Hublot is a brand that has proven to thrive in the face of both negative and positive feedback by pushing the boundaries of design, technical innovation, and boldness. It’s the kind of enthusiasm that shakes up the industry and channels some of the most creative and thoughtful marketing you’ll ever experience. Because of this, it’s always at least interesting for watch enthusiasts to witness new releases and unexpected collaborations from Hublot. Their latest brings visionary street artist Tristan Eaton to the helm for what the brand calls an “homage to one of the world’s most iconic cities.” In classic Hublot fashion, they revealed their very first timepiece that incorporates the use of concrete at a three-part event in downtown Manhattan earlier this month. The result is the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Concrete Jungle watch, a tribute to New York City.
Limited to just 50 pieces, the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Concrete Jungle chronograph offers a highly exclusive chance to own a piece that embodies the liveliness, tenacity, and inspiration of the city as interpreted by Hublot. Hublot was able to achieve this by incorporating real elements of concrete into the bezel, a first for the brand and a move that integrates an artistic approach into both construction and decoration. Additionally, the case back features an original art piece by Eaton of the Statue of Liberty. It’s a colorful motif that tastefully punctuates the watch’s New York City theme while adding a touch of Eaton’s unique, collage-type artistic approach.
As a base for the collaboration, Hublot seems to have built upon their previously released Classic Fusion Aero Chronograph, which utilizes their caliber HUB1155 automatic movement. The micro-blasted black ceramic case is 45mm wide, 13.4mm thick, provides 50m of water resistance, and features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. Its bezel is constructed from a concrete and epoxy resin that contrasts beautifully with the case and highly skeletonized dial. Micro-blasted rhodium-plated hands also match the bezel and pair well with the applied hour indicators for maximum legibility. It’s a combination that Hublot has mastered over the years and results in a skeletonized dial that is both breathtaking and practical.
The 60-jewel HUB1155 movement has a power reserve of 42 hours and is comprised of 207 components. It’s a metropolis all on it’s own and a fitting aesthetic for a watch that honors the city that that never sleeps. On top of it all, the skeletonized dial design cleverly integrates the NYC logo at 3 o’clock and a date indicator at 6 o’clock that is both visible and unobtrusive.
Tristan Eaton’s original artwork for the case back presents a variety of themes that revolve around New York City life. Interestingly enough, the collage draws inspiration from one of his very first murals titled Liberty, which was first painted in September of 2012 at the corner of Mulberry Street and Canal Street in Little Italy.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Concrete Jungle watch offers a lot for watch lovers that feel a deep connection to both horology and New York City. It’s available on a black rubber and black synthetic textile strap with black stitching or a black rubber and grey calf strap with grey stitching. As we mentioned previously, the release is limited to 50 pieces and retails for a price of $19,500. hublot.com
