Hublot Classic Fusion Extra-Thin Skeleton Overview

KIH · 2012-02-07T13:14:36Z

Explore the Hublot Classic Fusion Extra-Thin Skeleton, a 2012 Baselworld novelty featuring a 2.90mm in-house hand-wound movement. Discover collector reactions to its design and 'extra-thin' designation.

KIH

WPS member · Hublot forum

20 replies7081 views4 photos

KIH introduces the Hublot Classic Fusion Extra-Thin Skeleton, a significant release from Baselworld 2012 that marked a new direction for the brand. This article delves into Hublot's strategic move towards in-house, ultra-thin movements and skeletonized designs, challenging perceptions of the brand's traditional aesthetic. KIH's initial report provides a crucial look at Hublot's ambition to blend classic watchmaking artistry with its modern identity.

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CLASSIC FUSION EXTRA–THIN SKELETON

Something completely new for the Hublot brand: an extra-thin skeleton watch, a Classic Fusion whose design has been refined, while retaining the dynamic and modern codes immediately recognisable as Hublot.

With a 45 mm diameter, this watch is equipped with a new movement just 2.90 mm thick, developed by Hublot. It comes in a fully skeleton worked version, made to a resolutely graphic design, which enables expert eyes to admire the watch's regulating part, the balance and the escapement… The dial side features the small seconds at 7 o'clock and the hands that match the design of the very first Hublot watches, as a nice nod to the brand's history. With a 90-hour power reserve and 50-metre water resistance, this piece is available in two versions, one in titanium, limited to 1000 pieces, and the other in 18K King Gold, with just 500 pieces.

Exhibiting a marvellous balance between the classic extra-thin look, a symbol of watchmaking art, and Hubot's trademark dynamic and modern design, this piece is a fine exercise in style, providing a wonderful demonstration of the principle of fusion between Tradition and Modernity.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
References                     515.NX.0170.LR - Titanium, 1000-piece limited series
                                      515.OX.0180.LR - 18K King Gold, 500-piece limited series
Case                              "Classic Fusion" - Diameter 45 mm
                                      Titanium or 18K King Gold, polished and satin-finished
Bezel                              Titanium or 18K King Gold, with vertical satin finish
                                      6 H-shaped countersunk, polished & locked titanium screws
Crystal                            Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating
Bezel Lug                        Black composite resin
Crown                             Polished titanium or 18K King Gold, with Hublot logo
Case-back                       Satin-finished titanium or satin-finished 18K King Gold with sapphire crystal,
                                        interior anti-reflective coating
Water resistance              5 ATM, i.e. approx 50 metres
Dial                                 Sapphire with silvered or red gold Hublot logo transfer
                                       Anti-reflective coating on topside/underside
                                       Polished & rhodium-plated or red gold-plated indexes
Hands                              Polished & rhodium-plated or red gold-plated
Movement                         HUB1300 hand-wound skeleton
                                       Small seconds at 7 o'clock
Thickness                        2.90 mm
Components                    123
Jewels                             23
Frequency                       3 Hz (21,600 Vib/h)
Power reserve                  Approximately 90 hours
Wristlet                            Black alligator strap stitched onto black rubber
Clasp                               Deployant buckle in black PVD steel or 18K red gold

Press Release

This message has been edited by KIH on 2012-02-07 19:16:02 This message has been edited by KIH on 2012-02-22 13:11:09

Key Points from the Discussion

The term 'skeleton' might be misapplied; the watch appears to have an open dial rather than a true skeletonized movement, which involves more extensive work on all movement parts for transparency.
The 'extra-thin' designation for the Hublot Classic Fusion is questioned, especially given Audemars Piguet's recent 'extra thin' novelties, suggesting it was a poor choice for Hublot.
The watch's industrial aesthetic is appreciated, distinguishing it from other brands like AP, but the 'extra-thin' naming remains contentious.
Correction: The movement is not entirely in-house developed like the Unico, but it is still a cool watch that fits well, though the 45mm size might be too large for some.
Despite the debate over the 'extra-thin' name, the design is generally well-received, particularly the titanium model, and the 90-hour power reserve for a manual wind movement is excellent.
For Hublot, this movement is indeed very thin, justifying the 'Extra-Thin' moniker, even if not 'Ultra-Thin' by industry standards. The titanium version is a personal preference.

The Discussion

KIH

Feb 7, 2012

Here it comes! MANUAL WINDING! Now this is really cool...

I am very much excited to see the actual one in fresh. Totally different approach, and the classic thin line is a very attractive new line-up. Best, Ken

Vinontre

Feb 7, 2012

Wow... They finally did it!

This is the very first modern Hublot that's exactly my cup of tea! Looks incredible! C

KIH

Feb 7, 2012

Exactly.

They now enter the new dimension Manual winding, in-house movement. Fantastic evolution. Ken

れい

Feb 7, 2012

I think the Ti version would look very cool in real.

Bravo Hublot! Can't wait for more new watches...

KIH

Feb 7, 2012

You da man!

I am with you. I am a white metal guy anyway Ken

andrewluff

Feb 8, 2012

Its a beauty!

Ken, Just one amendment to make is that it is not an inhouse developed movement like Unico :-( but hey its still one cool watch! It fits the wrist really well but it is only available (I think) in the 45mm version which may be too big for some people, but fits perfectly on my wrist! Cheers Andrew