INTRODUCING: The Hublot x Shepard Fairey Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph All Black
Ricardo SimeHublot has made a habit of mastering the art of collaboration – art being the operative word. Their creations provide many artist with an inspiring and complex canvas on which to express themselves, whether through colour, texture or material. That creative fusion brought to life by the imagination of an artist continues with their latest collaboration, the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph All Black Shepard Fairey Limited Edition.
Fairey, a popular street artist in Los Angeles, is famously known for his 2008 artwork called Hope that came to represent Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Inspired by this and his other works, Hublot partnered with him back in 2018 for the Big Bang Meca-10 Shepard Fairey. That was soon followed by the Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey released in 2020. This new collaboration builds on that aforementioned work.
At 45mm, the Classic Fusion Aerofusion has quite a presence. It’s a bold looking piece however it still comes off subdued when compared to the collab released in 2020. That was molded out of roughly brushed titanium, and bore Fairey’s very own mandala design. Here, through the use of microblasted black ceramic, the watch has a smoother, more refined look. Furthermore, the use of black means, to the eye, the watch looks smaller than it really is.
Rounding out the case specifications, we have a push/pull crown and water resistance of 50 metres.
Moving in from the case, we’re met with a design that shares many similarities with the previous collaboration. It starts with the brand’s logo printed on the underside of the sapphire glass. The central face of Fairey’s mandala is printed on the underside as well. Below that is the main attraction, the skeletonised dial which sits under another piece of sapphire crystal. Here is where your eyes start to play tricks with you as you compare it to the previous version. Because you suddenly realise that Fairey has further skeletonised the design, creating dark zones within areas that were once solid. The last big difference? The minute markers and chronograph hand are now polished instead of displayed in the red colour used on the previous version.
Between the layers, skeletonised dial and the faceted markers and hands, the sense of depth one gets from this dial – especially when viewed from the side – is remarkable.
At the heart of this piece of art is Hublot’s HUB1155 self-winding movement. It’s based on the ETA 2892-A2, with a chronograph module attached. With a semi-skeletonised rotor, it beats at 28,800 bph and comes in with a power reserve of 42 hours, the movement visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback.
Completing the blacked out look and securing the watch to your wrist is Hublot’s black lined rubber strap. It features a deployant clasp that is a mixture of black ceramic and black steel. It’s simple design highlights the complexity we have on the case.
As a total package, the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph All Black Shepard Fairey presents as the perfect yin to the previous version’s yang. It’s more refined and has an appeal I feel will attract more interest. It’s also an evolution of Fairey’s original mandala design, showing the growth of both the artist and the strength of their relationship he has with the brand. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph All Black Shepard Fairey Limited Edition pricing and availability:
The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph All Black Shepard Fairey Limited Edition is available at North American Boutiques and on their website. Only 50 pieces will be made. Price: $25,900 USD
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph All Black Shepard Fairey |
| Case Dimensions | 45mm x 13.05mm x 53.8mm |
| Case Material | Microblasted Black Ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 50 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black |
| Lug Width | 24mm |
| Strap | Black Rubber Strap |
| Movement | HUB1155 Self-winding Skeleton Chronograph Movement |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Availability | US Boutiques and Hublot.com/US |
| Price | $25,900 USD |