Is Hublot and Daniel Arsham's Droplet a form of Horological Art?

Hublot and Daniel Arsham's Droplet has numerous attributes—yet does it meet the criteria of horological art?

Individuals acquainted with the realm of timepieces recognize that the distinction between art and horology is subtle and frequently indistinct. Although some manufacturers have established their reputation by emphasizing functionality above aesthetics, it is those who adopt an artistic perspective in watchmaking that boast the most distinguished lineage and evoke the highest degree of gravitas. While the concept of "gravitas" may serve as a tenuous criterion for evaluating a horological creation, it is undeniable that features such as a plique-à-jour enamel dial and hand-engraved arabesque case finishes invariably attract attention and enhance the timepiece's status beyond a mere instrument for timekeeping. Nonetheless, the question persists: given the subjectivity of art, how can one ascertain if a clock qualifies as a work of horological art? The subjective character of art makes it polarizing; nonetheless, this quality also constitutes its beauty, as perceptions and interpretations differ among individuals. Primarily, it must initially attract attention — the subsequent impact of the art is for you to interpret.

This is why Hublot's recent collaboration with modern artist Daniel Arsham is intriguing; it undoubtedly attracts attention, yet it raises the question—can it genuinely be classified as a piece of horological art? An in-depth analysis of Daniel Arsham’s oeuvre reveals that much of it revolves on the notion of time, particularly a speculative future. Influenced by Andy Warhol, Arsham gained prominence through his calcified, crystallized, and decayed representations of commonplace items, reflecting on the passage of time and commenting on the impermanence of commodities that characterize contemporary consumerism. The Droplet aligns with his creative ideology, categorizing it as art; nonetheless, it signifies a divergence from his typical artistic vision—this is a distinct, somewhat postmodern interpretation of horological art.

A fundamental principle of postmodern art is its resistance to classification inside a precise temporal framework, as demonstrated in The Droplet. The selection of a pocket watch as the medium for his creation reflects Arsham’s intention to encapsulate a facet of history while also embodying the spirit of the present and a speculative future through a modern, openworked design that is neither entirely current nor wholly antiquated. Moreover, the watch can be utilized as a pocket watch, pendant, or exhibited as an element of a sculptural table clock – a further rejection of conventional categorization.

Another facet of postmodernism is Avant-pop: a synthesis of avant-garde experimentation and popular culture influences. The Droplet exemplifies Hublot’s distinctive, avant-garde sapphire crystal design, including a 10-day power reserve Meca-10 movement and a titanium skeleton, with pop-culture inspiration derived from the detachable chain reminiscent of contemporary jewelry motifs. The pocket watch features elements of Arsham Green, a distinctive shade of green-hued turquoise prevalent in many of Arsham's "decayed" sculptures, serving as a self-referential nod to the artist's message and adding another layer of interpretive significance.

Hublot’s and Daniel Arsham’s Droplet boldly traverses the ambiguous boundary between horology and art, ensuring it will elicit divergent opinions. Regardless of personal preference, it is unequivocal that Hublot and Arsham have produced a piece of horological artistry that fundamentally challenges conventional notions of art within the field of horology.