Hublot commemorates its genesis with the introduction of the Classic Fusion Tributo, a collection that reimagines the brand's iconic 1980 MDM 'La Hublot' timepiece. This new line, offered in both yellow and white gold, represents a thoughtful journey back to the company's roots, developed with the direct involvement of founder Carlo Crocco. It skillfully combines historical design elements with contemporary horological advancements, creating a watch that resonates with both long-time enthusiasts and new admirers of the brand.
The genesis of Hublot can be traced back to 1980 when Carlo Crocco dared to fuse a gold watch case with a rubber strap, a concept that was revolutionary at the time. This audacious design, inspired by a ship's porthole and dubbed the MDM 'La Hublot,' challenged conventional luxury watchmaking and quickly gained favor among European royalty. Fast forward 46 years, and Hublot, now nearing its half-century mark, is once again drawing inspiration from this foundational model. The Classic Fusion Tributo series aims to fulfill Crocco's initial vision, leveraging decades of material innovation and watchmaking expertise.
The Classic Fusion Tributo is presented in two distinct 38mm models: one crafted from yellow gold and the other from white gold. Both iterations are powered by a Zenith-sourced movement, a significant upgrade from the original quartz mechanism. A key design feature is the return of the 12-screw bezel, a direct nod to the original MDM Hublot's porthole inspiration. While the new models retain the essence of their predecessor, they feature subtle modern enhancements. The case has been slightly enlarged by two millimeters, and the thickness has increased to 9.5mm from the original's 6.5mm, reflecting contemporary preferences for more substantial timepieces. Despite these adjustments, the overall aesthetic remains faithful to the original design, incorporating a balanced blend of heritage and modern wearability.
Further refinements in the Classic Fusion Tributo include robust lugs, more pronounced hands, a white-on-black date display, and an improved H-shaped screw construction. The seconds hand now features a Hublot logo-shaped counterbalance, and an exhibition caseback reveals the intricate Zenith-based HUB1711 movement. The crown has also been enlarged and is now screw-down, enhancing water resistance. These thoughtful upgrades contribute to an elevated overall finish, aligning the watch with current luxury standards without sacrificing its vintage charm. The dial, uniquely crafted from polished black onyx, provides a striking contrast to the gold case and features the original 'MDM' signature at 6 o'clock, a subtle but powerful tribute to the brand's early identity. The integrated black rubber strap, with its vertical corrugations, offers a refined texture compared to the original's smooth finish, completed by a matching gold buckle and a black-plated titanium foldover clasp.
Powering these watches is the Hublot calibre HUB1711, an advanced variant derived from the Zenith Elite 670 movement. This optimized movement boasts an extended 60-hour power reserve, a 10-hour improvement over its closest counterpart, the HUB1710. The movement is elegantly showcased through a sapphire caseback, revealing a Hublot 'H'-shaped open rotor. Notably, the rotor materials vary between the two models: the yellow gold version features a matching gold rotor, while the white gold variant is equipped with a black tungsten rotor. Both Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo models are standard production pieces and are available through select Hublot retailers and online. Each is priced at A$44,600. Demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility, Hublot has pledged CHF 100,000 from the sales of the Classic Fusion Tributo to the Main Dans la Main (MDM) Foundation, a charity established by Carlo Crocco in 1998 to support humanitarian and educational initiatives for vulnerable children and communities.
This latest iteration of the Classic Fusion successfully captures the essence of the original MDM Hublot while integrating contemporary enhancements that align with modern expectations. The meticulous attention to detail, such as the slightly raised convex screw heads on the bezel (a feature of the original, distinct from the flat H-shaped screws of the standard Classic Fusion), underscores Hublot's dedication to historical accuracy. The inclusion of the 'MDM' dial signature is a welcome acknowledgment of the brand's past, especially commendable given Carlo Crocco's involvement and Hublot's generous donation to his foundation. Although a 36mm case, closer to the original, might have been preferred by some purists, the 38mm size reflects current market demands while still honoring the original's design philosophy. However, the white gold model's black-plated titanium bezel screws, while aesthetically striking, diverge from the original MDM Hublot's design, raising questions about historical fidelity versus creative license in reinterpretation.
