The new Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti – an Art of Fusion exemplar from Hublot and Berluti – is housed in a case that features both the “Scritto” text and the patinated leather palette that are iconic signatures of the luxury shoe brand, and is available in titanium or bronze, paired with a Venezia Cold Brown or Cold Gold leather strap
In Olga Berluti’s eyes, there is nothing more beautiful than a leather shoe darkened with age. This alone has a soul, she says. This has led her to develop an incredible colour palette – a spectrum from light to dark – that makes these shoes unique, just like their owner. Transferring this to the world of watchmaking was a challenge that Hublot relished. It was an exciting exercise for the marque to transpose the patina and the “Scritto” – two hallmark signs of Berluti’s expertise – onto their cases.
Olga Berluti expertly developed this carefully studied process of applying essential oils and pigments that give the shoes their unique character, in order to defy time and the rules of colour. The “Scritto” – also one of the hallmarks of the luxury shoe brand – refers to an eighteenth-century French letter that Olga Berluti bought at auction.
Handwritten lines of text make their mark in this iconic collection, the expression of a labour of love crafted by hand. Encapsulating the Venezia leather – a natural material – in a water-resistant case was a feat in itself. Having done so, the next challenge for Hublot was clear: to find a way to transpose these traditions to the metal – a material with entirely different physical attributes – and imbue the cases with the “soul” of Berluti. A way of revealing the bond of expertise that unites these luxury ateliers.
These two elegant hybrid timepieces are powered by the HUB1143 automatic chronograph movement and, from the strap to the dial, they showcase an infinite array of autumnal colours in all their contrasting shades. The watches are presented in a bespoke box containing a complete Berluti leather care set. Each version is available in a limited edition of 200 pieces.
