(#defsoneanddone) One & Done: Chapter Nine - Hublot
Foreword
Welcome and welcome back! If you're new here, I'm exploring the 20 best-selling watch brands of 2022 (as seen on GQ Australia) and answering the question: If I could only have one watch from this brand FOREVER, which would I pick?
Today we are looking at Hublot, but if you want to see my previous article where I covered Vacheron Constantin, follow #defsoneanddone or click the link here!
#12: Hublot – Classic Fusion Orlinski ‘Black Magic’
Now, I felt that this part of the #defsoneanddone would be the most difficult, considering the sheer amount of people that constantly bash Hublot, from Nico Leonard to myself. Sometimes, I feel so bad for the #hublot section in WatchCrunch because I so often see posts from new members asking the same thing, every single time:
Exiting the Hublot-hating zeitgeist to view one for myself, I managed to discover a Hublot that I felt was worth my time: The Classic Fusion Orlinski ‘Black Magic.’
In all honesty, I already find the Classic Fusion collection at Hublot to be quite fascinating from a design aspect, and I think that Hublot does receive an unwarranted amount of hate from hypocritical watch snobs. Do you hate Hublot because they ‘modify ETA/Selitta movements?’ You worship IWC and Breitling for the same thing. Oh, ‘the screws on the bezel aren’t aligned correctly?’ I hope you don’t look at a Cartier Santos too closely.
Yeah, I'm gonna use a lot of soyjack memes. Sorry in advance, but they get the point across!
Sure, they are terribly overpriced, but one factor that will always garner my respect from Hublot is that they know they make silly watches, and they are more than happy to step aside and leave the haute horlogerie to the Pateks and the Langes of the world. Hublots are like the Colby Covington of watchmaking – You may love them, you may hate them, but in the end, they made you look.
The ‘Black Magic’ is such an exemplification of Hublot’s bold design choices and defiant stance in the horological world. Always taking cues from hypermodern aesthetics and streetwear, this watch was made in collaboration with the French pop artist Richard Orlinski.
I myself am particularly find of his Wild Kong sculpture. It's pretty cool! It reminds me of those enemies in SUPERHOT, if you ever played that game.
Known for his multifaceted and geometric designs, this watch exemplifies the design elements pervasive in Orlinski’s works, creating smooth surfaces and sharp angles on the all-black ceramic dial and case that plays incredibly well in the light. At 40mm in case diameter, the Classic Fusion design remains, working well with Orlinski’s abstractions – the exposed screws, hooded lugs, logo on the crystal and rubber strap all scream signature Hublot design.
Of course, the main point of criticism will come from the movement. Through the sapphire case back you can see the HUB1100, a passably finished Selitta rework.
Couldn't find a picture of the Black Magic's caseback, so here's the titanium version.
But here’s why that doesn’t matter: To the untrained horological eye, the Hublot design is nothing short of incredible, and a see-through case back is revolutionary to the layman whose only exposure to the luxury watch world will have been through department stores and rap music. And let’s be real, there are a lot of untrained horological eyes out there who will look straight past the snobbery and into the black, geometric void that is the gorgeous dial of the ‘Black Magic.’ Zach Pina from ABlogToWatch puts it best:
The real selling point of the Orlinski isn’t the engine, but it’s chassis.
All-in-all, Hublot faces a metric ton of unwarranted criticism daily, but the ‘Black Magic’ shines as a defiant masterpiece. From the streetwear vibes to the geometric allure courtesy of Orlinski’s artistic flair, this conversation piece establishes itself as a massive middle finger to the naysayers and snobs too in love with their own wrist’s reflection. So sure, sip tea and smoke cigars from your ivory towers, because you are correct – Hublot does belong to the streets, and they will apologize to absolutely nobody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxRYF2s-wLc
This was a fun one to write - I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did! Breitling is up next!
I am not Gerald Genta. I like to draw watch ideas. They usually suck. #defsnotgenta for more.
This Hublot may be too Hublot for me. Again, interesting but not my style. The design is definitely there though, and the uh dial texture corresponds with the indices well instead of just being random nonsense (ahem Grand Seiko). And they brought the moti to the case as well. I also like that they seem to have the dial branding on the back of the crystal, so it appears to float, casts a shadow.
The one thing that brands need to learn is to emulate Rolex with the case backs. Make them solid.
This Hublot may be too Hublot for me. Again, interesting but not my style. The design is definitely there though, and the uh dial texture corresponds with the indices well instead of just being random nonsense (ahem Grand Seiko). And they brought the moti to the case as well. I also like that they seem to have the dial branding on the back of the crystal, so it appears to float, casts a shadow.
The one thing that brands need to learn is to emulate Rolex with the case backs. Make them solid.
They really should make them solid. Nobody should ever know.
I've passed on several preowned offered at very favorable pricing. If a watch doesn't speak to me when I have it in my hands and on my wrist I'm not buying it. If Hublot is a style that speaks to you then you can save a ton of money by picking one up on the secondary market. Hublot was one of the early adopters of rubber straps on dress watches.
This Hublot may be too Hublot for me. Again, interesting but not my style. The design is definitely there though, and the uh dial texture corresponds with the indices well instead of just being random nonsense (ahem Grand Seiko). And they brought the moti to the case as well. I also like that they seem to have the dial branding on the back of the crystal, so it appears to float, casts a shadow.
The one thing that brands need to learn is to emulate Rolex with the case backs. Make them solid.
I too love the Hublot logo on the crystal. It adds some visual intrigue, especially on the less bold dial options.
I really like this Hublot. I actually like their design language and I think they have their own niche. The only turnoff for me has always been price and size. At 40mm, this one will likely fit me well, far better than the 45mm Classic Fusion Chronograph I tried on once. All in all, you've made a pretty great choice in my opinion.