Hublot’s Classic Fusion Tourbillon Orlinski weaves together art and high watchmaking

When Hublot first came to Richard Orlinski, the Swiss luxury watchmaker wanted a watch that had the makings of a contemporary piece of art. The collaboration ended up producing the coveted Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinsk, mirroring the celebrated artist’s stylised geometric subjects. Now, they’ve linked up again to create another stunning timepiece in the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Orlinski.

Since 2017, the brand has been partnering with the contemporary artist to come up with new models that appeal to both art and watch collectors alike. The best-selling French industrial sculptor, best known for his monochromatic diamond-cut sculptures of wildlife and cultural symbols, is a proponent of both vintage and neo-futurist styles. And this influence is most evident in this latest release.

For the Hublot ‘Art of Fusion’ collection, Hublot gave the Wild Kong sculptor carte blanche. “I’ve had the freedom to be able to take the Classic Fusion to the limits of its potential,” Orlinski says. “Smooth yet dynamic, like the edges of its ceramic case, it embodies a kind of animality, the ‘Born Wild’ spirit that is a constant theme running through my work.”

Pop colours and edgy design blend with outstanding watchmaking mechanics and a skeleton tourbillon. Orlinski’s signature bold contours house the 45-millimetre case. The sculpted bezel and index, as well as the redesigned case give the timepiece a new graphic dimension within the Classic Fusion series.

Two distinctly vibrant shades dress the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Orlinski, from its case, strap, and bezel down to the hands and index. Each piece, nevertheless, provides a different texture. The first is a sunny yellow and opposite the yellow is the airy sky-blue version. For the latter, the design is especially unique because of the bridge, which is covered in silver rhodium plating. This only elevates the polished, satin-brushed, and embossed finishes.

Components like the six H-shaped screws around the bezel appear suspended in space by black PVD skeleton bridge. In the space between 8 and 9 o’clock, the power reserve indication blends in nicely. At the heart of it is the Hublot connoisseur’s favorite manually wound HUB6021. Sapphire crystal faces on the front and back allow light at just about any time of the day. These, in turn, produce a certain chromatic harmony around the wearer’s wrist.

“In an era of ephemeral ‘collabs’, every year, Hublot demonstrates our ability to push the boundaries of art and watchmaking, unveiling ever more powerful, unique and distinctive designs,” Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe explains. “We’ve been working closely with Richard for the past eight years. And it’s not over yet!”

Visit Hublot for more information.

Read next:

• The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Armillary tourbillon is a celebration of Art Deco grandeur
• Jaeger-LeCoultre debuts its latest tourbillon watch in pink gold