HANDS-ON: The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium Alternative Pavé

Felix Scholz

To my mind, the watches coming out of Hublot’s partnership with contemporary artist Richard Orlinski have been some of the brand’s most striking. The bold, geometric look manages to be both in keeping with Hublot’s design ethos, while looking on-trend. At the heart of this, Orlinski’s appeal is the facets, which allows the typically blocky case of the Classic Fusion to play with light and shade in intriguing ways. This titanium-cased Alternative Pavé version of the Orlinski takes the faceted concept to the next level by adding 312 finely faceted diamonds into the mix. There are 156 diamonds, set in two rows on the bezel, and a further 156 set into the case. The total weight of the stones is around 2 carats.

The fully set bezel certainly provides a very pretty frame for the skeletonised dial, but for me it’s the rocks on the case that stand out. Seemingly random, alternating facets have been pavé set (giving the watch its name), with the diamond-free titanium surfaces polished to a high, mirror-like shine. The effect is, quite frankly, stunning.

Now, I know stones on watches aren’t to everyone’s taste, and I understand why. Often, the use of diamonds is done in a pretty ho-hum way, typically a row around the bezel which serves to add some flash. That’s not the case with Hublot. Here the diamonds form an integral part of the visual design, accenting the structure and form of the watch in a meaningful way. Add to this the fact that the 45mm case is titanium, and offered on a plain rubber strap, and the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium Alternative Pavé proves that the art of fusion is alive and well at Hublot.

Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium Alternative Pavé Australian pricing

Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium Alternative Pavé, $40,600