In the world of watchmaking collaborations often yield extraordinary timepieces that capture the essence of both brands. One such collaboration is the recent partnership between Hublot, the Swiss watchmaking powerhouse known for its innovative spirit, and Arturo Fuente, the esteemed cigar maker celebrated for its legacy of crafting exceptional cigars. This union has given birth to the Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold, a limited-edition watch that embodies the shared pursuit of excellence and the appreciation for life's finer pleasures.
Before delving into the intricacies of this exceptional timepiece, it's worth understanding the rich history of the two brands that have come together to create it. Hublot, founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, revolutionized the watchmaking industry by being the first to combine gold with rubber, a daring fusion that challenged traditional norms. This innovative spirit, encapsulated in the brand's name, which means "porthole" in French, has guided Hublot's trajectory ever since. The brand's relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries has led to the creation of groundbreaking materials like Magic Gold, the world's first scratch-resistant gold, and the development of intricate complications that showcase the pinnacle of horological expertise.
Courtesy of Hublot
On the other side of this collaboration stands Arturo Fuente, a name synonymous with premium cigars and a legacy that spans over a century. Founded in 1912 by Arturo Fuente Sr. in West Tampa, Florida, the company has weathered storms both literal and figurative, including fires and the Cuban embargo, to become one of the most respected names in the cigar world. Today, the Fuente family, now led by Carlito Fuente, continues the tradition of handcrafting some of the world's most sought-after cigars, including the highly acclaimed Fuente Fuente OpusX line. Their commitment to quality, consistency, and a deep respect for their craft has earned them a loyal following among cigar aficionados worldwide.
The Classic Fusion collection, which serves as the canvas for this collaborative timepiece, is a testament to Hublot's ability to seamlessly blend tradition and modernity. Characterized by its clean lines, porthole-inspired case design, and harmonious proportions, the Classic Fusion is a versatile collection that caters to a wide range of tastes. It's a perfect balance of elegance and sportiness, making it an ideal platform to showcase the shared values of
Hublot and Arturo Fuente.
The Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold is not just another addition to the collection; it's a celebration of the 25th anniversary of OpusX, a cigar considered by many to be among the finest in the world. This significant milestone called for a timepiece that exuded luxury and exclusivity, and Hublot delivered with a watch that is as captivating as it is meaningful.
Courtesy of Hublot
Crafted from Hublot's proprietary King Gold, a unique alloy with a warmer hue than traditional 18K gold, the 42mm case of the watch commands attention with its rich, lustrous glow. The satin-finished and polished surfaces create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, adding depth and dimension to the watch's design. The bezel, also crafted from King Gold, is adorned with a laser-engraved motif of tobacco leaves, a subtle nod to the artistry of cigar making.
The vibrant emerald green dial is a striking departure from the more traditional color palettes often seen in watchmaking. It's a bold choice that evokes the lush tobacco fields of Chateau de la Fuente, where the Fuente family cultivates the leaves for their prized OpusX cigars. The sunray-patterned finish adds a touch of refinement, while the gradient "fumé" effect, which darkens towards the edges of the dial, creates a sense of depth and intrigue.
Courtesy of Hublot
At the 3 o'clock position, the anniversary version of the OpusX logo, rendered in gold and green, proudly marks the occasion that inspired this timepiece. The dial's green hue is echoed in the alligator leather and rubber strap, creating a harmonious and cohesive aesthetic. The strap's contrasting textures add a touch of sophistication and ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist.
While the watch's outward appearance is captivating, it's the hidden details that truly elevate it to a collector's item. The solid 18K King Gold case back is engraved and lacquered with a special OpusX 25th Anniversary artwork, a testament to the enduring partnership between Hublot and Arturo Fuente. Beneath this intricate artwork beats the HUB1153 automatic chronograph calibre, a reliable and precise movement that powers the watch's timekeeping and chronograph functions. With a power reserve of 48 hours, the watch can keep ticking even after being set aside for a couple of days.
At the heart of this timepiece beats the HUB1153 self-winding chronograph movement, a testament to Hublot's watchmaking prowess. This robust and reliable calibre ensures accurate timekeeping and powers the chronograph functions, allowing the wearer to precisely measure elapsed time. The movement oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring smooth and precise operation of the chronograph seconds, minutes, and hours hands.
Courtesy of Hublot
The HUB1153 boasts a power reserve of 48 hours, meaning the watch can be set aside for two full days without stopping. This is particularly convenient for those who rotate their watch collection and don't want to reset the time and date every time they wear this piece. The self-winding mechanism ensures that the watch stays wound with regular wear, harnessing the kinetic energy of the wearer's wrist movements to keep the mainspring tensioned.
Encasing this intricate movement is a 42mm case crafted from Hublot's exclusive King Gold. This unique alloy, developed by Hublot's metallurgists, sets itself apart from traditional 18K gold with its warmer, more intense hue. The addition of platinum to the gold alloy not only enhances its color but also its durability, making it more resistant to scratches and wear. The case's satin-finished and polished surfaces create a captivating interplay of light and shadow, accentuating the watch's elegant design.
Protecting the vibrant green dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. This ensures that the dial remains legible even under bright lighting conditions, while also minimizing glare and reflections. The anti-reflective coating enhances the viewing experience, allowing the wearer to fully appreciate the intricate details of the dial and the mesmerizing green hue.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold is not just a watch; it's an experience. To complement the exquisite timepiece, Hublot has created a bespoke presentation box that doubles as a cigar humidor. This handcrafted humidor is finished in a luxurious green lacquer that matches the watch's dial and strap, creating a cohesive and elegant presentation. The humidor's interior is lined with Spanish cedar, a wood known for its ability to regulate humidity and preserve the quality of cigars. This thoughtful addition allows the owner to store and age their favorite cigars in optimal conditions, enhancing their enjoyment of both the watch and the cigars.
The Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold is a limited edition of 50 pieces, each retailing for USD 40,500. This exclusivity reflects the rarity of the materials used, the intricate craftsmanship involved, and the significance of the collaboration between Hublot and Arturo Fuente. It's a timepiece that speaks to collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate the finer things in life and seek to own a piece of horological history.
Case: 42mm satin-finished and polished 18K King Gold case. Engraved satin-finished and polished 18K King Gold bezel. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. Water resistant to 50m or 5 ATM.
Movement: HUB1153 self-winding chronograph movement. 48-hour power reserve.
Dial: Gradient green sunray dial. Features the anniversary version of the OpusX logo in gold and green on the constant seconds counter at 3 o'clock.
Strap: Black rubber and green alligator leather straps. 18K 5N gold and black-plated stainless steel deployant buckle clasp.
Price: USD 40,500
Notes: Limited edition of 50 pieces. The watch comes in a grand, green lacquered watch box, which doubles as a cigar humidor. Features a solid 18k King Gold case back engraved and lacquered with a special OpusX 25th Anniversary artwork.