Hublot and American artist Jeff Koons have collaborated on the Classic Fusion Balloon Dog, a series of watches inspired by Koons’ iconic Balloon Dog sculptures from the Celebration series.
The watches reinterpret the rounded, reflective forms of the sculptures through the architecture of the Classic Fusion, with three versions in blue anodised aluminium, red anodised aluminium and mirror-polished stainless steel.
Each is limited to 200 pieces.
Koons’ Balloon Dog, created between 1994 and 2000, takes the familiar form of a balloon animal and translates its temporary, playful character into a permanent sculpture.
The new Classic Fusion Balloon Dog follows the same idea, using polished surfaces, rounded volumes and carefully controlled finishes to reproduce the visual impression of an inflated object.
The 42 mm case has been extensively reworked to create the appearance of internal air pressure.
The normally relatively flat architecture of the Classic Fusion is replaced by domed and convex surfaces, including the raised sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, rounded case and bezel, and domed titanium screw heads.
The effect continues across the dial, whose inflated construction is matched by softened strap attachment points and a sculpted metallic leather or polymer insert.
At 11 mm thick and water-resistant to 5 ATM (50 metres / 165 feet), the watch retains the compact proportions of the Classic Fusion while adopting the more pronounced volume required by the concept.
Several details reinforce the Balloon Dog theme. The crown combines polished metal with rubber and is shaped to resemble a balloon inflation valve, while a flexible rubber element at 10:30 recalls the tail of the sculpture.
The central seconds hand carries a bas-relief Balloon Dog counterweight, and the applied hour markers and hands feature three-dimensional Super-LumiNova inserts.
A powdered Jeff Koons signature is placed at 6 o’clock on the dial.
The three editions use the same overall construction but differ in their materials and colours.
The red and blue versions use polished anodised aluminium for the case, bezel, dial and case back, with matching rubber details. Aluminium allows Hublot to achieve the saturated colours associated with Koons’ work.
The stainless steel version uses polished steel throughout the case and bezel, with a rhodium-plated dial and grey rubber details.
The watches are fitted with rubber straps featuring metallic inserts that continue the inflated visual language of the case.
The red and blue models pair colour-matched rubber bases with debossed metallic leather inserts, while the stainless steel edition features a grey rubber base with a metallic silver polymer insert.
Each is secured by a stainless steel deployant buckle with a decorative element matched to the respective case.
Inside, the Classic Fusion Balloon Dog is powered by Hublot’s automatic HUB1710 movement.
Measuring 25.6 mm in diameter and 3.7 mm thick, the calibre comprises 185 components and 27 jewels and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz.
It provides a power reserve of 50 hours and incorporates a date display at 3 o’clock, with a black date disc and white numerals.
The movement is finished with anthracite ruthenium-treated bridges and mainplate, while the polished rhodium-plated oscillating weight has been given an inflated appearance that echoes the external design.
The case back is also shaped according to the Balloon Dog concept, extending the sculptural treatment to the reverse of the watch.
The collaboration extends beyond the watches to their presentation.
Each model is supplied in packaging featuring a chromed Balloon Dog with rubber-effect painted surfaces and colouring corresponding to the watch, continuing the same visual and tactile references.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons is limited to 200 pieces in each of the three editions and is available at selected Hublot points of sale. It will also be presented in selected galleries, reinforcing the connection between contemporary art and watchmaking.
The red anodised aluminium Reference 542.UR.8170.NR.JK N2 6, the blue anodised aluminium Reference 542.UB.5170.NR.JK N26 and the stainless steel Reference 542.SX.0820.NR.JK N26 are each priced at CHF 20,800 / €24,600 / US$25,100. hublot.com
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