Hublot Classic Fusion Watches
To understand the Hublot Classic Fusion, you need to understand the history of Hublot. In 1980, Hublot released its original watch, designed by Carlo Crocco. The watch featured a rubber strap and a bezel in the style of a porthole. This was unusual for a watch made of a precious metal (gold). Unfortunately, the original Hublot watch did not see much success.
In 2005, Hublot launched a modernized version of their original watch, called the Big Bang. This watch was a runaway success, owing much of its popularity to its oversized wrist presence and use of multiple surprising materials. In 2008, Hublot released a third watch, which completed the circle of its revival: the Hublot Classic Fusion. The Classic Fusion is a simpler, smaller and thinner watch compared with the Big Bang, and it closely resembles the original Hublot watch. Just like the Big Bang, the Classic Fusion’s introduction was incredibly successful.
Hublot Classic Fusion’s Expert Polishing
Hublot’s Classic Fusion case is expertly polished with multiple styles of finishing. The bezel and middle lugs sport a satin finish, which is applied using a fine abrasive in a straight line. The lugs are highly polished to a reflective finish, making them stand out in a sublime way. Remarkably, the case of the Hublot Classic Fusion is disassembled to apply these finishes. This allows the edges to look sharp and crisp.
Bezel Screws in Hublot Classic Fusion
The Hublot Classic Fusion sports a special bezel in the shape of a porthole. That bezel is held on to the watch case by six special screws. These H-shaped screws are a miniature Hublot logo adorning the watch. At the same time, they are functional in multiple ways. In addition to holding the bezel in place, they serve as a sort of security screw. The Hublot Classic Fusion cannot be serviced by just any watchmaker, as it requires a special screwdriver to properly disassemble.
40 Years of Hublot Classic Fusion
The Hublot Classic Fusion 40th Anniversary Collection was introduced in 2020 for the 40th anniversary of the original Hublot watch. The Classic Fusion has always flirted with the design of the original Hublot watch, but the 40th Anniversary Collection goes all the way in replicating the original 1980s charm of that iconic watch. The dial of the watch is all black, except for a large Hublot logo at 12 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. The Classic Fusion 40th Anniversary Collection is offered in yellow gold, titanium and black ceramic. There is one major difference between the original 1980 Hublot watch and the 40th Anniversary Classic Fusion: the size. The updated version is at a more modern 45 millimeters.
Hublot Classic Fusion’s Dependable Movement
The Hublot Classic Fusion uses a Sellita SW300 movement. Sellita is the second largest movement manufacturer in Switzerland, after Swatch Group’s ETA. The SW300 is Sellita’s workhorse movement, which is considered to be a clone of the famous ETA 2824. The movement is modified for Hublot to include a personalized automatic winding rotor with the brand name prominently shown. The Sellita SW300 features 42 hours of power reserve, meaning that it will run for 42 hours after being fully wound. Simply put, the Sellita SW300 in Hublot’s Classic Fusion is one of the most reliable and proven watch movements made today.
Hublot Classic Fusion’s Modular Chronograph
The chronograph in Hublot’s Classic Fusion is a module mechanism. Modules are a great way to add an additional feature to an already existing movement, like the Sellita SW300. The mechanism is placed on top of the dial side of the movement, just beneath the dial itself. It interfaces with the gear train of the existing movement to provide energy when the chronograph is actuated. This elegant solution enables a manufacturer to not need to build an entirely new movement for a specific watch or new complication.
Hublot Classic Fusion’s 25 Jewels (Not Diamonds)
The movement in the Hublot Classic Fusion features 25 jewels, but these aren’t jewels in the classic sense. A mechanical watch uses synthetic corundum as bearings (jewels) for the tiny pivots of its gear train. But why not use ball bearings, such as those found in a skateboard? Size is the issue. Ball bearings require multiple parts to be assembled, and they can’t be made small enough to fit inside a mechanical watch. Jewels provide a great alternative and have been used for centuries. A small amount of lubrication between the jewel surface and the steel pivot creates a low coefficient of friction, allowing for smooth operation. Jewels are friction fit into the brass or nickel mainplate and bridges, using a specialized tool. Jewels also allow the watchmaker to finely adjust the vertical freedom of the gears in the watch movement to ensure proper rotational freedom.
Hublot Classic Fusion Value and Collectibility
The Hublot Classic Fusion is the more affordable version of Hublot’s Big Bang, and it shows in resale prices. In January 2021 a Hublot Classic Fusion in titanium (Reference 511.NX.1171.RX) sold for $5,600. Even more affordable, a Hublot Classic Fusion in a racing gray case also sold for $4,250 in January 2021. A large number of Hublot Classic Fusion watches are available on resale markets, leading to price stability.