Hublot has always been the brand that constantly challenged the norms of watches, which often lead to some of the more daring concepts and designs in watchmaking. Hublot has collaborated with Berluti before in 2016, but unlike that watch where the dial was made out of leather, Hublot has instead decided to be even more daring and make the bezel out of Aluminio Venezia leather.
The word “Aluminio” does not mean that the watch is made out of aluminium instead if refers to the Aluminio Venezia grey leather finish that is used throughout the watch. As mentioned previously, the bezel is made out of Aluminio Venezia leather which is held by an adhesive resin and screwed in with Hublot’s signature H-pattern screws. This is where a lot of questions will arise as to how this bezel will cope out in the open air especially exposed to the elements. Leather is not known to deal with water effectively, yet the watch is rated for 100m water resistance. The bezel being made out of leather also means that it will develop a natural patina as time goes on and since this watch is limited to 100 pieces worldwide, not everyone will have the chance to own and also see how this watch will age over time.
The dial is made out Berluti leather and the numerals, indices and border of the 3 o’clock sub dials are branded onto that leather dial with a hot iron. The watch comes in a semi-skeleton style which shows the HUB180 UNICO automatic movement that has a power reserve of 72 hours. The case size comes in at 44mm which could pose some issues for people with slimmer wrists. It comes paired with a tapered leather strap which is finished in an Aluminio Venezia grey to match the entire watch. It is paired with a titanium deployant clasp, which is the same material used for the case. It also comes with sapphire crystal on both the front of the watch and the case back.
I have seen a comment where someone said that the world of watches would be boring without Hublot and I would have to agree. Even if it is not to your particular style or taste Hublot keeps pushing the norms with their watches and this alone should be worth of praise. This watch is limited to 100 pieces worldwide and is priced at $25,200 and is currently available through authorised dealers.
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