Four years after the release of its first Concrete Jungle watch, Hublot is at it again. The Swiss luxury brand just unveiled its latest Classic Fusion model and it is an avant-garde tribute to New York City. Drawing inspiration from “the bustling streets, their exuberant spirit, brilliant energy, and limitless opportunities” and the city’s “perpetual ability to endure, evolve and overcome” the new Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle New York perfectly epitomizes Hublot’s Art of Fusion philosophy that promotes technical innovation and creative design.
Related: The Hublot Watches You Should Have in Your Timepiece Collection
The “concrete jungle” concept is reflected in the construction of the case, bezel, and dial. They are all crafted from 75 percent fine cement mixed with about 20 percent of epoxy resin (instead of water) and five percent fiberglass (that reinforces the concrete and acts as a substitute for steel). The result is a new version of concrete that is much lighter than its standard counterpart.
“This is our second iteration of a timepiece using concrete—four years in the making—and since the launch of the original piece in 2016, our watchmakers have been obsessively refining the material,” said Jean-Francois Sberro, president of Hublot of America. “Because concrete is so porous, our biggest challenge was safeguarding the longevity of the finish. An anti-UV additive and an anti-graffiti treatment were added to ensure the finish is as enduring as it is striking. The watch weight is 120 grams, comparable to other timepieces in the Classic Fusion collection (the Classic Fusion Titanium typically weighs 125 grams), unexpected but welcome for a piece with so much presence and a raw foundation.”
The timepiece’s case houses Hublot’s HUB1143 Manufacture self-winding chronograph movement that offers 42 hours of power reserve. The watch, which is limited to 50 pieces, is fitted with a sleek black textile strap with black stitching.
“The Nylon strap is versatile and weightless, it complements the unexpected lightness of the concrete and the utilitarian but elevated style that is synonymous with New York,” Sberro explained.
To celebrate the launch, the company enlisted the help of three of its “friends”—TV host and Superbowl champion Victor Cruz, Michelin-Star chef Daniel Boulud, and the 2019 Baseball Hall of Fame Unanimous Choice Inductee Mariano Rivera, who have all left their mark on the city.
Related: Hublot’s Big Bang One Click Watch Gets Another Artsy Makeover
“Nourishing the people of New York for the past two decades has been a blessing. Though it has been a very different year, we are grateful for how strong the city and its people have proven themselves to be,” stated Boulud. ”Just as we are constantly adjusting our kitchens to reflect the times and what is important, we are always looking for ingenuity, and New York City has driven us to stay inspired and passionate. This surprising watch is a perfect representation of the city’s creativity and strength, and I am proud to pay tribute to New York with Hublot.”
The Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle New York retails for $18,800 and will initially be available exclusively at Hublot’s Fifth Avenue flagship boutique and on Hublot.com.
