Hublot: Classic Fusion Wild Customs

Apr 20, 2019,13:57 PM
 

It is in a very blues and rock'n roll atmosphere that Hublot and Laurent Picciotto presented a few days ago the Classic Fusion Wild Customs which is the result of the partnership between the two parties. This watch, available in 100 pieces per version (bronze or titanium) celebrates a double anniversary: ​​the 10th anniversary of the Hublot Saint-Honoré boutique, which testifies to the strength of Laurent Picciotto's commitment with Hublot and the 10th anniversary of the guitars artisan workshop Wild Customs whose owner is none other than ... Laurent Picciotto himself.

Such a watch could not therefore be launched conventionally. It needed a significant event and especially adapted to the musical context. Of course, I'm not talking about a quintet who was going to play A Little Night Music. No, a totally different style was required with power and a dominant electric guitar! That's why the launch took place at the Silencio, located rue Montmartre in Paris, as part of  a private concert by French artist & bluesman Manu Lanvin. After the speeches by Ricardo Guadalupe and Laurent Picciotto who reminded the context and the relevance of this limited series, Manu Lanvin and his group started their set with an energy quickly communicating. It is very rare during a watchmaking evening that you want to move your head and shake your feet and I was delighted to see that the Wild Customs dimension had taken over!

The surprise was then to see Laurent Picciotto on stage, demonstrating that he knew how to get his hands dirty and that his passion for guitars was not only theoretical! He was able to accompany a very gifted guitarist like Manu Lanvin on several pieces which is never easy.

The event was therefore a great success because of its offbeat side, taking place in a warm and passionate atmosphere, which was an ideal context to discover the Classic Fusion Wild Customs.

The entrance of the Silencio was very promising:


Something big and loud is coming!


Laurent Picciotto and Ricardo Guadalupe on stage:


Manu Lanvin and his group offered a very energic show:



Laurent Picciotto on stage! Congrats Laurent!


Once again, Hublot demonstrated its ability to be involved in unusual worlds for the watchmaking industry:


Considering  such promises, it was better to avoid an unremarkable watch that would have been more reminiscent of elevator music than of the lound sound of an electric guitar. Fortunately, the watch is successful because it is cleavant and uncompromising. I find through this model a bit of the spirit of the Classic Fusion Fuente with an engraved case and a dial in line with the world of the instrument maker partner.

So I loved the discreet skulls engraved on the bezel, the art deco pattern found on the other elements of the case and the surf green color of the second hand that gives the impression of being a ray of light. The two colors of the case have been chosen with care but I have a clear preference for blackened bronze compared to aged titanium. The first version is brighter and gives off more energy than the second. Be careful however to the people expecting a high legibility: the watch doesn't have any index and the engravings on the bezel doesn't bring any help.


The back of the case is made of brushed titanium and the decoration of the sapphire crystal hides  a big part of the movement. I approve this choice. The movement remains standard (it is a Sellita SW300 which has a power reserve of 42 hours for a 4hz frequency) and I prefer to see a clear reference to Wild Customs.

The watch has a diameter of 45mm but its perceived size is lower given the thickness of the bezel. It is worn with comfort given the flexibility of the calfskin strap and the efficient folding clasp.


The Classic Fusion Wild Customs is a success because it manages to transcribe the particular atmosphere of the guitars maker workshop and to release its own identity. It is a new proof of the adaptability of the Classic Fusion which is at ease in various and varied worlds.



It should be noted that both versions of the Classic Fusion Wild Customs are available exclusively at the Hublot Saint-Honoré boutique until the end of July before being available in the other boutiques of the Hublot network from August.



Fr.Xavier


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A Big Fan!

 
 By: andrewluff : April 20th, 2019-14:01
and great report FX. You are right it reminds me a bit of the Fuente too, but this is much much cooler! It seemed like quite a night from Insta-stories! Cheers Andrew

Great report Fx!

 
 By: Sascha : April 20th, 2019-14:54
Many thanks! Cheers, Sascha