The Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo arrives as a direct homage to Carlo Crocco’s foundational 1980 design, capturing an era when Hublot existed simply as a singular, groundbreaking model produced by MDM Genève. Marking a significant evolution from both the quartz-driven original and the 2023 Classic Fusion Original remake, the new Tributo features a 38 mm precious metal case that restores the iconic 12-screw bezel structure. Beneath its stark, minimalist black dial, a sophisticated automatic movement derived from Zenith replaces the traditional quartz mechanism, blending historical Italian elegance with modern mechanical watchmaking standards.
Available in two distinct variations, the collection caters to contrasting tastes while remaining faithful to the original blueprint. The yellow gold variant adheres closely to the heritage aesthetic with a traditional lacquered dial and a dual-finish case configuration. In contrast, its white gold counterpart leans into contemporary trends by pairing a deep black onyx stone dial with high-contrast blackened bezel screws, creating a striking monochromatic presentation.
Initial Thoughts
While contemporary luxury watch enthusiasts almost universally associate Hublot with the oversized, avant-garde architecture of the Big Bang and other monumental complications, the brand’s origins are deeply rooted in refined Italian aesthetics. Back in 1980, Carlo Crocco’s original quartz-powered timepiece made waves across the industry as the very first luxury watch to marry a precious metal case with a casual rubber strap. At the time, this unconventional configuration was viewed as a radical departure from convention, yet it proved brilliantly matched to the sun-drenched lifestyle of la dolce vita.
The Classic Fusion Tributo honors this history by retaining the understated, low-profile wrist presence of Crocco’s original creation. However, it scales up the dimensions slightly to meet contemporary preferences while upgrading the internal architecture through LVMH sister brand Zenith.
The white gold model’s natural onyx dial represents a thoughtful nod to the ongoing market appetite for stone dials. By implementing it in a restrained, understated manner, Hublot avoids fleeting design fads. Interestingly, the yellow gold iteration retains a classic lacquered dial, creating an intriguing divergence between the two metal choices.
Natural stone dials inherently require specific manufacturing considerations, notably the use of adhesive applied markers to prevent the fragile stone from cracking during drilling. While some purists may find that this results in thinner, more rounded applied logos and wordmarks compared to traditional lacquer dials—such as those seen on the 2023 Classic Fusion Original—it remains a necessary technical compromise.
Factor in rising gold material costs, the intricate stone dial execution on the white gold model, and the inclusion of an elevated Zenith Elite movement, and the price adjustment becomes easier to contextualize. Retailing at US$30,900, the Tributo positions itself directly alongside peers like the Gérald Genta Geneva. While both share identical 38 mm gold case dimensions and mechanically refined movements—though the Gérald Genta alternative is marginally thinner—the Gérald Genta marque continues to command a distinct level of historical collector prestige.
A Historical Hublot
This release marks the second major attempt by the Swiss watchmaker to revisit its debut era. The Classic Fusion Original debuted in 2023, offering a plain black lacquered dial paired with the signature rubber strap, though it largely adhered to the standard modern Classic Fusion case architecture.
The Tributo goes significantly further in reviving the genuine spirit of the 1980s. Most notably, it abandons the flush, six H-shaped screw layout of contemporary models in favor of the historic 12-screw configuration. These slightly domed screw heads project visibly above the bezel, doubling as structural hour markers that give the sparse dial a functional way to read the time.
Though seemingly a minor adjustment on paper, this shift transforms the visual identity of the watch, immediately reinforcing the nautical porthole inspiration that gave Hublot its original name. Furthermore, the inclusion of "MDM" printed at the six o’clock position—referencing MDM Genève, the original corporate entity behind the watch—brings back a crucial historical detail omitted from the 2023 edition.
Such mixed branding choices often run counter to modern luxury marketing playbooks, which typically favor streamlined corporate identities. Yet, the presence of the vintage wordmark serves as a charming testament to Hublot’s current confidence in its own heritage and distinctive design language.
The two variants also diverge significantly in their surface finishing. The yellow gold model features contrasting brushed bezels and polished case middles, generating a subtle two-tone visual effect depending on the viewing angle. Conversely, the high-polish finish applied to the white gold variant allows its blackened screws to command maximum visual contrast against the lustrous precious metal.
Quartz No More
The most consequential evolution of the Classic Fusion Tributo lies hidden behind the sapphire display case back. Moving decisively away from both the 1980 quartz original and simple third-party ebauches, Hublot utilizes its cal. HUB1710, a specialized iteration of the venerable Zenith Elite movement platform. LVMH has increasingly relied on the Elite architecture to power high-end time-only pieces across its stable of luxury marques.
Originally introduced in the mid-1990s, the Elite movement remains exceptionally well-suited for traditional dress and sports-luxury crossovers. Its remarkably slim 3.7 mm profile ensures that the automatic mechanism integrates seamlessly without bloating the Tributo’s height, preserving the sleek, low-profile silhouette of the original design.
Beyond thickness considerations, the Zenith-derived caliber offers a notable mechanical upgrade over the ETA 2892 utilized in the 2023 Classic Fusion Original. Along with an extended power reserve and more intricate decoration, the Elite features a refined technical layout, including a Triovis regulator rather than an Etachron system. As part of an in-house group synergy, the calibre also carries significantly more exclusivity.
In keeping with treatments seen on related LVMH releases, the movement finishing is notably more elaborate than standard iterations of the Elite. Attractively brushed bridges and anthracite-treated components—including the balance wheel—bestow the movement with a cohesive, modern monochromatic aesthetic.
Key Facts and Price
Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo
Ref. 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM (yellow gold)
Ref. 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM (white gold)
Diameter: 38 mm
Height: 9.5 mm
Material: 18k white or yellow gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Movement: HUB1710
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Strap: Rubber strap with titanium folding buckle
Limited edition: No
Availability: At Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers
Price: US$30,900 excluding taxes
For more information, visit hublot.com
