By Dhananjay Pathak
Hublot is one of the few brands that I really admire when it comes down to brand collaborations and use of innovative materials in their products. Take for example the Hublot Big Bang Unico Magic Gold watch which utilizes Hublot’s proprietary Magic Gold in its case construction, which as per the brand cannot be scratched or have a look at the Hublot Classic Fusion Italia independent watches which have been created in collaboration with Italian design company Italia independent and use actual Italian fabric on their dials and straps. Either way, the end product is indeed distinctive and intriguing. So, on that note let me introduce you to the latest creative offering from the brand – The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium. This watch is an end result of Hublot’s collaboration with Richard Orlinski and features a distinctive case design inspired by the multi-faceted nature of the artist’s work.
Richard Orlinski is a contemporary French artist and sculptor whose work is based around his “Born Wild” concept through which he is trying to turn animal’s negative impulses into a positive emotion. Richard likes to work with contemporary materials such as resin and aluminum, but also uses bronze and stone. He creates brightly colored nature-inspired sculptures by cutting them like diamonds giving them a complex geometry and edginess and this design language has been the source of inspiration behind the case on the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion chronograph Orlinski.
Made out of polished titanium, the case of this watch has multiple ridges and facets that reflect each other and lend the watch a 3 dimensionality, as seen on some of the artist’s sculptures. The case has a diameter of 45mm which is certainly on the larger side of things, but is definitely apt for a watch of this style and would ensure a lot of wrist presence. On top of the case is a sapphire crystal which gives a clear view of the dial, whereas on the back is a simple screwed down closed case back, hiding beneath it the Hublot HUB1155 chronograph movement that powers this watch. This is a self-winding movement which beats at 4 Hz and offers a power reserve of 42 hours.
As impressive as the case on this watch is, the dial also does not fall behind either. This watch features a skeletonized dial completely made out of sapphire which not only makes it highly scratch resistant but also gives it a great level of transparency. I am usually not a fan of skeletonized dials as if not implemented correctly, skeletonization at times defeats the entire purpose of a watch, which is basically to show the time clearly. Although I would not say that the dial on this highly legible, but I would also not shy away from saying that the dials have been nicely executed and do have some interesting touches making it relatively easier to read as compared to a lot of other skeletonized dials out there.
For the most part, whatever meets the eye on this dial has been finished in a greyish black color tone, which provides a great contrast to the applied and polished steel colored hour markers, as well as the entire handset. Further to this, the minute chapter ring on the outer periphery of the dial is a really nice detail as it has been rendered in a deep black color tone with white printed minute markings making it easy to read the time. The 2 sub-registers at 3 and 9 represent the running seconds and 30minute counter respectively and have been nicely applied giving a sense of depth to the dial. Finally, for date lovers, the current date can be seen highlighted on top of a steel colored base at the 6 o’clock position.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion chronograph Orlinski Titanium is indeed a great fusion between the world of horology and the world of art. So, in case you are in the market for a bold luxury watch and are a sucker for intricate case details this watch is definitely worth a look in my opinion. The watch is available in two new models, each limited to a production run of 200 pieces: one in titanium and the other in blue ceramic. The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion chronograph Orlinski Titanium featured here would come fitted on a smooth black rubber strap. hublot.com
