Time Traveling: The Hublot Classic Fusion Zirconium

Classic Fusion Zirconium

Hublot has experienced much success in making fine, highly fashionable wristwatches with the very best Swiss craftsmanship on Earth. These facts are proven time and again by not only the popularity of their timepieces but by the way Hublot fans return time and again to purchase yet another style of watch for their personal use and/or collection. Though each watch carries what most would consider being a very high price tag, owners will tell you that manner in which every piece is designed and produced with only the most exceptional of mechanisms and care makes their Hublot wristwatch worth it. When one observes the countless styles produced by this company, it is obvious that years of experience and an overwhelming amount of care goes into the design and production process behind every piece. Founded in 1980 by luxury Swiss watchmaker Carlo Crocco, and currently, under the experienced direction of past CEO Jean-Claude Biver, as well as current CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot has enjoyed a quite a successful run, with 2012 seeing revenue of more than $325 million for the company.

One of their most renowned and popular watch lines, Classic Fusion, was introduced to the public in 2010. It was a blend of their popular Big Bang watch, which was brought into existence during the Jean-Claude Biver run, and some of the watch models produced in the 1980s that succeeded in actually putting Hublot on the map, so to speak. With that being said, let’s take a deeper look at one of the Classic Fusion styles that Hublot has to offer, the Classic Fusion Zirconium, and discover a bit more about it.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Zirconium

Before we dive into the Zirconium model, let’s look just a bit closer at the original Classic Fusion. Tagged ‘Fusion’ for the variety of materials that are used together in each watch, this particular model is known to consist of a blend of things like rubber, ceramic, steel, titanium, and much more. While it also bears features similar to the Big Bang model (like the oversized dial, for instance), it mostly resembles the classic Hublot original model, which looked like the porthole of a ship (hence the name ‘Hublot’, which is French for porthole) The Zirconium model is fairly self-explanatory; its case is made of zirconium, which is a grayish-white metal of strong transition that is derived from zircon. It looks a lot like hafnium, another metal, and just a bit like titanium, but just a bit less. The word ‘zircon’ (and it relative, ‘zirconium’) are derived from the Persian word ‘zargun’, which can be roughly translated to mean ‘as gold’.

Now that we have a clearer understanding of what the Classic Fusion Zirconium watch is, let’s break down its make-up and the mechanisms that run this bad boy.

What Makes It Tick?

Here is a list of the specifics on the Hublot Classic Fusion Zirconium wrist watch.

  • MSRP when new: $9,800
  • Automatic movement
  • Round case shape
  • Folding clasp with push-button mechanism
  • Case dimensions at 42mm
  • Black finish (most models, though some had different colored finishes)
  • Case made of zirconium
  • Natural rubber black band
  • Sapphire crystal that is scratch-resistent
  • Transparent case back
  • Fixed bezel
  • Water resistant to 330 ft (100m)
  • Non-screw-in crown
  • Power reserve of approximately 42 hours
  • Hublot Caliber HUB 1110 (counted beats at 28,000vph)
  • Zirconium case has brush-finished end-link between hubs and finished edges that are polished
  • Date window feature (located at the 3:00 position)
  • 18k rose gold bezel that is brush finished
  • ‘H’ style screws for quick and easy determination of maker
  • Bezel and case separated by black composite resin
  • Skeleton style rose gold hands with brush finish
  • Matte dial in solid black
  • Index hour markers in appliqué style, also in brush finished rose gold
  • Model #542no1180rx

The zirconium-cased model of the Classic Fusion is loved by both men and women for its styling, design, and the luxurious look that is so easily pulled off with the use of such sturdy and dependable materials and unparalleled craftsmanship. While the watch is quite expensive, particularly when new, it can be found used at much more affordable prices.

(Specifications on the Hublot Classic Fusion in Zirconium)

The Real Deal, or a Fake Snake?

Hublot has been a much-loved brand of wristwatches since the 1980s, representing the epitome of personal timepieces that are some of the best crafted and finest running in the world. While the oversized cases have proved to be quite trendsetting, having motivated many replicas and knock-offs, there is only one true Hublot, so it is important that buyers beware when purchasing any watch claiming to be a ‘Hublot’ when buying privately. Selling phony Hublot watches is one way that money can be made easily by those who are less than honest. But don’t worry; if you know what to look for, you can protect yourself from being duped, because there are many ways to tell a genuine Hublot from one that isn’t authentic. What follows is a quick and simple guide on how to tell one from the other.

Look for Obvious Flaws: Such flaws include printing that isn’t lined up right, the residue of glue being visible on the edges, markings that are printed in a substandard manner, or mismarked (or unmarked) case backs or watch bracelet straps. If you are in the market for a used Hublot, the wisest move is to pay a visit to a Hublot dealer or store first. They will usually allow you to inspect one of the real ones, so hold it, check out the weight and feel of it, and get to know it before you make any used purchase. It’s All in the Details: As mentioned before, Hublot uses very distinctive ‘H’-shaped screws on all of their models. Fakes will have screws with a blue color to them, especially on the inside. Also, there should be a Hublot logo on the clasp, and it should be engraved. Run your finger over the logo to make sure it isn’t printed on or etched into the clasp. Have the Market Value Determined for Yourself: If you know the model of watch you want to buy go online and begin to track the market value for yourself. ‘If it’s too good to be true, it usually is’ is a spot-on statement; you shouldn’t be able to get a genuine Hublot for thousands less than what it is actually worth, or what the common asking price is at that time. Remember that used prices are determined by many factors, such as current availability, age, watch condition, etc. Keep all of these things in mind when making a purchase.

Read all Lettering on the Watch Carefully: Is ‘Hublot Geneve’ spelled right? Does the dial clearly read ‘Swiss Made’? Make sure to check out the movement markings also. Finally, Check Out the Person Your Are Buying From: Where are they located? Do they have good reviews, few good reviews, or no reviews at all? Make sure to check out the URL (Sellers of fakes will often have temporary websites that may match legitimate ones, with the exception of a few letters or numbers being off).

Bringing It All Together

If you’re interested in the Hublot Classic Fusion Zirconium, or any other model from this awesome company, it’s not impossible, even though the price may be high. The watch, you will find, is not only stylish and dependable, it will be worth it in the long run. After all, you get what you pay for, right? And with that in mind, you want to make sure that you get the real thing. So shop carefully, be on the lookout for scammers, and find the best watch for the best price. If you stick to these simple pointers, you will be enjoying your Hublot in no time.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply