Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014


by Michael Weare
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Hublot loves nothing more than to be the official timekeeper for a string of prestigious events. If you have been following the World Cup, you may quite possibly have noticed the rather smart Hublot electronic boards that are held aloft at the side of the pitch each time a substitution is made, or confirming how many minutes are left before half or full time. That’s all down to Hublot being the official timekeepers of the tournament.

Unlike the referee’s spray cans, which are whipped out of a back pocket to spray instant white lines for free kicks, it’s unlikely the Hublot electronic boards were donated free of charge. Whereas the spray cans, all 360 0f them, were donated free of charge by the inventor of the product.

And so to another cushy sporting event with which Hublot has simultaneously been involved. The 76th annual Bol d’Or Mirabaud regatta which took place last month. This time the action took place in Hublot’s own back yard, or more accurately, on its home shores. The regatta takes place each year, and has done so ever since it was first held in 1939.

76th annual Bol d’Or Mirabaud regatta

76th annual Bol d’Or Mirabaud regatta

From just 26 entrants in that inaugural year, today the regatta attracts some 600 yachts and up to 3000 sailors both amateur and professional. The event has become one of the classic yacht races of the regatta calendar and attracts champions from all over Europe. Thousands of spectators, more than you would expect to find even in a World Cup final, line the banks of Lake Geneva to watch the racing. Yet despite the competitive and cutting edge nature of the regatta, the spirit of the event has remained welcoming and friendly.

Being the official timekeepers of the prestigious regatta, Hublot produced a special Classic Fusion Chrono in titanium and carbon. Unlike some of Hublot’s Formula 1 and Football inspired Big Bang offerings, the Classic Fusion Chrono is certainly less frantic and more subtle in its appearance and looks all the more elegant for it.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014 features a hint of deep blue on the two sub dials of the carbon fibre watch, designed to mirror the sometimes choppy waters of Lake Geneva. The watch is, as the name suggests, a fusion of materials; titanium, carbon fibre and rubber.

Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014

Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014

Lightweight tough and durable mirror polished titanium is also corrosion resistant, while carbon fibre adds a robust and undeniably sporty look to the watch. As for the strap, that is something of a Hublot hallmark, and the one for which it originally became famous; it’s a carbon fibre strap sewn onto durable, comfortable black rubber with saddle stitching in deep midnight blue. It’s a watch which would work equally well with weekend jeans or a city smart suit.

To commemorate the 76th anniversary of the event, Hublot released precisely 76 numbered timepieces. Last year demand far outstripped supply for the official race watch, which ties in neatly with Hublot Chairman Jean-Claude Biver’s long held philosophy to keep the customer hungry for more.

Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014

Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014

On the dial of the piece, the new model features two sunburst counters. On the case back there is an elegant engraving which reads: “76ème édition BOL D’OR Mirabaud”. With only 76 pieces created this sporty watch is going to be hard to get hold of, but you could try online or track one down at a Hublot boutique, of which new ones are appearing somewhere in the world with almost every passing month.

Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014 - Caseback

Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014 – Caseback

    Author Bio

    Articles by Michael Weare

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Michael Weare hails from an international advertising agency background where he handled several well known and highly desirable watch brands; handled, but sadly never got to keep. However it's this exposure that gave him a lasting fascination for watches. Michael was Editor of Click Tempus for over 2.5 years and is now in the same role at Watchuseek, the web's largest watch forum.