When Carlo Crocco launched the inaugural Hublot watch in 1980, he boldly disrupted traditional Swiss watchmaking by pairing a gold casing with a rubber strap. The design was exceptionally streamlined, featuring a porthole-inspired bezel secured by twelve visible screws and a minimalist dial that highlighted the striking contrast between gold and black. With the introduction of the new Classic Fusion Tributo, Hublot re-embraces these foundational aesthetic principles, maintaining the unique proportions and material harmony while integrating 46 years of progress in movement engineering, material science, and finishing techniques.
The Classic Fusion Tributo, now measuring 38mm in diameter—a slight increase from the original's 36mm—and boasting a case thickness of 9.5mm, continues the legacy. Both models are equipped with a textured black rubber strap and a bezel fastened by 12 screws, which double as subtle hour markers. The dial remains understated, with the date aperture positioned at 3 o'clock. Prominent lugs underscore the case construction, and a screw-down crown ensures water resistance up to 100 meters. The decision to omit Hublot's modern 'One Click' strap-changing mechanism was a conscious choice to preserve the watch's historical fidelity. The most notable evolution in this timepiece is found within its core: while the 1980 version relied on a quartz movement, the Classic Fusion Tributo is powered by the self-winding HUB1711 manufacture caliber, which draws its architecture from the esteemed Zenith Elite. This movement's refined gear train and automatic winding mechanism provide an impressive power reserve of approximately 50 hours, comprising 185 components and operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). Its intricate workings are visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, revealing an openworked oscillating weight crafted in the distinct Hublot 'H' shape, translating the brand's unique design ethos into a functional mechanical element.
The collection offers two distinct versions, each sharing the same foundational construction and movement but differing in their dial finishes and rotor materials. The yellow-gold variant, reference 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM, mirrors the original's gold-and-black color scheme, featuring a matte black dial with a subtle charcoal nuance and an oscillating weight made from 22K yellow gold. At the 6 o'clock position, the gold 'MDM' inscription is a nod to the 'MDM Genève' name under which Carlo Crocco first launched Hublot, and also acknowledges the Main Dans la Main Foundation, which Crocco established in 1998 to support humanitarian and educational initiatives. Conversely, the white-gold model, reference 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM, adopts a more subdued aesthetic with a polished black onyx dial that presents a deep, consistent surface, complemented by black-plated titanium bezel screws. Its monochromatic appeal is further enhanced by a black tungsten oscillating weight. Both timepieces are fitted with black rubber straps and deployant clasps that combine gold with black-plated stainless steel and black-plated titanium. These Classic Fusion Tributo models are available at select Hublot retailers and through the brand's official online store, each priced at $30,900.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo stands as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of innovative design and the continuous pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship. By reinterpreting its origins with modern advancements, Hublot not only honors its heritage but also reaffirms its position as a forward-thinking brand that skillfully merges tradition with contemporary vision. This watch serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that true innovation often lies in respecting one's roots while boldly embracing future possibilities, creating pieces that resonate with both history and progress.
