Hublot Introduces Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski Watch

Hublot Introduces Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski Watch

Over the past decade, Richard Orlinski has firmly established himself as one of the preeminent artists on the global modern art market. The French sculptor’s angular style has also been associated with Hublot since 2017, during which time the avant-garde Swiss brand developed a series of unique faceted models based on Orlinski’s work. As part of the new Watches and Wonders 2023 offering, Hublot returns to the Orlinski sub-collection, offering what may be the sportiest and most purposeful interpretation of the Orlinski to date. The new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski gives the iconic faceted Orlinski style a more aggressive, function-forward look, with a bold matte-blasted finish and a clean, minimal dial layout.

The micro-blasted titanium case of the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski is 41mm wide and 12mm thick, which should provide a balanced, modest profile for a variety of wrists. While the angular, almost stealth fighter-like case geometry is largely carried over from previous Orlinski versions, the predominantly matte case surfaces have been reconstructed in the image with more aggressive light. this complex form. Gone is the reflective, jewel-like polished finish of previous Orlinski models, replaced by a clean, uniform matte titanium finish. There are still some polished highlights around the edges of the dodecagonal bezel and trapezoidal buttons, but this is largely a softer, more purposeful look for the collection. Interestingly, this sportier finish, along with its angular surface, makes the Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski less recognizable as a Hublot, and instead makes it visually closer to many similar designs from other brands— There are some similarities with LVMH sister label Zenith's Defy Skyline, for example, the family here. Time will tell if this less obvious Hublot-inspired look will resonate with fans of the brand, but judging by the photos alone, it's an attractive and futuristic integrated case design. Hublot rates the Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski case as water-resistant to 50 meters, which is somewhat disappointing.

In stark contrast to the faceted complexity of the case, the dial of the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski is remarkably simple. In addition to brighter accents such as tapered faceted indexes and highly polished dauphine hands, the gloss black dial is functional and simple, with a chronograph minute subdial at 9 o'clock and a minimalist open The second hand displays. The date display at 6 o'clock has all but disappeared in this black-on-black layout, providing useful information without disrupting the overall balance of the graphic dial. Even the dial text is kept to a minimum, with just a simple Hublot logo at 12 o'clock next to the obligatory "Swiss Made" text at 6 o'clock.

Inside the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski is the HUB1153 automatic chronograph movement based on ETA modularity. While it lacks some of the modern performance characteristics and enthusiast cache of the brand's in-house powerplants, the HUB1153 is a solid and reliable platform with a 42-hour power reserve at a beat rate of 28,800 bph. As one would expect from such a complex case design, the two available strap options for the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski have a huge impact on the character of the entire watch. The minimalist black rubber strap makes the design look cleaner and sportier in the image, allowing the visual focus to be placed directly on the case and dial. In contrast, the available matte-blasted titanium H-link bracelet continues the case’s intricate web of triangular facets around the wrist for a better sense of visual wonder.

With its matte case, clean minimalist dial and balanced case proportions, the new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski offers the brand's most sporty and purposeful Orlinski-themed model to date, and its charismatic The look should resonate with a wide range of enthusiasts.