INTRODUCING: The Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Bronze Brown Limited Edition
Zach BlassAs a materials expert, Hublot has done it all. Steel, titanium, carbon, proprietary precious alloys, and ceramic and sapphire in endless colourways. So, to say that there is now an opportunity to grab a watch from Hublot in an uncommon material may come as a bit of a surprise. But, the truth is Hublot does not explore bronze very often. This week, however, the “art of fusion” manufacture has launched a North American online boutique exclusive limited edition of 30 pieces: the Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Bronze Brown.
Its 45mm case, 10.95mm thick and 50m water-resistant, is entirely hand-brushed in an array of directions – so there is little flash or glisten to its aesthetic. That being said, I think the entirely brushed finished really suits the bronze. The metal appears to have been factory burnished, creating the appearance that this watch aged in a time capsule – preserved for 30 lucky buyers in the present. With this darkened touch to the bronze, the lines of the brushing really stand out – appearing almost like the fur of a lion.
Complimenting the case is a chocolate brown sunray dial, with 3N gold plated hands and indices that convey a more pristine sense of a bronze or yellow gold shade. We have seen rather busy aesthetics from Hublot dials, openworked to reveal hundreds of components working beneath. But the Classic Fusion remains, well…. classic in form. Crisp, clean and uncluttered, only the white on black date disc interrupting the dial.
Continuing the chocolatey vibes of the Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Bronze Brown case and dial, you have a brown alligator upper, with tone-matching brown stitching, affixed to a black rubber under – offering visual formality with hidden comfort. The strap is secured to the wrist by a “black brushed bronze and black-plated stainless-steel” deployant clasp. The deployant clasp will help keep the 45mm watch centered on the wrist, and is considered to further heighten the level of comfort on the wrist by many.
Visible beneath an exhibition caseback, you have the automatic Hublot calibre HUB1112 – a modified take on the Sellita SW300-1. Hublot has personally finished the calibre, as well as modified its calendar complication to better cater to a larger 45mm watch. Is it the most visually stunning? I will not pretend it is. But, within the world of Sellita-based calibres, this is certainly well-finished with brushed bridges, industrially applied chamfers, and an openworked rotor.
The 40-hour power reserve calibre may not turn the heads of down-the-rabbit-hole collectors, but remember: this is a watch, while certainly reliable and robust, you buy for its eye-catching externals. Bronze is ubiquitous for sure, but, in this rare moment where Hublot is utilizing the material, I personally find it to be one of the most attractive uses of bronze for a case I have ever seen.
Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Bronze Brown Limited Edition
The Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Bronze Brown Limited Edition is a limited edition of 30 pieces, available now but exclusive to North America online at Hublot.com. Price: $13,300 USD
| Manufacturer | Hublot |
| Reference | Classic Fusion 45mm Bronzed Brown |
| Case Material | Bronze |
| Case Dimensions | 45mm x 10.95mm |
| Water-Resistance | 50m |
| Dial | Brown sunray with 3N gold plated hands and indices |
| Strap | Brown alligator leather upper, black rubber under with bronze/steel folding clasp |
| Movement | HUB 1112 (based on Sellita SW300-1) |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now, only in North America online, as a limited edition of 30 pcs. |
| Price | $13,300 USD |