Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo Returns to Gold and Rubber

When Carlo Crocco introduced the first Hublot watch in 1980, combining a gold case with a rubber strap, he challenged established conventions in Swiss watchmaking. The design was pared back to its essentials, with a porthole-inspired bezel secured by 12 exposed screws and a clean dial that emphasized the contrast between gold and black. With the new Classic Fusion Tributo, Hublot returns to these original design codes, retaining the distinctive proportions and material combination while incorporating 46 years of development in movement construction, materials, and finishing.

Original Design, Updated Proportions

The Classic Fusion Tributo measures 38mm in diameter, compared with 36mm for the original, and has a case thickness of 9.5mm. Both versions feature a black rubber strap with a lined texture and a bezel secured by 12 screws. The slightly domed screws retain their functional role as hour markers, while the dial remains largely free of embellishment, with the date displayed at 3 o’clock.

Exposed lugs emphasize the case construction, and a screw-down crown helps ensure water resistance to 100 meters. The absence of Hublot’s One Click strap-changing system is a deliberate decision intended to preserve the original design.

A New Movement

The most significant change lies inside the case. Whereas the 1980 model used a quartz movement, the Classic Fusion Tributo is powered by the self-winding HUB1711 manufacture caliber, based on the Zenith Elite architecture. Its optimized gear train and self-winding architecture deliver a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.

The movement comprises 185 components, operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, and can be viewed through the sapphire crystal caseback. Its openworked oscillating weight takes the shape of Hublot’s distinctive “H,” translating the brand’s design language into a mechanical component.

Yellow Gold and White Gold

The two versions share the same construction and movement but differ in their dial treatments and rotor materials. The yellow-gold model, reference 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM, comes closest to the original watch’s gold-and-black aesthetic. Its matte black dial features a subtle charcoal effect, while the oscillating weight is made of 22K yellow gold.

At 6 o’clock, gold MDM lettering recalls the MDM Genève name under which Crocco introduced the original Hublot. The initials also refer to the Main Dans la Main Foundation, established by Crocco in 1998 to support humanitarian and educational projects for vulnerable children and communities in need.

The white-gold version, reference 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM, takes a more restrained approach. Its polished black onyx dial provides a deep, uniform surface, complemented by black-plated titanium bezel screws. A black tungsten oscillating weight reinforces the monochromatic appearance. Both models are fitted with black rubber straps and deployant clasps combining gold with black-plated stainless steel and black-plated titanium.

The Classic Fusion Tributo in yellow or white gold is available through selected Hublot retailers and the brand’s online store. Both versions are priced at $30,900.