time and scale, in a dance that goes from majestic aquatic elements, to zoomed-in precise beautiful shots of this intricate timepiece. 

The film portrays a world where past and future works collide, and materials shift and change across time. Sophisticated lighting highlights the intricate details of the design, with turquoise accents and mineral glass enhancing the monochrome titanium and sapphire palette. The project was shot using a variety of cameras, including Arri Alexa, Sony Venice, DJI drones, and Sony FX6, and utilised software such as C4D, Houdini, Nuke, AE, Premier Pro, and Baselight. 

“The Arsham Droplet is a true testament to the power of collaboration. By combining Hublot's technical expertise with my own artistic vision, we have created a timepiece that transcends the traditional pocket watch, blending the past, present and future in a captivating and unexpected way” said Daniel Arsham, Hublot ambassador and contemporary artist.

“Together with Daniel, we made the impossible possible! The Arsham Droplet is a testament to Hublot's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of both form and function. This groundbreaking timepiece is a true work of art, seamlessly blending our horological expertise with Daniel Arsham's visionary artistic vision. The Arsham Droplet represents an incredible piece of art that can be enjoyed in three different ways: a pocket watch, a pendant or a table clock.” said Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO.

“Over the past four years, our partnership with Hublot has been a journey of innovation and artistic expression. Each project, including our latest collaboration on the Arsham Droplet, involves an in-depth process of R&D to reach product perfection and high-fidelity material simulation—translating the ethos of the Art of Fusion into visual poetry in motion. This timepiece, born from the fusion of Hublot’s technical mastery and Daniel Arsham’s visionary artistry, epitomises the sophistication and boundary-pushing nature of our work together. Tendril is incredibly proud to contribute to a visual language that continues to set the bar for motion design in the world.” said Chris Bahry, Tendril co-founder and chief creative officer.

For the live-action shoot Tendril collaborated with production company Denim. Director and photographer Norman Wong, alongside Chris Bahry, Tendril co-founder and chief creative officer, worked hand in hand to integrate the live-action footage to the rest of the films, ensuring a cohesive and captivating visual narrative.

The live-action shoot began amidst the stunning glaciers of southern Iceland, capturing breathtaking caves and landscapes with director of photography Jeff Bierman and local service production company True North. These real-world environments served as the backdrop for Arsham and Hublot’s journey.

Following the Iceland shoot, the team returned to Toronto for a two-day studio shoot featuring a water set designed by production designer Ben Gerlis and a custom-built LED wall.