Hublot has been 10 years supporting the UEFA Champions League and to mark this occasion and celebration, it has released a new Classic Fusion Chronograph in Titanium.
Football fans and watch fans unite! Well, as the saying goes, that is. We all know Hublot is a big supporter of football, or soccer, depending on what country you live in. And this year marks the 10th anniversary of Hublot’s association with the UEFA Champions League. Over this time, Hublot has timed over 800 matches and counted every goal and milestone. It’s a lot to undertake, but hey, someone has to do it, and thankfully, Hublot has. To celebrate this milestone itself, Hublot has released a new Classic Fusion Chronograph in titanium, complete with UEFA nods that make this limited edition piece of just 100 one for collectors, football and watch fans alike.
For this special edition, Hublot has decided to craft the watch in the 42mm Classic Fusion case in a combination of brushed and polished titanium. We got our hands on the watch in Geneva just before its release, and were able to try it on for size. It honestly fits great and with the lightweight titanium, feels pretty good on the wrist. And if you’re a blue watch lover, then this will suit you down to a tee!
The dial has been done in a stunning fumé blue and is sunbrushed as well to create a radiant effect across the dial. Depending on the light conditions, it can change from a deep blue to an almost purple shade, which can be seen here between the outdoor lighting on the wrist versus the warmer-toned indoor lighting. The UEFA Champions League logo sits on the 3 o’clock subdial, which itself is circular grained and matches the star pattern found on the blue leather strap.
The strap is designed from a combination of blue leather for the upper, which is adorned by the aforementioned UEFA star pattern, and underneath, black rubber for a better wearing experience, not to mention more durable. The leather/rubber combination is a good move here on a sports watch, as it gives the wearer the best of both worlds. A leather look, but ease of wear with the rubber. Perfect for the warmer weather as well, where normally leather straps don’t fare all that well.
Inside the Classic Fusion Chronograph is the HUB1153 automatic chronograph movement with a 48-hour power reserve. No, it is not an in-house calibre (yet) but modified by the watchmakers in Nyon. We should hopefully start to see the Classic Fusion Chronographs get an in-house movement once the new Manufacture building is finished next year in 2026, which will allow Hublot to increase its production of in-house calibres, like the HUB1280 Unico and allow the more entry-level pieces to get an upgrade. That being said, the HIB1153 will be reliable and fit for purpose. On the caseback, the UEFA logo and Champions League insignia can be found laser etched into the crystal and the edition number of the limited edition on the titanium case back.
As mentioned on the wrist, it is light and sits well. The 11.9mm isn’t overbearing by any stretch and with 50m of water resistance, it becomes one of those easily wearable pieces on the daily, should you choose to do so. The titanium has a nice warmer hue to it as well, which contrasts nicely with the blues, and while it was not set out to be a statement piece on the wrist, it will stand out and maybe turn a few heads.
Initial Thoughts
We didn’t have a long time to play around with the new Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League edition whilst in Switzerland, but enough to get a good feel of it. After all, this isn’t a new model per sé, the Classic Fusion Chronograph 42mm has been around for some time, but not in this variation before. I’ve gone hands-on with the 45mm Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chrono in the past, and while it was a fun watch, it was edging on the larger side for my tastes these days. It was fun to wear, however, so don’t let me take that away from it. But the 42mm is almost the perfect size with a 3mm downshift in both the diameter and the thickness.
As far as collaborations and limited editions go, this piece, I feel, straddles the fence between a subtle nod to the game and UEFA, and a more out-there watch that screams something else. I feel Hublot has taken the design codes and aesthetics to the edge here, but not gone over and thus keeps the Classic Fusion Champions League Edition within the realms of an easily wearable piece that showcases the wearer’s love for football. And it seems that this is how the watch collectors see it, as they are already in demand. No, this isn’t me trying to create demand for this piece, but what the brand has told me in passing, as some countries’ allocations are already sold out within a week of release. For those who live in an area where it is still available, and if you are a fan of football, then just maybe, this is not a bad watch to add to the collection and wear with pride on game day, whatever Champions League team you follow! Come on, Liverpool!
Reference: 541.NX.5170.VR.UCL25
Specifications:
- Case Diameter: 42mm x 11.9mm thick
- Case Material: Satin-finished and polished titanium
- Bezel: Polished and brushed titanium with 6 H-shaped titanium screws
- Dial: Blue gradient sunray dial with EUFA logo on the 3 o’clock sub-dial
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Caseback: Sapphire crystal
- Movement: HUB1153 self-winding chronograph movement beating at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH
- Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours
- Water Resistance: 50 metres
- Strap: Black rubber strap with blue calf leather outer adorned with UEFA stars. Stainless steel push-button deployant clasp