Hublot

Glance at the Forbidden Arturo Fuente Classic Fusion 45mm

 

While recently in Miami, FL, I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting the Hublot Boutique located in the Bal Harbour Shops.  The lovely boutique manager Barbara was most accommodating in spending her time with me and showing some special pieces.

Colored ceramics have become much more common in recent years from various watch manufacturers.  Hublot certainly has used ceramic frequently over the years, and seem to have a solid mastery of the material.  I found the brown colored ceramic quite pleasing to the eye, especially with the brown colored dial.

The Roman Numeral used at 12:00 is a light red color that reminds me of the "12" Hublot used years ago on the Project F Bang.  Interesting that this marking says "XIII" and not "XII".  I did not notice that detail when handling the piece and therefore did not ask about it.

An Arturo Fuente "X" is embossed into the brown calf coated rubber strap.  Ordinarily, I object to such additions, but on this particular Special Edition watch it does fit and add to the "aura".

Definitely an interesting blend of colors and materials.  I would like to see the black ceramic version in person.  I suspect it will have a much different feel than this reference.

Hublot did fit a solid caseback to this edition with a special Fuente artwork.

As with the King Power timepiece before, the watch is supplied in a massive box that doubles as a real functional humidor.  Credit here to Hublot for supplying this box, which would look great on my office shelf

On the wrist, we start with a comment typical of most Hublots - it is very comfortable.  I give credit to the well designed clasp fitted to the wide and supple rubber strap.

Barbara was most kind to let me wear the watch outside of the boutique to snap a few quick photos.  The color palette really came alive outside of the boutique lights, and I much enjoyed the brown tones.

The solid hands and markers make the watch super legible.  In addition to the modeled appearance of the tobacco leaves dial, there is added depth from the recessed sub dials, which are nicely trimmed in polished metal.