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New Hublot Classic Fusion Original Collection The 2023 collection reinterprets the classic Hublot watch from 1980.

Although Hublot has become one of the most famous Swiss watchmakers in the world, it is still a relatively young brand. It all started some 40 years ago with a luxury sports watch featuring an unprecedented combination of materials, notably gold and rubber. Hublot is bringing back this now classic model in three different sizes, each available in three materials. Let's take a closer look at the new Hublot Classic Fusion Original Collection.

Hublot's origins can be traced back to the late 1970s, when Italian entrepreneur Carlo Crocco left the Binda Group and founded his own watch company, MDM Genève, an acronym for Marie-Danielle Montres and later Montre Des Montres (French for all A watch for a watch). At Baselworld 1980, Crocco launched a luxury sports watch called the Hublot (porthole in French). The model was so successful that the name would be used for the brand itself, and this first model was later called the Classic Fusion.

The inspiration for the Hublot Classic Fusion is deeply rooted in the 1970s. This decade saw the birth of modern luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets. In 1972, Audemars Piguet and Gérald Genta defined the genre with the Royal Oak; a sporty but obviously expensive steel watch with a shaped case and one-piece bracelet. Many high-end brands released their own categories - Patek Philippe's Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin's 222 and later the Universal, IWC's Engineers, Girard-Perregaux's Laureato, etc. Crocco, however, took luxury sports watches into new territory. Instead of a classic bracelet, he equipped the watch with an integrated rubber strap. With it, Hublot became one of the first brands to dare to combine gold and rubber. What was absolutely unimaginable at the time turned out to be a huge success...

Jean-Claude Biver joined Hublot in 2004 and soon amplified the concept of fusing materials with the mighty Big Bang. He also took the brand to new heights through successful marketing. In 2008, the brand was acquired by LVMH.

During LVMH Watch Week, Hublot brought back a watch that subverts tradition. The 2023 Hublot Classic Fusion Original is available in 42mm and 38mm automatic movements as well as a 33mm quartz version. All three sizes are crafted in 18k yellow gold, titanium and black ceramic.

The overall look of the new Classic Fusion is close to the original. The refined case structure is complemented by a simple black lacquered dial and an integrated rubber strap. However, there are several changes.

The case has been modernized with a simpler, more angular design, with black detailing wedged between the case middle and the bezel, and now has six screws instead of the original 12. The jet-black dial now features a color-matched date wheel and wider faceted hands.

Last but not least, unlike the watches of the 1980s that were powered by quartz movements, we now have mechanical movement options. The new Hublot Classic Fusions 42mm and 38mm are powered by the automatic Hublot HUB1110. Based on the Sellita SW300-1 (itself a clone of the ETA 2892A), this tried and tested movement runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 42 hours. It is visible through the exhibition case back of the watch with its skeletonized rotor and brand logo.

All models come with a smooth black rubber strap, a black-coated titanium deployment clasp, and gold, titanium or black ceramic trim to match the case material.

Compared to Big Bang and its siblings, Hublot Classic Fusion Original offers a more classic, more elegant (less aggressive) collection. It feels luxurious without being gimmicky, making it perfect for everyday wear. These latest versions have been tastefully modernized without compromising the design and its DNA. The overall build feels solid, and while there's nothing fancy about the movement, this reliable workhorse keeps accurate time. On the wrist, this watch is comfortable to wear and with 3 different sizes to choose from, most people will find a fit.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION ORIGINAL COLLECTION
Case: 42mm x 10mm or 38mm x 9.85mm - 18k yellow gold, titanium or black ceramic, polished and satin-finished - case back sapphire glass - bezel with 6 H-shaped screws - 50m water resistance
Dial: Polished black lacquer - Gold or rhodium plated appliqués - Baton faceted hands - Date window at 3 o'clock on black background
Movement: Hublot HUB1110, base Sellita SW300-1 - Automatic - 25 jewels - 28,800vph - 42 hours power reserve - Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Strap: Black Rubber Strap - Titanium, Ceramic/Titanium or Gold/Titanium Triple Deployment Clasp