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- Hublot has unveiled the Classic Fusion Tributo in 18k yellow and white gold, with both going for AUD $44,600 a pop.
- The 38mm watches revisit Carlo Crocco’s original 1980 Hublot, retaining its black rubber strap, minimalist dial and distinctive porthole-inspired bezel.
- Both versions replace the original quartz movement with an automatic HUB1711 calibre, while the MDM signature pays tribute to Hublot’s founder.
Before Hublot became known for its oversized Big Bang watches, elaborate complications, crazy collaborations and eye-watering price tags, something far more quaint sat in the watch box: a gold watch on a black rubber strap. That was Carlo Crocco’s big idea back in 1980, and 46 years later, it’s still a seriously good-looking combination.
The Swiss watchmaker has unveiled the Classic Fusion Tributo, a pair of gorgeous 38mm timepieces that bring Crocco’s original design back to life in 18k yellow and white gold. They retain the distinctive porthole-inspired bezel, exposed screws and a stripped-back black dial that made the first Hublot stand out. Of course, neither will be cheap, with each setting you back AUD $44,600.
And while Hublot has changed a lot over the past four decades, the Tributo reminds us that the watch that started it all didn’t need nearly as many embellishments as some of its modern creations. Those are always fun to look at, but this classy tribute to Crocco is where it’s at.
1/3Back to Where Hublot Began
When Crocco unveiled his first Hublot under the MDM Genève name in 1980, pairing precious metal with a rubber strap was a bold departure from traditional luxury watchmaking. The 36mm quartz watch featured a clean black dial, 12 screws around its circular bezel and little else to distract from the unusual combination of sought-after gold and commonplace rubber. The unconventional pairing would go on to define Hublot’s approach to watch design.
In 2026, the new Classic Fusion Tributo grows to 38mm, but at just 9.5mm thick, it retains those wonderfully restrained proportions. You won’t find any hour markers; they’d only get in the way, and the date remains at three o’clock. And even though they’ve kept the rubber, the ribbed black strap looks more at home against polished, satin-finished gold than a metal bracelet ever would.
But while some things stay the same, Hublot has been hard at work underneath the flashy exterior. In place of the original quartz movement sits Hublot’s self-winding HUB1711 calibre, offering about 50 hours of power reserve. Flip the watch over, and you’ll find an H-shaped rotor visible through the sapphire caseback.
1/7Two Shades of Gold For One Original Idea
The yellow-gold version is the closest in character to Crocco’s original, pairing its warm 18k case with a black lacquered dial and a yellow-gold rotor. It’s a rather fetching combination, particularly with the gold hands and the familiar MDM signature sitting silently at six o’clock.
For a more understated approach, the white-gold Tributo features a polished black onyx dial, black-plated bezel screws, and a dark tungsten rotor. Both share the same 100-metre water resistance and the all-important black rubber strap.
That little MDM signature at the bottom of the watch is a discreet nod to Crocco’s original MDM Genève company and his Main Dans la Main Foundation, to which Hublot is donating CHF 100,000 (roughly AUD $175,000) to celebrate the release.
As Crocco described it, seeing his original creation brought back to life was “deeply emotional”. Looking at these watches alongside the 1980 original, it’s easy to see why. Sometimes the best thing a watchmaker can do is remember what made its watches special in the first place.
Both Classic Fusion Tributo models are available through selected Hublot retailers and online, priced at AUD $44,600 each.
1/7Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo – Key Specs
- References: 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM (yellow gold); 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM (white gold)
- Case: 38mm, 18k yellow or white gold
- Thickness: 9.5mm
- Dial: Black lacquer (yellow gold); black onyx (white gold)
- Movement: HUB1711 automatic
- Power reserve: Approximately 50 hours
- Caseback: Sapphire crystal with H-shaped rotor
- Water resistance: 100 metres (10 ATM)
- Strap: Black rubber
- Price: AUD $44,600 each
- Availability: Selected Hublot retailers and online
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