Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold
When Hublot and Carlos Fuente Jr. belatedly celebrated the 25th anniversary of OpusX (launched in November 1995) with the new limited-edition Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold ($40,500), it was worth the wait for the sixth in their collaborations.
The occasion inaugurated the Art Academy, an arm of Fuente’s Cigar Family Charitable Foundation that provides educational and health programs for the community in the Bonao region where Fuente grows wrapper leaves for OpusX. Hublot took part in the laying of the Art Academy’s foundation in 2019. “The honor and privilege of building such a wonderful relationship with Hublot, which I consider family, has been one of my greatest lifetime achievements,” says Fuente.
Limited to 50 pieces, the watch is the first Fuente edition in a 42-mm Classic Fusion Chronograph case. It’s also the first with both the case and bezel in King Gold, the brand’s mainly platinum, proprietary alloy with a warmer shade than typical 18K 5N gold. The watch’s bezel is laser-engraved with a tobacco-leaf motif in a nod to the cigar theme.
Another subtle reference to smoke is the radiant emerald-green dial with a sun-ray-patterned finish and a gradient “fumé” effect that darkens around the periphery. The anniversary version of the OpusX logo, presented in gold and green, is emblazoned on the constant seconds counter at 3 o’clock, while a matching green alligator-leather-and-rubber strap completes the look.
The design tributes carry over to the solid 18K King Gold back, which is engraved and lacquered with OpusX 25th Anniversary artwork in green and black. It bears Fuente’s signature. Underneath beats the HUB1153 automatic chronograph movement with a power reserve of 48 hours and water resistance to 50 meters.
“The Hublot Classic Fusion Arturo Fuente timepiece is a perfect expression of the bond we share with Arturo Fuente,” says Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot.
For a finishing touch, the watch is delivered in a green, lacquered box decorated with gold OpusX emblems, which also holds a stash of cigars since it doubles as a humidor.
