Hublot’s new Classic Fusion Tributo collection pays homage to the brand’s origins, drawing inspiration from Carlo Crocco’s groundbreaking 1980 timepiece. This collection seamlessly integrates Hublot’s signature “Art of Fusion” by combining precious metals with rubber, a daring concept that revolutionized the luxury watch industry. These two new gold models, available in yellow and white gold, encapsulate 46 years of horological expertise, featuring sleek, understated designs and an advanced automatic caliber developed by Zenith.
The Classic Fusion Tributo line reintroduces the spirit of the original Hublot watch, which made waves with its unexpected pairing of gold and rubber. These modern iterations not only preserve the distinctive aesthetic of their predecessor but also elevate its mechanical precision. With a commitment to innovation while honoring heritage, Hublot demonstrates its continuous evolution and mastery in crafting unique luxury timepieces.
The Pioneering Genesis of Hublot
Before the iconic Big Bang series captivated the watch world in 2005, Carlo Crocco laid the groundwork for Hublot’s distinctive identity. In 1980, Crocco introduced a watch that audaciously blended gold with rubber, pioneering the “Art of Fusion” that would become synonymous with the brand. This novel approach aimed to create a sportier, more versatile alternative to traditional luxury watches, combining Swiss watchmaking expertise with Italian design sensibilities. The original timepiece, featuring a gold case with twelve screws on the bezel and an integrated black rubber strap, challenged conventional norms, initially drawing skepticism from industry professionals. Yet, its elegant practicality and unique aesthetic ultimately garnered widespread acclaim, with the watch’s name, Hublot, eventually becoming the brand’s official designation. This bold fusion of materials and design marked a significant turning point in the evolution of luxury sports watches.
Carlo Crocco’s vision for a watch that transcended traditional luxury materials was revolutionary. He assembled a dedicated team, including designer Francesco Maria Vimercati and case manufacturer Eric Bonnet, to bring his concept of combining gold and rubber to fruition. The initial idea of using a rubber strap, though unconventional for a luxury watch, appealed to Crocco due to its blend of elegance and resilience. Engineer Guido Gamberini spent two years perfecting the rubber strap, ensuring it met the rigorous standards for a high-end timepiece. When the watch debuted at the Basel Fair under the MDM Genève name, it was an unprecedented success. Its 36mm yellow gold case, detailed with brushed and polished finishes, and the distinctive 12 screws on its bezel, established a new design language. The minimalist black dial with a date window and a quartz movement underscored its design-led philosophy, proving that the daring combination of precious metal and utilitarian rubber was indeed “the right moment, the right product,” solidifying Hublot’s place in horological history.
Evolution and Modern Homage
Hublot has previously reinterpreted Crocco’s foundational design within its Classic Fusion family, with models like the 40th-anniversary collection and the 2023 Classic Fusion Original featuring varying case sizes and updated movements. The new Classic Fusion Tributo series, however, represents a more faithful return to the original 1980 timepiece, meticulously restoring key design elements that define its heritage. This collection reintroduces the distinctive 12-screw bezel and the captivating contrast of solid gold against sleek black rubber, capturing the essence of the watch’s debut aesthetic. Offered in both 18k yellow and white gold, the cases are slightly larger at 38mm, accommodating a modern automatic movement while preserving the original’s slender profile and sophisticated finish.
The yellow gold variant of the Classic Fusion Tributo directly echoes Crocco’s original design, featuring a polished and satin-finished case and bezel framing a matte black lacquered dial, adorned with the gold pad-printed MDM signature and a date aperture. In contrast, the white gold model presents a contemporary twist with its polished surfaces and 12 black-plated titanium screws on the bezel, complemented by a polished black onyx dial that adds a distinct texture. Both versions are powered by the automatic manufacture caliber HUB1711, developed by Zenith, boasting a 4Hz frequency and a 60-hour power reserve. This movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, showcasing an openworked H-shaped rotor crafted from 22k yellow gold or black tungsten. The watches also feature enhanced water resistance to 100 meters and the brand’s signature H-shaped polished titanium screws, symbolizing 46 years of continuous innovation while honoring the timeless appeal of Hublot’s pioneering design.
