Introducing: The Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary Edition in Yellow Gold

What seems on the surface to be a simple reissue, is actually a lot more interesting.

October 29, 2020
By: Logan Hannen

Hublot has become a bit of a marmite brand in recent years, with some truly magnificent and innovative pieces mixed in with others that leave many a collector scratching their heads. However, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Classic Fusion line, one of their flagship models, the brand has dipped into the archive for what seems on the surface to be a simple reissue, but is actually a lot more interesting.

Source: Hublot

The Specs
Case Diameter: 45mm
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap/Bracelet: Black Rubber Strap
Movement: Hublot Caliber HUB1112 Automatic Movement

The Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary Edition comes in a 45mm 18k yellow gold case in a unique, porthole-shaped case with integrated lugs (executed in the modern Classic Fusion silhouette instead of the original). While the comparisons to the Patek Philippe Nautilus and other Genta-designed watches are obvious, they also have been addressed by then CEO of the brand, Jean-Claude Biver, in his episode of HODINKEE’s Talking Watches, where he stated that the design similarities simply come from the fact that both watches took their main design inspiration from the porthole of a ship. There are plenty of differentiating factors to the Hublot’s design, as well, including the dial and strap.

The dial of this watch is jet black, to match the original, and features no indices or markers beyond the Hublot name and logo at 12 o’clock, in gold to match the case. Also executed in matching gold are the hands at center. At 3 o’clock we have a date window in black to blend in seamlessly with the dial, one of the differences from the original, where the date wheel was in white.

Source: Hublot

Affixed to the watch is a black rubber strap with no texture, just like the original. It offers a clean, simple aesthetic that is mirrored in nearly every other aspect of the watch’s design, perhaps done so as to accentuate the complex design of the case and show it off in all its glory. As seen through the display caseback, we have the Hublot Caliber HUB1112, an automatic movement with a 42 hour power reserve.

The Damage
The Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Year Anniversary Edition in yellow gold retails for $25,200.

The Take
Anniversary pieces have often been a disappointment since Rolex launched the Datejust in 1945. Instead of celebrating by pouring resources into development, brands now opt for simple facelifts. I do think that there’s a place for reissues like this, and, all things considered, this one is quite nice, though I do wish we observed a market that chose creativity over recycling more often than it does. Though, in fairness to Hublot, we have seen a disproportionate amount of innovation in design, complication, and material in recent history. So, while my nostalgia for the glory days for a constant flow of new design might have soured my palette for this release, I must acknowledge that their decision here is probably appropriate. See, sometimes the abrasive critic eats his words.