Once a staple of sophistication and precision, the pocket watch—having fallen out of style in the age of wristwatches and smartwatches—is now being reinvented with designs like the Arsham Droplet. This next-generation pocket watch created by luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot and acclaimed contemporary artist Daniel Arsham captivates a new generation of watch enthusiasts with its artful form and three ways to use it: as a pocket watch, a pendant or a compact table clock.
Hublot came to contemporary artist Daniel Arsham for his unique eye for transforming everyday objects into "future relics," and the Arsham Droplet fuses forward-thinking details with the past. Equipped with Hublot's Meca-10 manufacture movement, which has a 10-day power reserve, the Arsham Droplet can be worn for long periods without frequent winding.
Next-Gen Pocket Watches
The Arsham Droplet Reimagines the Classic Pocket Watch
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Timepieces - The Arsham Droplet exemplifies the growing trend of multi-functional timepieces that can serve as pocket watches, pendants, or table clocks.
2. Artist Collaborations - Collaborations between luxury watchmakers and contemporary artists, as showcased by Hublot and Daniel Arsham, are breathing new life into traditional timepieces.
3. Retro-futurism - The fusion of historical design elements with modern technology in the Arsham Droplet speaks to a wider trend of retro-futuristic aesthetics in luxury goods.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Watches - The innovation in the Arsham Droplet highlights new opportunities for luxury watchmakers to blend art and advanced mechanics.
2. Wearable Art - The collaboration between Hublot and Daniel Arsham signifies expanding possibilities in creating wearable art that merges functionality with artistic expression.
3. Collectible Goods - Limited-edition collaborations like the Arsham Droplet indicate a growing market for collectible items that offer both aesthetic and practical value.