Business · Companies · 15 hrs ago
Hublot brings back its 1980 design with founder Carlo Crocco
Hublot has brought founder Carlo Crocco back to help present a new watch based on the brand’s first model.
The Classic Fusion Tributo was unveiled in Milan on October 15 and draws on the design of the 1980 original, with its gold case and rubber strap.
Crocco developed that first watch during the quartz crisis, when the industry feared competition from Japanese watches.
Its natural-rubber strap was an unusual choice for a luxury watch, and the design helped establish Hublot.
The new yellow- and white-gold versions are not limited editions and each costs €29,200, making them part of the regular collection rather than a rare collector release.
Reactions have been divided, with some criticizing the price and others welcoming the simpler design.
The launch is an attempt to strengthen Hublot’s links to its history and bring the original design back to customers.
Hublot has unveiled the Classic Fusion Tributo, a non-limited reissue drawing on the design of its first watch from 1980.
The watch was presented in Milan on 15 October with founder Carlo Crocco taking part.
Both versions, in yellow gold and white gold, cost €29,200 each.
The launch has drawn divided reactions, with some online commenters criticizing the price and others welcoming a return to Hublot’s simpler designs.
The project comes as Hublot seeks to build a stronger connection with its history.
- Who
- Hublot and its founder, Carlo Crocco.
- What
- Hublot has presented the Classic Fusion Tributo, a reissue inspired by its original 1980 watch.
- When
- It was presented on 15 October; the article was published on 24 October 2026.
- Where
- The presentation took place in Milan.
- Why
- The project brings back the design of Hublot’s first watch and may help the brand strengthen its heritage.
Critics of the price
Supporters of the design
Price
Critics of the price
One commenter called the roughly $30,000 price absolutely shocking, questioning it for a modified Zenith movement.
Supporters of the design
Other commenters welcomed the return of Hublot’s simpler designs.
Carlo Crocco launched Hublot’s first watch, combining a gold case, a Swiss quartz movement and a natural-rubber strap.
LVMH bought Hublot from Crocco and his co-owner Jean-Claude Biver.
Hublot presented the Classic Fusion Tributo in Milan with Crocco taking part.
- Model
- Classic Fusion Tributo
- Original design
- Hublot’s first watch, from 1980
- Presentation
- Milan, 15 October
- Case materials
- Yellow gold and white gold
- Price
- €29,200 per version
- Production
- Neither version is limited
What people are saying
During the first fair days, nobody came to our stand
absolutely shocking
Bring Hublot’s simple design back at last