Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo: Back to Gold and Rubber

With the Classic Fusion Tributo, Hublot revisits the watch with which Carlo Crocco combined gold and rubber in 1980. The reissue features a 38-millimeter case and combines a minimalist design with the HUB1711 automatic in-house caliber. It is available in yellow gold with a black dial or white gold with an onyx dial.

From MDM Genève to Classic Fusion

Carlo Crocco unveiled his first Hublot in 1980 at the Basel Fair under the name MDM Genève. The French word for “porthole” also described the shape of the bezel. A gold case, a black rubber strap, and a largely unadorned dial made the watch a departure from the conventions of gold watches at the time. This combination served as a starting point for the brand’s later development.

The Tributo retains the twelve visible bezel screws. Their positions also serve as markers for the hours, while the dial does not feature applied hour markers. The date window remains at the 3 o’clock position. Compared to the 36 millimeters of the historic model, the new watch measures 38 millimeters; its thickness is 9.5 millimeters.

HUB1711 instead of quartz

The movement is where the watch differs most significantly from the original. The original quartz movement has been replaced by the automatic HUB1711, consisting of 185 components. It operates at 4 hertz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offers approximately 50 hours of power reserve. Through the sapphire crystal case back, the openworked oscillating weight in the shape of an H is visible.

A screw-down crown and water resistance up to 100 meters round out its suitability for everyday use. The lined black rubber strap is attached to visible lugs. For this throwback design, Hublot has opted not to use its otherwise frequently employed One-Click strap-change system.

Two gold versions with different details

The 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM yellow gold model combines polished and satin-finished surfaces with a black dial and a 22-karat yellow gold oscillating weight. The MDM emblem at 6 o’clock pays homage to the brand’s origins. The white gold model 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM features a contrast between polished white gold, a black onyx dial, and black-plated H-shaped titanium screws. Here, the black rotor is made of tungsten.

Both models feature a folding clasp that connects the respective gold to black-plated metal components. The price for each is 30,200 euros. The models are available through select Hublot retailers and online. In conjunction with this launch, Hublot has announced a donation of 100,000 Swiss francs to Carlo Croccos’ Main Dans la Main Foundation.