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INTRODUCING: The dark panache of the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud INTRODUCING: The dark panache of the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud

INTRODUCING: The dark panache of the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud

Thor Svaboe

The Bol d’Or Mirabaud is the world’s biggest inland lake regatta, running the length of Lake Geneva, and Hublot is celebrating its eighth consecutive year as official timekeeper, with a brand new version of its 45mm Classic Fusion Chronograph, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud

Hublot knows how to pluck at our heartstrings, with a sharp combination of tech-tough black ceramic and a sharp two-tone dial, taking its cues perhaps from the deep blue of Lake Geneva for the chronograph registers of the grey bicompax dial. This formal combination framed by satin black, is balanced perfectly with a touch of dark blue in the mid-case of this light-for its size sports watch.

I couldn’t call the 45mm Classic Fusion slim or svelte, but this is Hublot. The language is one of a tough tribe that enjoys the technical nature of Hublot’s Art of Fusion, without a single hint of fauxtina. Even if we have seen this case before in a wealth of maerials, Hublot superbly executes a new look with minute twists of their tried and tested recipes. The easy choice would be a monochromatic, black and grey, battle-tough piece. Instead the judicious use of a rather elegant shade of formal navy for the circumference and perfectly sized registers, lends an authoritative and elegant air to the polished and satin-finished ceramic. The smooth look is balanced out by the streetwear sports inspired strap, a technical fabric, top stitched in a vibrant zig-zag pattern on the inner comfort of blue Hublot rubber.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud

I’d be happy to wear this with a suit, if I could squeeze it under that slim cuff, as it is a party piece (isn’t it always with Hublot?), albeit a sporty one.  The polished, applied rhodium-plated details on the dial within the dark case brings out a mid-century word from the dictionary that, for me, carries a certain aspirational twang –  “raffish”: unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive way. 

OK, sorry Hublot, while not slightly disreputable in any sense of the word, it conjures up that image of myself still suited up, shirt unbuttoned, jumping into a Riva on the Lake and powering out from the dock on full throttle on my way to a lakefront villa cocktail party with the jet set. 

Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud

Should you be tempted to try on the Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud, you could do worse than pop into the refurbished Hublot boutique at 86 Rue du Rhone in Geneva, and stop off for a spot of lunch at the new Le Floris restaurant, where Hublot ambassador and chef Jean-Edern Hurstel offers fitting gastronomic fusion food while you gather your thoughts.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud

The 45mm, 13.05mm thick Classic Fusion is powered by the HUB 1143 calibre, a 4hz self/winding chronograph movement with a 42 hour power reserve. This is just about visible under the rear sapphire crystal printed with the BOM logo, framed by black ceramic letting you know that you have a special edition Classic Fusion hugging your wrist. 

The Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud, price and availability:

The Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud is $13,200USD on a blue rubber and technical fabric strap.

For more details, visit Hublot right here.