Hublot’s Cricket Addiction: The Classic Fusion Chronograph

As cricket enthusiasts around the world wait this summer for the sport’s biggest tournament, cricket loving brands have turned the heat on, including Swiss watchmaker Hublot — the official timekeeper of the ICC World Cup 2019. In the midst of soaring temperatures (quite literally so in Delhi), ‘Vishawatch’ spent some quality time with the limited edition ‘Classic Fusion Chronograph’, the official watch of the Cup that’s coming up in England and Wales. Needless so say, it was fun! For Hublot, it is a celebration of cricket and picks up from the original World Cup watch produced four years ago.

The watch features a number of characterful design touches to mark the association. The grey and red detailing found in the dial, satin-finished and polished ceramic bezel and leather and rubber strap are inspired by the colour palette of this year’s event logo; the hands of the twin counters for the chronograph minutes and small seconds are shaped like cricket bats; the triple appliqué hour marker at 12 o’clock mirrors the three wooden stumps guarded by a batsman.

Priced at Rs 11.90 lakhs, the sapphire case back of this watch is decorated with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 logo. That’s not all, India being a special market housing a huge fraternity of cricket lovers, Hublot has created a separate limited edition (50 pieces) watch for this country which comes with a price tag of Rs 14.23 lakhs. Hublot has been working in cricket since it partnered with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Today, the Swiss Watchmaker counts Australian cricketing legend Michael Clarke as an official ambassador, and Indian limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma as a friend of the brand. In February, Hublot announced former England Ashes-winning captain and international cricket commentator Michael Vaughn as a friend of the brand.

A dream, initiated and developed by Hublot’s Chairman Jean-Claude Biver with CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, these two men are responsible for turning the Hublot brand into a success story in which the Big Bang, Classic Fusion, Spirit of Big Bang and Manufacture Pieces represent the symbols of a constantly evolving tradition. From watch complications and revolutionary materials to world class collaborations such as FIFA World Cup and Ferrari, Hublot characterises itself through the ‘Art of Fusion’ philosophy, bringing tradition into the future. On a commercial level, the network of stores currently stands at more than 80 exclusive boutiques around the world.