Hublot's is a classic example of how the name of a model can obscure that of the manufacturer, in this case Carlo Crocco's MDM. In 1980, the Italian company launched a highly innovative project. The Hublot, when it was launched at the Basel Watch Show, was a revelation. A Swiss Made watch, but with a quartz movement, at a time when Japanese quartz watches were reigning supreme (and to them we owe the black crisis in which all Swiss watchmaking found itself); a precious, 'luxury' watch, which clearly wanted to fit into the haute de gamme bracket; which was inspired by the shape of a porthole and broke the canons of traditional design. And, for the first time in history, equipped with a rubber strap.
Following in the footsteps of the original model, Jean-Claude Biver then revolutionised the brand in 2005: he cancelled MDM and left Hublot alone, starting to explore unusual materials and bold designs, which have become the brand's strong points.
Looking back, the first model from the 1980s, emblematic of its revolutionary approach and subsequently christened Classic Fusion, has been reissued this year in three sizes (42, 38 and 33 mm), each available in gold, titanium and ceramic. Generally faithful to the original design, with its minimalist, black lacquered dials and integrated strap, the Classic Fusion Original features a few subtle stylistic variations, such as the date window which is now ton-sur-ton and no longer white, and the famous H-shaped bezel attachment screws which have been reduced from 12 to 6.
Unlike the 1980s version, the two larger sizes adopt a mechanical movement: the automatic calibre HUB1110, based on the Sellita SW300-1 and with 42 hours of power reserve, shown through the sapphire crystal case back. The 33 mm version, on the other hand, is quartz, with a battery life of 3 to 5 years.
Compared to the bolder and more voluminous Big Bang, the Classic Fusion Original represents a more elegant interpretation of Hublot watchmaking, reaffirming those characteristics at its birth that made it the 'understatement' watch par excellence: a precious timepiece that doesn't appear to be, without frills, which is perhaps precisely why in the 1990s it was worn on the wrists of all the crowned heads of Europe, royalty and otherwise.
Pricesfrom 6,800 to 25,200 euro.
