It was just a year ago that Hublot announced its pairing with Italia Independent for a new take on the watch manufacturer’s Classic Fusion Chronograph. Inspired by suit fabrics, these watches may not be immediately obvious as to why we’d include them in our automotive themed gear watching. The same holds with the just-revealed 2018 collection, and we’ll explain why in a moment.

The man behind Italia Independent is Lapo Elkann. More renowned in the pages of Vanity Fair for his fashion prowess, Elkann is known amongst car enthusiasts as one of the Agnelli family, grandson of iconic Fiat chief Gianni Agnelli. Elkann also founded Garage Italia Customs, the Milan-based car customization firms that’ll tailor your exotic just as Italia Independent will tailor  your suit.

Elkann’s relation to Italia Independent and Hublot isn’t the only reason we like these watches. As fashion goes, often so goes automotive interiors. Plaids and houndstooths are a particular interest in automotive applications, so we’re quick to zero in on any of those. As you can see, the blue on blue houndstooth is one of the more striking of the 2018 collection.

See more photos of this new watch lineup below. Also read the full press release from Hublot below that.

HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION CHRONOGRAPH ITALIA INDEPENDENT
[source: Hublot]

Following the success of earlier editions, Hublot and Lapo Elkann continue their collaboration with a new collection of three chronograph watches

“The more time passes, the more I feel inspired by the partnership with Hublot. The synergies between us are obvious, allowing us to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity with each new collection. These three new pieces are no exception: As soon as you hold them, you can feel the elegance and technical perfection they exude, whilst retaining a quirky touch of je-ne-sais-quoi. They have a powerful charm!” explains Lapo Elkann 

Lapo Elkann has been elected to Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed Hall of Fame. His sense of style and elegance is elevated by his unbridled creativity. These qualities were first seen when he was at the Head of Brand Promotion for FCA as well as with the creating of his own businesses, Italia Independent Group and Garage Italia. Italia Independent, the ready-to-wear and luxury accessories brand, that has linked its name to Hublot and create a partnership.

“This new collaboration between Hublot and Lapo Elkann and his Italia Independent brand is a marvellous example of our concept “The Art of Fusion”. It fuses two creative spirits, both intent on leaving the beaten track behind, and on furthering their quest to use new materials. We have worked together since 2014 and neither of us could imagine a more perfect partnership,” says Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO 

Four collections, one for women have been created from this partnership that combines the innovative approach of Lapo Elkann and the watchmaking and technological expertise of the Hublot Manufacture. For 2018, the stylish Hublot Classic Fusion Italia Independent has been given a sporty twist with the addition of a chronograph movement to three different limited editions. In all three, cutting edge materials resulting from extensive research conducted by Hublot combine with the elegance of the exquisite fabrics Lapo Elkann has chosen from the archives of the legendary Italian tailor, Rubinacci. For this collaboration, he has selected precious rolls of fabric inspired by the 60s and 70s.

The first model sports a blue houndstooth pattern on the strap and dial. The colour is accentuated by a polished titanium case. This piece will be limited to 100. The second, also blue, is enhanced by the elegance of a fabric featuring a fine pinstripe. The black case is formed of polished ceramic and, again, only 100 pieces will be produced. More exclusive still, the third watch in this collection will be available in a limited edition of just 50 pieces. It features the famous King Gold, a noble material that perfectly illustrates “The Art of Fusion” that is so dear to Hublot. The strap and dial feature the brown tones of a Prince of Wales check.

All three timepieces feature the same sapphire crystal on back of their 45 mm case, allowing an unimpeded view of their HUB1143 calibre mechanism, a self-winding chronograph movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

Each Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent timepiece will be delivered in a presentation case that also contains an exclusive pair of Italia Independent sunglasses specially designed to match. Classic Italian style!

Specification: Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent Titanium

  • References: 521.NX.2710.NR.ITI18 – Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent “Blue Houndstooth”
  • Diameter: 45 mm 
  • Thickness: 13.05 mm 
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 m) 
  • Case: Polished, satin-finished titanium 
  • Bezel: Polished, satin-finished titanium with six H-shaped polished titanium screws 
  • Bezel lug: Blue composite resin 
  • Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment and Italia Independent logo at 6 o’clock 
  • Crown: Polished titanium with Hublot logo 
  • Pushers: Polished titanium 
  • Case-back: Titanium, satin-finished and engraved with “Limited Edition 100NUM” 
  • Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment 
  • Dial: Authentic Rubinacci suit fabric in “Houndstooth” and blue counters (Houndstooth) 
  • Hands & indices: Polished, plated ruthenium 
  • Movement: Calibre HUB1143, automatic chronograph movement 
  • Date: Window at 6 o’clock 
  • No. of components: 280 (59 jewels) 
  • Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vib/h) 
  • Power reserve: 42 hours
  • Strap: Authentic Rubinacci suit fabric in “Houndstooth” with blue stitching and black rubber (Houndstooth) 
  • Stainless steel deployant buckle 

Specification: Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent Ceramic

  • References: 521.CM.2707.NR.ITI18 – Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent “Pinstripe”
  • Diameter: 45 mm 
  • Thickness: 13.05 mm 
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 m) 
  • Case: Satin-finished and polished black ceramic 
  • Bezel: Polished, satin-finished black ceramic with six H-shaped polished titanium screws 
  • Bezel lug: Black composite resin 
  • Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment and Italia Independent logo at 6 o’clock 
  • Crown: Polished black ceramic with Hublot logo 
  • Pushers: Polished black ceramic 
  • Case-back: Polished black ceramic engraved with “Limited Edition 100NUM” 
  • Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment 
  • Dial: Authentic Rubinacci suit fabric in “Pinstripe” and blue counters 
  • Hands & indices: Polished, plated ruthenium 
  • Movement: Calibre HUB1143, automatic chronograph movement 
  • Date: Window at 6 o’clock 
  • No. of components: 280 (59 jewels) 
  • Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vib/h) 
  • Power reserve: 42 hours 
  • Strap: Authentic Rubinacci suit fabric in “Pinstripe” with black stitching and blue rubber 
  • Black PVD stainless steel deployant buckle 

Specification: Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia King Gold

  • References: 521.OX.2709.NR.ITI18 – Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent “Prince of Wales check”
  • Diameter: 45 mm 
  • Thickness: 13.05 mm 
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 m) 
  • Case: 18K King Gold, polished and satin-finished 
  • Bezel: Polished and satin-finished 18K King Gold with six H-shaped polished titanium screws 
  • Bezel lug: Black composite resin 
  • Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment and Italia Independent logo at 6 o’clock 
  • Crown: Polished 18K King Gold with Hublot logo 
  • Pushers: 18K King Gold, polished 
  • Case-back: 18K King Gold, polished and engraved with “Limited Edition 50NUM” 
  • Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment 
  • Dial: Authentic Rubinacci suit fabric in “Prince of Wales check” and brown counters 
  • Hands & indices: Polished, plated ruthenium 
  • Movement: Calibre HUB1143, automatic chronograph movement 
  • Date: Window at 6 o’clock 
  • No. of components: 280 (59 jewels) 
  • Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vib/h) 
  • Power reserve: 42 hours 
  • Strap: Authentic Rubinacci suit fabric in “Prince of Wales check” with black stitching and blue rubber (Prince of Wales check) 
  • Black PVD and King Gold stainless steel deployant buckle

Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

+