[2021 Edition] Mechanical Watches "8 Noteworthy Collaboration Models"

This time, we'll be changing things up and taking a look at some noteworthy collaboration models that have been announced by various brands.

Speaking of collaborations, in recent years, there have been collaboration models in the apparel industry that were unthinkable in the past. Sneakers with surprisingly high premium prices were unthinkable when I was a student (laughs).

Now, let me introduce the collaboration model that has caught my eye.

① [Hublot] x [Takashi Murakami]
Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black "Ref. 507.CX.9000.RX.TAK21"

The first is a collaboration model with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, who is Hublot's first art ambassador. This is a 3D object that features Murakami's symbol, a flower, decorated with 107 brilliant-cut black diamonds. The kinetic art that rotates on the black lacquer dial is full of playfulness. Limited to 200 pieces worldwide, this rare model sold out in one day.

Actually, this Hublot x Murakami Takashi pair is fetching an incredible price on the overseas site Chrono24. With Murakami Takashi now being appointed as an ambassador for Hublot, it would be interesting to see if there are any more pairs in the future.

[Source][Source] Hublot

[Domestic suggested retail price] (originally released) ¥3,179,000

② [TAG Heuer] x [Fragment Design]
Heuer 02 Carrera Chronograph
"Ref. CBK221A.EB0171"

In 2018, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the birth of the Carrera, the Carrera Chronograph Fragment Design was released in collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara's Fragment Design.

As you may know, Hiroshi Fujiwara is well versed in vintage watches, and this model was created at the request of a 39mm size, as the early Carrera models were small chronographs. The beige indexes and black crocodile band strap create a vintage atmosphere and a masculine impression. Another attractive feature is that it comes with a replacement NATO belt (unused). The back cover is a see-through type, and it has the Twin Thunder mark and a limited serial number.

With a 39mm case, domed crystal, and beige indexes, this model is reminiscent of the original model at the time of its release, with the double thunderbolt mark printed at the 12 o'clock position on the dial and the word FRAGMENT printed at the 4 o'clock position. This popular model was sold exclusively at the company's boutiques and official website, with a worldwide limited run of 500 pieces, and the first batch was immediately sold out by preorder.

[Source] TAG Heuer

[Domestic suggested retail price] (originally released) ¥939,600

[Previously sold products] Ref. CBK221A.EB0171

3. [Bulgari] x [Tadao Ando]
Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando
"Ref. SAP103245"

Next up, we'll introduce Octo from Bvlgari, designed by architect Tadao Ando.

The first collaboration between Bvlgari and Tadao Ando was realized at the end of 2019. With architecture as their common language, the two brands share many commonalities, such as their appreciation of "beautiful things and skillfully crafted things" by Bello Benfatto, and their respect for tradition. They have released two models, the "Tadao Ando x Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic" and the "Tadao Ando x Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Tourbillon."

The "Ref. SAP103245" we are introducing this time has a sandblasted titanium case and is a limited edition of 200 pieces. (The tourbillon model has a carbon case and is limited to 8 pieces worldwide.) The dials of both models are based on the theme of a black hole, with a spiral vortex like ripples spreading out. According to Tadao Ando, ​​it expresses "timelessness, infinity, and eternity, from concentration to diffusion."

[Source] Bvlgari

[Domestic reference price] (initially on sale) ¥1,980,000

We currently (as of September 20, 2021) have in stock the Ref. 103534, which was released as the second edition. This is a limited edition model of 160 pieces worldwide, so please consider purchasing it now.

[Product for sale] Ref. 103534

④【Omega】×【Ultraman】
Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday "Ultraman"
"Ref.311.12.42.30.01.001"

The fourth model is the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday “Ultraman” Ref. 311.12.42.30.01.001, a model commemorating the Speedmaster that appeared in the special effects TV series “The Return of Ultraman” aired in 1971. Limited to 2012 pieces worldwide.

The orange color, which is the image color of Ultraman, is used everywhere, including the dial, hands, bezel, and strap. When I think of a combination of a black-based design and an orange accent color, the first Aquanaut chronograph, the Ref. 5968A, comes to mind, but this color scheme is actually surprisingly rare when you look for it, which is a shame as it is such a good contrast.

At first glance, it looks like a normal Speedmaster, but when you shine a UV light on the subdial at 9 o'clock, the face of Ultraman appears. Incidentally, the hand on the subdial is shaped like Ultraman's "Beta Capsule."

[Source] Omega

[Domestic suggested retail price] (originally released) ¥781,000

[Previously sold products are here] Ref. 311.12.42.30.01.001

⑤ [Chanel] x [Audemars Piguet]
Chanel J12 Caliber 3125
"Ref.H2918"

There are many models that use movements made by other companies, but this time I would like to introduce a model that uses a movement made by Audemars Piguet made by Chanel. Please forgive me if you think this is not a collaboration (lol).

This watch uses ceramic, which is symbolic of the J12, for the case and bracelet, and yellow gold for the bezel, indexes, hands, and crown. The contrast between the jet black ceramic and the yellow gold gives a sharp and cool impression.

Based on the high-performance movement "Cal.3120" developed by Audemars Piguet, it is equipped with the original movement "CHANEL-AP3125" which has been improved for Chanel. The basic structure is the same, but it has been improved with a new balance cock and a 22K rotor with black ceramic. You can view this movement from the see-through back.

[Source] Chanel

[Domestic reference price] (initially on sale) ¥2,565,000

⑥ [Jaeger-LeCoultre] x [Kingsman]
Master Ultra Slim Kingsman Knife
"Ref. 1152520"

Speaking of the monumental spy movie, 007 is extremely famous, but this time we will introduce a collaboration model with the British spy movie Kingsman. Speaking of Kingsman, it is a movie that is simply cool, not only for the action scenes in the movie, but also for the dress and behavior of British gentlemen.

This is a limited edition model of 100 pieces produced specially by Jaeger-LeCoultre for "Kingsman: The First Agent," which is scheduled to be released in Japan on December 24th of this year.

Paying homage to the movie, the case back of this watch is engraved with the Kingsman logo and the serial number "One of 100". What's more, it comes in a specially designed Kingsman sleeve box.

In fact, in the previous film, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," there was a special edition Connected Modular 45 Kingsman (SBF8A8023.32EB0103) that was custom-made by TAG Heuer. It may soon appear in our Actor's Watches (laughs).

[Source] Jaeger-LeCoultre

[Domestic reference price] (originally released) ¥3,498,000

⑦【Zenith】×【Lupin the Third】
Chronomaster Revival Lupin the Third Second Edition
"Ref.03.L384.400/07.M384"

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the animation of "Lupin the Third," it has been announced that a new TV anime series, "Lupin the Third PART 6," will begin airing on Saturday, October 9, 2021.

It was also announced that Kiyoshi Kobayashi, who has been the voice actor for Daisuke Jigen for many years, will retire and be replaced by Akio Otsuka. Personally, I'm a fan of Akio Otsuka, so I'm looking forward to hearing him play Daisuke Jigen, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels a little sad that Kiyoshi Kobayashi is retiring.

Now, this is the "Chronomaster Revival Lupin the Third Second Edition," a second collaboration model with Jigen Daisuke, a popular main character from Lupin the Third, limited to 200 pieces worldwide, to commemorate the grand opening of the "Zenith Boutique Ginza" in October 2020.

*The previous model was still fresh in our memory as it was Zenith's first ever collaboration with an anime character and caused a huge sensation. However, due to its rarity, with only 50 units in Japan, it sold out in just one day and is currently commanding a premium price.

This watch is a realistic reproduction of the watch that appears in the anime, has the distinctive silhouette of the 384 series model, and is fitted with an El Primero movement in a 37mm stainless steel case. As with the first release, the transparent back case is engraved with the silhouette of Daisuke Jigen wearing a hat. This is a unique model that beautifully represents the watch worn by Daisuke Jigen.

[Source] Zenith

[Domestic suggested retail price] (initially on sale) ¥1,100,000

8. [Seiko] x [Astro Boy]
Galante Astro Boy
"Ref. SBLL005"

The last model we will introduce is the Astro Boy model supervised by Tezuka Productions, released in 2009 by Seiko, a watch brand that Japan is proud of. Astro Boy is depicted in a fighting pose, newly drawn by Tezuka Productions specifically for this model, on a cosmic blue dial with glitter that evokes the universe.

The movement, which can be seen through the back cover, has the heart of Atom, a robot with a passionate heart just like a human, printed on the inside of the glass. And on the box is a speech bubble saying "Let's go, Galante!" This is a must-have for Atom fans.

Some may have thought this was a surprising selection, but it is already being traded at prices above its retail price, and is a model to keep an eye on in the future.

[Source] Seiko

[Domestic suggested retail price] (originally released) ¥472,500

summary

What did you think.

When we look at it all together, we can see that the LVMH Group is placing a lot of emphasis on collaboration.

There are many premium-priced collaboration models from brands and models that we have not introduced this time. We believe that more collaboration models will be announced by various brands in the future, and we hope to be able to introduce them to you all.

As an introduction to luxury watches, it might be a good idea to start with your favorite collaboration.

see you!