By Jovan K
Bronze is back, again. Not that it ever really left, but Hublot’s latest riff on the Classic Fusion Bronze Brown now comes with a chronograph complication and a U.S.-only e-commerce swerve that feels decidedly 2025. While the brand is celebrating the Big Bang’s 20th anniversary this year, a legitimate horological milestone, this Classic Fusion release operates on its own timeline, appealing to different tastes. This one is not for the boutique crowd who need a hand to hold, but for the online diehards who would rather click through a CAPTCHA than chat with a sales rep. If you remember the original time only Bronze Brown, consider this the sequel that adds more gears to the mix without losing any of the coppery charisma that made the first one work.
The case is a 45mm x 13.05mm slab of black brushed bronze, which, if you’ve worn bronze watches before, you will know that it’s less about sheen and more about story. It’ll patinate faster than your leather boots in monsoon season, developing what Hublot calls a “soft, organic patina” that ensures no two pieces age identically. Translation: your wrist chemistry becomes part of the design process. The caseback is microblasted black ceramic, a material choice that keeps things from going full steampunk while offering a textural contrast to the bronze’s warmth.
The dial has a sunray brown finish that catches the light and reflects the warmth of the case. It pairs smoothly with the yellow gold tone of the markers and hands. The 3N gold screws bring a soft touch of shine that evens out the raw bronze, keeping it sleek without dulling its edge. It is a tricky balance to find, but this one does it with ease, merging that lived-in bronze look with modern chronograph precision.
At its core, the automatic HUB1143 keeps everything running smoothly, delivering 48 hours of power reserve. The movement beats at 4Hz and packs 280 components with 59 jewels. It is rated to 5 ATM, so while it is not made for diving, it will handle everyday wear with ease.
Completing the package is a dark brown alligator strap with black rubber, secured by a black brushed bronze and black steel deployant buckle. Priced at $17,500, this 30-piece release is available exclusively online in the U.S.
