andrewluff provides an exclusive hands-on look at the Hublot Classic Fusion House of Mandela (Ref. 511.OX.0200.LR.MDL15), a rare limited edition born from a partnership with the House of Mandela. His post details the unique design elements and the charitable mission behind this special timepiece, offering collectors a close examination of its distinctive features.
I was lucky enough to be passing the London boutique last week and managed to get my hands on this rare limited edition being a partnership between Hublot and the House of Mandela.
The watch was released back in July of this year, but without any real hype for such a special and unique partnership which continues the many charitable relationships that the brand has supporting projects all over the world. As a background, The House of Mandela Foundation was setup by the family of the late Nelson Mandela and supports many charities in South Africa and towards the education of South African children, it is only fitting that a portion of the profit from each watch sold goes into the good work.
Looking at the watch it is based on the standard 45mm King Gold Classic Fusion, however what really makes this watch stand out from other limited editions is the very unique looking dial and the bezel. I believe this is one of the most beautiful Classic Fusions I have ever seen and my pictures (with my mobile telephone) don't really fully do the piece justice.
Its beautifully mounted on a black gummy croc strap, I would have preferred it personally on a brown or tan strap as I think the black is quite harsh against the gold case.
The dial has been beautifully etched showing a bee with outstretched and branched wings which symbolise the various branches of the Mandela family tree. This insect was not chosen at random, it is inspired by Nelson Mandela's Xhosa name, 'Rolihlahla', which translates as "he who is brave enough to fetch the honey from the honeycomb" or "challenge the status quo". The bee also represents courage, sharing, and compassion, which are values shared by the family.
The Bezel has been engraved at 2 o'clock Mandela's signature which is a really beautiful touch as it just catches the light but not too much to distract from the dial.
The special touches continue on the case back which has the map of Africa with an imprint of Mandela's handprint and his well known saying 'It's in our Hands'.
The watch itself is very special and rather than the standard box, this edition comes in a large and unusual (for Hublot) hardwood box with the hand print of Nelson Mandela and his signature inlaid in the top.
On the inside of the box is the House of Mandela Logo, again with his signature below.
and finally the compulsory wrist shot...
Personally, I really like this edition as I have a special love for South Africa but also as a limited edition with so many different things going for it. For once, its not just about a small change in colour or logo, the changes go from the signature on the bezel to the beautifully etched dial and from the case back to the very special box. Bravo to Hublot, I think this piece is a real stunner and a wonderful charity to be attached to.
There is also a 42mm version which is very similar but has 35 diamonds on the bezel (totalling 1.15 carats), unfortunately this piece had already gone by the time I had got to the boutique!
Anyone what to guess why it is limited to 95 pieces?
Cheers
