INCOMING...The Hublot Classic Fusion Ferrari GT (Review)

[rotiprata]

So here’s the backstory behind getting this piece.
Currently, I have 2 stainless steel bracelet watches, a Sub 114060 and a Black Daytona 116520. Pretty much up in Rolex Alley, so I’m pretty done with getting Rolexes.

I was really looking for a rubber strap sport watch, one that could give me a little change from the typical bracelet look and feel.

For a year, I have been on the sub AP Forums, just admiring and also enquiring information on various pieces to narrow down my choices (thanks forum members!), and yes by default AP was the go to brand for rubber strap watches. However, after much enquiring and trying on multiple pieces, AP just didn’t excite me that much, from the Royal Oaks, Roc to the Offshore pieces. Don’t get me wrong, they all looked wonderful, however they didn’t impress/excite me much on the design and uniqueness.

So something caught my attention during this year’s Baselworld 2019, It was Hublot, and in particular the Hublot Classic Fusion Ferrari GT. The overall design of the watch was what drew me to it, and to top it off, the watch was designed by Flavio Manzoni and his design team from Ferrari. It was just different, so different from the typical Hublot design.
So I went to my local Hublot AD when it was available, and boy oh boy, when I tried on it in the flesh, I was immediately sold, photos don’t do it any justice. From the design to the comfort of wearing it, I was smitten and acquired it.

So here's a review of the watch in my opinion.
Disclaimer: I know there’s tons of Hublot haters out there, I get it, It’s not your typical long historical brand, but one thing’s for sure, they sure do know how to make bold design moves, I believe they are one of the most interesting watch makers out there bold enough to always be introducing new design elements to their watches.





Dial
Beautifully skeletonized, with the Arabic numerals popping out. The subtle Ferrari Prancing Horse logo blends in well with the skeletonize design of the dial. In real life, the dial pops up way much more, it’s very 3D looking. I believe since there is no bezel to surround the dial, this trait puts a bigger emphasis on the dial, popping it up even more.


Lume
Surprisingly, they lumed up the small plots on the seconds and chronographs counters.





The Case
Made out of Titanium, the watch was really light and had a nice overall weight on the wrist. Although it’s a 45mm, it wears slimmer due to the lugs.
What stood out to me the most, is the design of the hooded lugs, along with the pushers and crown area. The hooded lugs gave the case more depth, this complemented the design of the pushers and the crown area. Those curves and overlays looked so simple, yet so elegant in design.
The red pusher, outstanding as it is, gives the watch a little twist and attention, and you can see a little inspiration from Ferrari Cars, the red obnoxious start engine button.

The crown, yes the Ferrari prancing horse will always be facing upwards, the crown has a cache that locks the crown up when pushed/turned at a certain position ensuring the Ferrari Logo to always be upright.(You get it when toying with one)

Overall I loved what they did with the whole case, no plastic mid plate separating the bezel from the case(like all other Hublot watches), the dial itself is elegantly suspended on the case.


Strap
One of the most comfortable leather strap I have ever worn, it’s definitely due to the combination of the inner part being rubber and the outer leather. Oh, it’s not just any leather, it’s Schedoni leather for this bad boy, the leather used in Ferrari Cars. I guess, this counts it off as a rubber strap watch


The Clasp
Definitely made differently from all other Hublot classic fusion watches, it’s curved design makes it more high end and modern, it’s entirely made out of titanium as well.
Important note: I know many of you have tried on the Hublot Big Bang Unico models with the detachable strap, the clasp on those really do dig into the wrist after awhile. However, for this model, it’s super comfortable. So if you are out there looking to own a Hublot Unico movement time piece that is finally comfortable, it’s right here folks.


Movement
What can I say, the new sized down version of the Unico HUB1280 flyback chronograph movement, 72 hours power reserve, flyback chronograph, the smooth chronograph push, beautifully designed back movement with the Ferrari logo on the centre of the oscillating disc, column wheel displayed on the front of the dial, Give me a break!

Overall
On the wrist, it feels great and sits low.
I really like what they did with the design of the case and the whole integration of the newly sized down Unico movement. The curves of the watch made it so un-Hublot but at the same retaining the Hublot tradition of innovation and fusion. Images really do not do any justice to the watch, in-person this watch is much more impressive and elegant.

Thanks for reading!
PS: It's my first time writing a watch review, I hope it's detailed enough for you guys to read and even go try one :)