Following last year’s Arsham Droplet pocket watch, Daniel Arsham has just unveiled his second collaboration with Hublot, the MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire. One of the leading artists in pop culture, Daniel Arsham was inspired by the fluidity of a water droplet, explaining the streamlined, pebble-like wristwatch with an intriguing asymmetrical dial framed by a frosted sapphire crystal bezel.

Mr Arsham has collaborated with brands as diverse as Porsche and Pokemon, and here he applies his aesthetic to Hublot’s Big Bang Meca-10. While the aesthetic is unlike any other Hublot, the movement inside is familiar: one of Hublot’s most interesting movements, the Meca-10 calibre with a 10-day power reserve, which was just facelifted this year to fit smaller format cases.

Initial thoughts

The Arsham Splash starts with a good base: the cal. 1205 Meca-10 movement is appealing both in terms of aesthetics and function. The geometric styling of the skeletonised construction is inspired by Meccano, the children’s construction toy, while the power reserve is an impressive 240 hours.

I like much of the movement, except for the Etachron regulator that  I would have hoped Hublot would have replaced in this second-generation Meca-10 movement but it’s still there. Still, the Meca-10 is a logical fit for the Arsham Splash both in terms of form and function.

The form of the Arsham Splash is unorthodox. Though the case has some familiar Hublot elements like the flared flanks and bezel screws, it is peculiar and entirely different, but strangely appealing. It also has an appealing tactile feel thanks to the frosted sapphire and bead-blasted titanium.

The case width seems mismatched with the narrow strap, but it feels good on the wrist. Wearability is helped by the lug-less case design. The proportions actually bring to mind early 20th century pocket-to-wristwatch conversions that were similarly large and matched with equally narrow straps.

However, the case construction is a bit of a missed opportunity as it’s a frosted sapphire bezel on a titanium case; executing the case entirely in frosted sapphire is feasible and would have been way cooler, albeit at a much, much, much higher price.

As it is, the price of the Arsham Splash is already steep at US$69,000, more than double the standard Meca-10 in titanium. A bit of that is justified by the case that’s unique to this edition, but most of the cost is down to the fact the Mr Arsham is one of the “it” artists in today’s pop culture.

Someone who wants a sporty watch with a long power reserve can make do with the standard Big Bang Meca-10, but for the contemporary art-inclined enthusiasts the Arsham Splash arguably has a deeper appeal. I like it, but feel it’s expensive as a watch and only a watch. Like all art the appeal is subjective, though I imagine Mr Arsham’s cachet will surely ensure a quick sell out.

Fusion again

The dimensions of the Arsham Splash are comparable to the standard Meca-10 at 42 mm wide and 15.35 mm tall. But the Splash looks and feels entirely different. The case and back are matte, blasted titanium, while the bezel is sapphire that’s been frosted to give it a granular, textured surface. This departs from the conventional polished finish for sapphire case parts, but adds to the appeal of the design.

Though the look is novel, the open dial reveals a movement that is easily recognisable thanks to its exposed mechanics, including a rack-driven power reserve indicator.

Now a mainstay in Hublot’s catalogue for almost a decade, the Meca-10 is essentially a time-only movement with a long power reserve thanks to twin, parallel barrels. The two large mainsprings give it a 10-day power reserve, which is long even by today’s standards.

“Meca” refers to the skeletonised construction that is modelled on Meccano, the toy that employs pressed metal parts to form various objects. The bridges and wheels of the Meca-10 adopt the Meecano aesthetic, which is especially evident on the back with the three linear bridges.

The Meccano-esque styling is less obvious on the front due to the asymmetric crystal that is shaped to accommodate the key elements of the display, including the power reserve at three and seconds at nine.

Besides being functional, the power reserve also serves as a visual element. It’s driven by a linear rack visible at 12 o’clock, and tensioned by a coiled spring, all of which add mechanical elements to the dial design. The only weakness of the visual landscape on the front is the pin-type regulator index that is functional but not especially sophisticated.

And like he did with his earlier Droplet pocket watch, Mr Arsham also designed the presentation box for the Splash. Instead of a standard box with an extra logo as is typical for limited edition, this is an aluminium cylinder with a porthole shaped like the watch case, underlining the attention to detail he brings to the project.

Key facts and price

Hublot MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire
Ref. 917.NJ.6909.RX

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 15.35 mm
Material: Titanium and sapphire
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: HUB1205
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve
Winding: Manual wind
Frequency: 21,600 beats per second (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 10 days

Strap: Rubber strap with titanium folding clasp

Limited edition: 99 pieces
Availability: Now at Hublot boutiques and retailers
Price: US$69,000 excluding taxes

For more, visit hublot.com.