Hublot unveils their latest creations with Richard Orlinski in the form of bright yellow and baby blue Classic Fusion pieces, fully skeletonsied and each with a tourbillon
Let’s say it now: Hublot is not everyone’s cup of tea. Most times, it’s not usually mine. But ever since the Big H started collaborating with French sculptor, artist and musician Richard Orlinski, I haven’t been able to get them out of my head. Now, I’m not the biggest ‘art guy,’ but if Hublot keeps creating watches with Richard Orlinski, he’ll very quickly rise to the top of my favourites list
The Classic Fusion on its own is an iconic watch in its own right, sure, but adding Orlinski’s geometric, neo-pop touch to it is a match made in heaven. Even if you’re a Hublot hater, you have to concede that, ever since the collaboration was made manifest in 2018, the brand has hit gold.
For LVMH Watch Week 2024, Hublot – in classic Hublot fashion – has exploded onto the scene yet again with a double release of Classic Fusion Tourbillons, in colours and materials proving that, in their words, you can “produce serious pieces for collectors who aren’t.”
And serious they are – The HUB6021 is a spec monster, even among tourbillons. Not only does this movement come equipped with a monstrous 6-day power reserve, but it looks cool while doing it. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at it, or rather… through it.
Sapphire crystal at the front and back keeps the movement in full view, of course, but this view is only further elevated by the fully skeletonised nature of the HUB6021. Skeletonising a movement, on a base level, may sound pretty easy – all you’re doing is just taking out the unnecessary bits and making it hollow, right? The latter is correct, but regarding the former: When you’re working with something as small as a watch, all of the bits are necessary. So, it becomes less of a removal project and more akin to torturously shaving off microns from each component, hoping and praying that it doesn’t break the instant you wind it.
So why does Hublot put themselves through so much hassle just to skeletonise the movement? The answer is rather simple: Because they want to show you. That’s some serious dedication to the craft and displays their artistic excellence whilst flexing their technical know-how.
As alluded to, though, it isn’t always moping and misery for Hublot. They delight in being one of the most seriously unserious watchmakers out there, so of course they released both watches in two outrageous colours. Built from ceramic, the new 45mm Classic Fusion Tourbillons come in either a sunny Magic Yellow case with black accents or an equally ostentatious sky blue with white and rhodium accents.
When it comes to the design of these timepieces, though, it is important to understand the other half of the story – that is, Hublot’s relationship with the French artist Richard Orlinski. Ever since their first successful collaboration resulted in the Aerofusion in 2018, Hublot have given Orlinski carte blanche to design whatever he wants under the brand, which is everything an aspiring artist could ever ask for in a collaboration.
The loud nature of the watch, expressed by bright colours and bold skeletonisation, is refined by Orlinski’s geometric approach, giving an air of simplicity and elegance to an otherwise flashy timepiece. As a result, it prevents the watch from going too overboard, and makes it a little more wearable on an average day. Although, no day is ever average if you’re wearing a Hublot.
Final Thoughts
Hublot’s collaboration with Richard Orlinski, since 2018, has always been a head turner in both visual design and technical excellence. These new Classic Fusion Tourbillons are of no exception, displaying Hublot’s commitment to serious craftsmanship whilst still being able to have fun.
Watchmaking these days can tend to be a bit too serious, so while the watch is extravagantly coated in bright colours, Orlinski’s geometric touch adds a sense of refinement, allowing them to not just stand out as timepieces, but as works of modern art. I for one, love the hilariously irreverent nature of both these watches and the Hublot brand, so I thoroughly enjoy these, eagerly awaiting the next time they decide to flip the watch world on its axis.
References: 505.CY.119Y.RX.ORL24 – YELLOW MAGIC / 505.ES.5129.RX.ORL24 – SKY BLUE. Both limited to 30 pieces
Specification:
- Case: 45mm, 12.05mm thick
- Case Material: Polished Yellow or Sky Blue Ceramic
- Case back: Polished Yellow or Sky Blue Ceramic with sapphire case back
- Dial: Matte Black Skeletonised dial with Yellow hands and indices (Yellow Magic), rhodium-finished steel with blue outer (Sky Blue)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance: 30m / 3ATM
- Movement: Hublot Manufacture Manual winding Skeleton Tourbillon Movement with 184 components, 25 jewels and beating at a Frequency of 3Hz / 21’600VpH
- Power reserve: Approx 105 hours
- Strap: Yellow rubber with black-plated steel (Yellow Magic), Blue rubber with steel deployant clasp
