Introducing – Hublot Classic Fusion Gold Crystal Watch
One of the most enjoyably divisive watch brands on Planet Earth has released a rush of new models during the LVMH watch week in Dubai. Hublot, known for its endless experimentation with unusual materials, strikes gold with the Classic Fusion Gold Crystal watch.
Say what you like about Hublot, but this horological heavyweight knows how to cause a stir. The sheer proportions of many of Hublot’s models require their wearers to have bags of confidence. Throw in the often wild design of these laboratory-born showstoppers, and you’re left with a product that will appeal to a small slither of the luxury watch audience. But that is exactly what this brand wants, and what it does so well. With often stratospheric prices, Hublot knows full well that its wares are for the extremely privileged few. And the brand pitches these products to that niche expertly. The new Hublot Classic Fusion Gold Crystal watch ticks all the boxes. It’s big, it’s black, and it’s entirely unapologetic. And it will undoubtedly get you noticed.
Wrist Monsters
You may shudder at the thought of drawing such attention to yourself. If you do, neither of these watches are for you. I, however, go gooey-eyed over this kind of material novelty. Would a watch like this be my daily beater? Not a chance. Would I love, love, love to have one in my collection if I won the lottery? You bet I would.
They make me feel something…
It wouldn’t sit comfortably next to the rest of my collection. I’d be terrified to leave one of these in my watch case overnight, sitting next to my tiny NOMOS Club Campus 36, for fear of finding it mauled to death in the morning. But that’s precisely what I find so compelling about these models. They are wrist monsters, bold and brash, wholly unlike the majority of watches on the market. And they make me feel something. That, above all else, is what this hobby should be about.
Crystalized 24-Karat Gold
So what is it exactly that I like so much about this model? Well, believe it or not, I think the design is pleasingly restrained (feel free to laugh at this point, but there is a justification coming). What the Hublot Classic Fusion Classic Fusion Gold Crystal watch does particularly well is allow the focus of the design – the crystalized 24-karat gold on the dial – to breathe. There is no interruption from the jet-black case and strap. They play their parts well, acting as a frame for the main event. These watches are part luxury item, part scientific experiment, and part work of art. When you look at it like that, the 45mm diameter doesn’t sound too unreasonable; the smaller size, coming in at 38mm, is even more wearable (for men or women looking to flash this kind of sparkle on their wrists).
The featured movement is the automatic HUB1112. It’s a simple watch, horologically speaking, but these movements are well-made and aesthetically congruous with their avant-garde surroundings. The retail price will be €20,800. Because of the way the gold crystals are formed, every one of these pieces is unique. It’s a model worth seeing in person to fully appreciate the visual interest of the dial. If you’re interested in arranging a viewing, you can find your nearest Hublot dealer here.
