KIH provides a hands-on look at the Hublot Classic Fusion Tourbillon Chronograph All Black 45mm, a model introduced at the 2015 Geneva Watch Fair. His review delves into the watch's design philosophy, particularly its 'All Black' aesthetic and skeletonized dial, offering insights into its visual impact and functional considerations for potential owners.
For me, Classic Fusion has been always a favorite among the Hublot line-up. Simple looking, thin (relatively speaking), and many variation, not only color or material, but also the simplicity to complexity - the series has huge potential to appeal to the vast variety of the Hublot fans.
Now, this one was introduced at 2015 Geneve Watch Fair. Relatively low profile until now and not much attention has been paid. I encountered this at the boutique and was able to spend a long time how the actual working example feels, looks and works on the wrist or hands-on.
This particular model is Tourbillon + mono-pusher chrongraph in the classic fusion case and with skeleton or open dial. This is called "All Black" which is familiar for those Hublot fans. Black ceramic and/ or carbon are mainly used for the case. Inside, probably PVD or DLC coated parts.
Obviously, the weak point is its legibility. But those who buy "All Black" of any Hublot series DO know that already before buying, so it should not be really a "minus" point for the owners. In fact, black case, black inside is quite handsome and cool. These watches do make me realize that watch is fashion, no longer the time-telling only machine today
Now let's take a look at the watch.
Base plate, or base bones/ beams are prominent in the structure - like the building structural mechanics.
The balance of the two sub dials and tourbillon size is quite nice. If those sub dials were moonphase and power reserve, this "machine" would have been a "must have".
That said, the more you look at the dial, the better the balance of those three circles look - that's for sure. Well done.
The beam structure around the tourbillon cage is more prominent from this angle. Haven't checked the material of this "beams", but must be quite well thought-of.
But, as you can see from this angle, two sub dials get buried in the dial color, meaning, it gets very hard to see or even find, or tell what is written on the dial....... But like I said, it shouldn't be a problem for the owners.
From this angle, you see the structure of inside much better. Again, very well made.
Now, do you want to see (1) how the monopusher (first for Hublot?) works, and (2) how legible or not the overall dial is:
With enough light, you can tell the difference between the time-telling hands and the dial color. But even under enough light, the chronograph second hand, minute counter is very hard to see. I know, I know. If you couldn't see the chronograph hand, watch the video again. It's on 2 o'clock of the dial
Also, the pusher feel is not as SMOOTH as the Big Bang Unico. May need a bit of power on your finger.
Okay, so, how does it look on the wrist? It IS REALLY cool. The owners who choose this would take a really good at the dial and overall watch and decide to get one. It's All Black - check, it's tourbillon - check, and it's chronograph- check. And the balance of those three circles are really well balanced, size-wise, position-wise.
This is a cool angle, too.
Really, not that thick at all.
So, to sum up, this is really a cool watch and almost "must have" and definitely drool-worthy model. Again, the balance of the size and position of the three circles are really, really well thought of. But, although it may not matter, the legibility is not something this model gives you of pleasure.....
This message has been edited by KIH on 2015-08-01 01:51:49
Key Points from the Discussion
The 'All Black' aesthetic, while impacting legibility, is a core part of Hublot's design DNA and is understood and accepted by collectors who choose these models.
The skeletal work of the movement might be more appreciated when it offers a stronger contrast with the case material, such as in gold Classic Fusion chronograph models.
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The Discussion
MI
MichaelC
Aug 2, 2015
As you say, we are not critical of the legibility - "all black" is part of the Hublot DNA. I am a fan of skeletal work, but it is likely appreciated more when it contrasts better with the case (the gold Classic Fusion chronograph comes to mind for me). Great report Ken, thanks!
KI
KIH
Aug 2, 2015
.. I would like to compare with the gold cases.. :-) Thanks, Michael! Ken
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