These days, Hublot’s ‘Art of Fusion’ philosophy – the combination of gold with high-tech materials – is almost a prerequisite to watch design, but back in 1980, it was something seldom seen.
Today, the brand is returning to the design that started it all with the Classic Fusion Tributo, a new pair of watches that rework founder Carlo Crocco’s original in yellow and white gold.
When Crocco introduced the first Hublot under the MDM Genève name, the mash up of gold and rubber challenged traditional ideas of luxury watchmaking – to put it mildly. The design featured a plain dial and a bezel secured by 12 screws, establishing that unapologetic contrast that would become central to the brand’s aesthetic.
The new aptly named Tributo keeps those defining details, with a gold case, black rubber strap and minimalist dial.
Here the case has grown slightly from 36mm to 38mm, while the 12 bezel screws remain in place, framing a dial with only the date display and Hublot and MDM logos.
The yellow gold version features a black lacquered dial and yellow gold oscillating weight, while the white gold model pairs a polished black onyx dial with a black tungsten oscillating weight.
While the exterior stays close to the blueprint, the movement has been completely updated. The quartz mechanism of the 1980 watch has been replaced by Hublot’s HUB1711 self-winding manufacture calibre, which has 185 components and delivers approximately 60 hours of power reserve.
The movement’s open-worked H-shaped oscillating weight is visible through the sapphire caseback. Both versions are water resistant to 100 metres and measure 9.5mm thick.
Crocco said revisiting the design had been an emotional experience, reflecting on how the brand had developed since its launch.
“Today, seeing the very first design and the origins of the Art of Fusion brought back to life is deeply emotional,” he said.
Hublot CEO Julien Tornare said the watch connects the founder’s original vision with the brand’s current manufacturing expertise.
“To respect Hublot is to honor its origins, not by freezing it in time, but by keeping it in motion. The Classic Fusion Tributo perfectly embodies this philosophy, creating a direct link between 1980 and the present. Carlo Crocco’s vision remains – sharp, disruptive and vibrant. Now, this vision is realized with the full extent of our manufacturing expertise.”
Hublot will also donate CHF 100,000 to Crocco’s Main Dans la Main Foundation, established in 1998 to support humanitarian and educational projects for vulnerable children and communities in need.
£23,600 / $30,900, hublot.com