For 2014, Hublot is offering the Shiny Dial in both black and actually white. This is the first time I’ve noticed a white-dialed Classic Fusion and while I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first, it quickly grew on me. Hublot offers each dial with either the titanium or gold case, and I think it looks pretty sharp. Hublot has very much been a “dark dialed” brand but in white I think it adds a light freshness that should not be overlooked. It is also true that the black dialed version is more classic, and more suitable for day and night wear, but I happen to think the shiny white dial, especially mixed with the gold case and brown strap is quite handsome.
One area that people tend to harp on a lot are the bezel screws. The signature “H” screws are functional and individually screw into the case. Audemars Piguet for instance ensures that the screws all line up perfectly “pointing” into the dial. Hublot screws are more organically screwed in and designed to just sit where they may after being tightened. Would the design be better if the screws all look perfectly symmetrical? I don’t know, to be honest. It isn’t something that has bothered me, but I can sympathize with those who are irked but the organic assortment of the screw heads.
With an attractive in-house made mechanical movement and “glossy” presentation, the Hublot Classic Fusion 42mm Ultra Thin Shiny Dial collection represents an apex of simple, attractive Hublot-style dress watch. If you aren’t into Hublot at all, these will probably not do it for you, but if you have been fond of Hublot since the 1980s and feel that the modern pieces don’t fit your personality, then Classic Fusion models such as this are a good bet. The come with black rubber lined black or brown alligator straps.
The two titanium models are the ref. 545.NX.1270.LR with the black dial and the ref. 545.NX.2210.LR with the white dial. In 18k king gold the models are the ref. 545.OX.1280.LR with the black dial and the ref. 545.OX.2210.LR for the white dial. Prices for the Hublot Classic Fusion 42mm Ultra-Thin Shiny Dial are $13,700 in titanium and $29,100 in gold. hublot.com
