Hublot Classic Fusion II Hourglass Special Edition features gorgeous hardstone dials
Which one is your favourite?
Are Hublot, masters of bold, brash and over-the-top watchmaking, entering an era of elegance? This series of five special editions, created to celebrate 40 years of partnership with The Hour Glass, certainly shows off Hublot’s surprising side and are – to put it simply – hot.
Each version features a simple Classic Fusion design inspired by the original ‘Porthole’ design from 1980, paired with a 42mm titanium case and added red and King Gold flecked details on the crown and bezel screws. So far, it’s a pretty staid design for Hublot – but don’t worry, they went all out on the dials. Each dial is crafted from a single piece of hardstone, with some versions featuring pink jasper, turquoise, sodalite, nephrite and lunar meteorite. Each watch is truly exclusive, and the simple case design really lets the unique nature of these gemstones shine through. The Lunar Meteor (a fragment of the moon that enters Earth’s orbit) is the most understated of all the meteors, with a grey hue and metallic sheen.
If I had to guess, I’d say the Turquoise and Nephrite options would be the most popular, not only because of the positive associations these gems have, but also for their sheer visual appeal. The bright green and blue gems are absolutely eye-catching, and the gold hands and case details are the icing on the cake. If you like blue, the deep indigo sodalite dial might suit you well – the example used in these press photos has some unique inclusions. However, if I had to pick my favourite of the five dials, it would be the Pink Jasper. A warm, dusky pink, it’s a more unusual dial choice, and pairs really pleasingly with the tonal palette of the gold elements.
But really, these dials are all standouts. There’s no detailing other than the Hublot logo, which really accentuates the colour and sheen of the dial, while each material has enough subtle textures and patterns in its inherent composition to give the dial so much depth and interest that it could never be mistaken for lacquer, or even enamel.
Designed for The Hour Glass, these watches are incredibly thin on the wrist at just 10.4mm thick, and the HUB1110 movement offers a 42-hour power reserve. A black alligator leather strap with contrasting stitching adds a formal touch, but let’s be honest, all the decorative elements are there to support the star of this watch – those gorgeous dials.
Technical specifications: Hublot Classic Fusion Elements II Hourglass Special Edition Movement: HUB1110, automatic, 42-hour power reserve Functions: hours, minutes, seconds Case: Titanium, 42 x 10.4mm, water-resistant to 50m Dial: Pink Jasper, Turquoise, Sodalite, Nephrite, Lunar Meteorite Strap: Black Alligator