One of the watches I regretted not spending more time with during Baselworld 2013 was the Hublot Classic Fusion Aero Chronograph in black ceramic. Then again with exceptional pieces like the LaFerrari and the MP-07 Antikythera (not to mention the new Big Bang Unico collection) taking center stage I think I can forgive myself. Fortunately I did get the chance to see it more intimately during a Hublot factory visit after Baselworld and it did not disappoint.
The “Aero” look was first introduced in the Big Bang collection with the concept being to create a “semi-skeleton” watch, where the dial was open and integrated onto the chronograph (dial) side of the movement so the wearer could admire the inner workings of the chronograph module. Arguably one of Hublot’s most successful designs to date, it was only a matter of time before we saw the Classic Fusion Chronograph getting the Aero treatment.
After the huge success of the Classic Fusion Ultra-Thin Skeleton released last year, Hublot unveiled the first Classic Fusion Aero’s in titanium and red gold earlier at the 2013 SIHH show (or the Geneva Watch Fair for brands like Hublot who aren’t actually part of the SIHH but still exhibit somewhere in Geneva) and were my personal favorites of the show (sorry Ferrari). But the problem for me with Hublot is that once you get used to Ceramic and other klutz-proof materials like Cermet, it’s hard to go back to more traditional metal cases. Those satin-brushed surfaces are just asking for trouble. And while I normally don’t mind my watches showing signs of wear, it somehow gets to me with a watch where I know a scratchproof version of it exists. Luckily, Hublot didn’t wait too long to present the black ceramic version of the Classic Fusion Aero.
The black zirconium oxide ceramic Hublot Classic Fusion case is finished in the same brushed and polished surface combo you find in the original Big Bangs and pre-JCB era Hublots. What I especially like about the Classic Fusion case are the smoother lines and rounded polished sides, reminiscent of those classic Hublots from the 80’s but updated to a more current 45mm case diameter.
The dial is where the magic really happens. Unlike the Aero Big Bangs, the Classic Fusion Aero takes cues from the Skeleton Tourbillon and uses a sapphire glass dial to give greater depth and volume- The applied baton hour markers and chapter rings on the dial give the illusion of floating on the symmetrical ruthenium-finished open chronograph module beneath. Instead of just using a transparent date wheel, Hublot have created a metal “skeleton” date wheel where the date is discretely displayed at 6 o’clock.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Aero Chronograph in ceramic is a fantastic addition to Hublot’s lineup that fills the niche for a more retro piece that still carries that hi-tech look Hublot is known for today.
