Total Nonstop Action Wrestling » Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium 45mm Green

Iconic Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium 45mm Green Continuing the spirit of Hublot founder Carlo Crocco, with the successor to the model that started it all

I love Carlo Crocco's vision in the late 1970s of creating a watch that combined different materials. With the Hublot Classic in 1980, Crocco created a watch that combined a gold case with a rubber strap. At the time, this was considered pure blasphemy. Combining precious metals with materials usually associated with cheap quartz watches is unheard of. Forty years later, however, it is a common combination of materials. Also, the Classic Fusion is still part of the current Hublot range, and it's a nice reminder of Crocco's heritage. I had the chance to try out the current 45mm Green Titanium Classic Fusion and see if his visionary was worthy of the "industry icon" label.

Pushing boundaries is always going to spark some controversy. Especially in the conservative watch industry, everything unusual can quickly become a serious topic. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is obviously a perfect example. But five years later, we see the watch and its designers as two of the greats in the business. The same thing happened when Carlo Crocco launched his Hublot classic in 1980. Luxury watches in gold with integrated rubber bracelets were new and controversial at the time. But that didn't bother the many celebrities, royals and watch collectors who all bought a piece. The Hublot Classic was a huge success. Shortly after its launch, the watch also won the Best Design Award at the Grand Prix de la Horlogerie de Genève. An idol is born... eh?

Hubot classic design
I think it's safe to say that the original Hublot Classic has become an industry icon. At the same time, it is nowhere near as well-known as the Royal Oak and Nautilus. Still, it has become a classic and I like the overall design concept that Crocco has come up with. Its origins can be found in his love of sailing. He based the whole concept on creating a sports watch that he could wear on a voyage, combining luxury with utility. This is where gold and rubber come together. In addition, it explains the well-thought-out porthole design, from the angular 37mm case shape to the integrated rubber strap and the screws on the bezel that serve as hour markers.

In my opinion, a minimalist approach to design still looks great. That's why I was so excited to see the original Classic Fusion reissued two years ago to celebrate Crocco's 40th anniversary. Even though it's missing the original 12 screws for the hour markers, it's still a nice tribute to the original. Just a few weeks ago we saw the 42mm Classic Fusion Chronograph in the iconic combination of gold and black rubber. Both watches show that the original combo still looks great, and on top of that, it also reminds me how much I love Hublot's Classic Fusion design.

Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm
That's why I took the opportunity to review the current 45mm Classic Fusion Titanium. This watch is part of Hublot's extensive Classic Fusion collection. It comes in four different sizes for men and women, from 33mm to 38mm, 42mm and 45mm. The brand offers ten different 45mm titanium or titanium or diamond combinations. The all-titanium model comes with a black, gray, blue, green or white opal dial on a rubber strap. The black and blue dial versions also feature an integrated titanium bracelet.

Going into this review, the biggest question for me was whether I could handle the 45mm size of this watch. My first choice is always the 42mm version as it sounds like the best option for my wrist. Then again, I am quite tall and have collected several large watches. Wearing oversized watches is no stranger to me. For the review, I wore a Classic Fusion with a green dial and a combination rubber and green alligator strap. While not my first choice, it's a very stylish combination.

Slim Case Design
The first thing that catches the eye is the case design. The 45mm grade 5 titanium case is large, but since it's only 10.95mm thick, it doesn't appear chunky. The watch is beautiful and slim. It's also great to see the shape and layering of the case. Between the case band and bezel, you'll find two rubber parts on the left and right sides of the case, embodying the brand's Art of Fusion philosophy. While they're a nice detail, the standout feature is without a doubt the bezel with six H-shaped titanium screws and the steeply sloped "lugs," as well as two additional screws for the integrated rubber strap .

In my opinion, Hublot's update to the case design is very good. It still has many of the details that made the original case so special, but the brand has added a modern touch that fits the style perfectly. The case features a clever combination of satin-finished and polished titanium. Satin parts dominate the overall feel, and as a result, the watch doesn't look flashy at all. For today's Hublot standards, this is a very sleek and sophisticated design. However, the watch is only water resistant to 50 meters, which is not impressive given its background. After all, the 40th Anniversary is water-resistant to 100 meters and is essentially a nautical watch inspired by the nautical world.

Simple dial design
Compared to the design of the original watch in 1980, the current dial design is less minimalist. But it would be a lie to say that a lot happened. The most striking thing about this watch is the green sunburst color. It's a vivid watch face that changes color under different lighting conditions, depending on the angle you look at it from. The dial has twelve polished applied hour-markers and a double hour-marker at 12 o'clock. The hour markers sparkle and complement the polished hands, bringing the watch to life. I have to say, I like the combination of the large, faceted sword-shaped hands with the slim seconds hand with the Hublot signature weight. This combination gives a feeling of perfect balance, as does the overall dial design.

Hublot HUB1112 movement
If you turn the watch over, you can see the self-winding Hublot HUB1112 movement through the sapphire case back. The movement is based on the Sellita SW300-1 and runs at 28,800vph. It has 25 jewels and has a power reserve of 42 hours. I have to say, visually, two things stand out when you look at the movement. The finish on the caliber is simple and feels industrial. The rotor bears the brand name, but the movement does not have any special decoration.

Another thing that stands out is that the movement is small compared to the overall size of the watch. The movement has a diameter of 25.6mm and is also used in the 38mm and 42mm versions, but with slight differences. The only difference is that for the 45mm version, Hublot fitted a module to the movement that places the date closer to the edge of the dial. This is a necessary design solution, otherwise the date would be placed too far from the center. But seeing the movement through the back of the case does remind you that it's pretty small for a 45mm case. Combined with the industrial finish, this is not a movement you'll turn your watch around to admire.

Wearing the 45mm Classic Fusion
The slim profile, light weight and comfortable strap with stainless steel deployant clasp make the watch very easy to wear on the wrist. Speaking of the strap, it's black rubber on the bottom, and the top of the Hublot strap is laminated green alligator leather with green stitching. It is important that the hue of the strap matches the dial perfectly, as it is not the usual shade of green. The strap is nice and flexible, and the clasp is easy to use. It opens easily with a button release and closes with a firm click.

Once on the wrist, the size of the watch itself is not an issue. On the contrary, the overall design feels very balanced, and it is easy to wear on my 18cm wrist. But I'm a little uncomfortable having to choose between two strap holes that don't fit perfectly. The first was too tight and the second made the watch move on my wrist. As a result, the crown poked into my hand. Also, the buttons of the wide clasp cause some discomfort when wearing the watch.

I do enjoy my time with the Hublot Classic Fusion, although there are times when the strap is a bit of an issue. The case design is the main attraction for me. I love the dynamism of the round bezel, whose six screws complement the angular lines of the case. That's the magic of this watch. While the green dial design adds a touch of color, I'd go with the black dial version anytime. The black dial combined with the black rubber strap makes room for the case, allowing the case to shine like a throwback to my beloved early 1980s watches.

Also, I would choose the 42mm version of the Classic Fusion over this 45mm model. While the size itself isn't an issue, the strap "problem" reminds me every time I wear a large watch. The 45mm titanium Hublot Classic Fusion has a list price of 7,200 euros. It makes it one of the more affordable models Hublot has to offer. At the same time, it is also one of the brand's most iconic watches. On top of that, I also like how it represents the other side of the brand, which is less loud and divisive. While divergence has always been a part of Hublot, it's great to see that Crocco's Classic Fusion is no longer a divisive factor. But it's the ultimate proof that he's one of the industry's most visionary.

Watch Specifications
brand
Hublot
Model
Classic Fusion Titanium 45mm
refer to
Reference 511.NX.8970.RX
dial
Satin green sunburst
case material
Grade 5 Titanium
Case size
Diameter - 45mm; Thickness - 10,95mm
crystal
sapphire crystal
Bottom cover
Sapphire crystal display case back
move
Hublot automatic movement HUB1112, based on Sellita SW300-1. Running at 28,800vph, 25 jewels, 42 hours power reserve
waterproof
5 ATMs - 50 meters
tape
Black rubber strap with green alligator leather and stainless steel deployant buckle
Function
Time (hours, minutes, seconds) and date display