Hublot Releases Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph “Watches Of Switzerland” Group Special Edition

In a time of ongoing global lockdowns and limited brick-and-mortar shopping due to COVID-19, it’s a difficult moment to debut a boutique exclusive limited edition timepiece. These difficulties have done nothing to stop Hublot, which has joined with luxury retailer Watches of Switzerland to create an attractive new version of the Classic Fusion Aerofusion chronograph. The resulting limited edition Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph “Watches of Switzerland” Group Special Edition takes an aggressive, ultramodern visual approach, beginning with a 45mm black ceramic version of the signature Classic Fusion case. There’s a sharply executed mix of brushed and polished surfacing here, helping to accentuate the multifaceted shape. What appears to be a skeleton dial at first glance is in fact a clear sapphire dial surface, allowing the use of more conventional applied indices and aiding legibility by providing a visual layer between the hands and the movement below. This also creates an opportunity for clever use of visual space, especially around the chronograph subdials. Free of the supporting connections needed for most skeleton subdials, these are allowed to float completely free visually, with a polished ring surrounding the step to a lower sapphire layer. The striking red elements of the dial serve a dual purpose as well, giving a punch of contrast to break the monochrome palette and further improving chronograph legibility at a glance. Hublot powers the Classic Fusion Aerofusion “Watches of Switzerland” Group Special Edition with the ETA-based HUB1155 automatic movement. Beyond the intricate skeletonized treatment, the HUB1155 offers a 42 hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph beat rate. Hublot completes the package with a rubber-lined black alligator leather strap, with vibrant red contrast stitching that plays dynamically with the matching highlights on the dial. Overall, the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion “Watches of Switzerland” Group Special Edition offers an impressively clean and balanced modern design that still highlights the brand’s aggressive aesthetic. Only 100 examples will be made, available now exclusively through Watches of Switzerland Group boutiques in the United States and Great Britain (25 units will be sent to US retailers, while 75 will be reserved for the British market).  MSRP sits at $17,700. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.

Rado Unveils Limited Edition True Thinline Anima

As a brand that prides itself on innovative material use, Rado has long been at the forefront of bringing ceramics into watchmaking. True to this legacy, the brand’s latest limited edition entry aims to combine ceramic innovation with some of the most on-trend design concepts of 2020. The resulting Rado True Thinline Anima starts with a striking 40mm monobloc case in olive green ceramic. Paired with Rado’s signature hooded lug, rounded ceramic shape, this use of a deep military green gives the overall form a futuristic, rugged feel while a 10.8mm overall depth keeps the package fashionably slim. The skeleton dial of the True Thinline Anima, with its complex latticework of olive green bridges above a black base, can make the simple stick hands difficult to read at a glance. Legibility aside, the skeleton dial does offer a host of intriguing visual details, including an exposed carbon fiber ring just inside the minutes track and a tiny rotating Rado anchor in its own skeleton window at 6 o’clock. Inside the Rado True Thinline Anima beats the ETA A31.L02 automatic movement, equipped with black anodized aluminum bridges and a black DLC rotor, and offering an impressive 64 hour power reserve. Rado matches the green ceramic case of the True Thinline Anima with a rounded three-link ceramic bracelet. This olive green oyster-style bracelet is finished off with a signed butterfly clasp. Fitting for a watch aiming to capture some of this year’s biggest design trends, the Rado True Thinline Anima will be limited to only 2,020 examples. The watch is available now through Rado’s online store at an MSRP of $3,000. For more information visit Rado’s website.