2016 was the year of the bronze watches. Throughout the year, many bronze models from different brands have been presented to watch aficionados. A few days before the end of 2016, Hublot released a new limited edition timepiece dedicated to Vendome -a city in France. Let’s take a close look at the model which draws attention with its bronze dial.
The model (Ref. 511.NX.0630.VR.VEN16) was available only at the brand’s Vendome boutique during the first three months and later the other boutiques had the model for sale as well. When I came across a sample at the Hublot Boutique in Istinye Park AVM (Istanbul), I wanted to share it with you.
So far I had the chance to see many bronze models from different brands like Panerai, Tudor and Maurice Lacroix. Unlike most of these models which I like very much, Hublot has included the bronze material in the dial of the model, not in the case. And I think they did a great job…
Before I move on to the dial, I’d like to talk about the case usual. The model is offered in titanium case designed in 45mm diameter Classic Fusion style. The case is 10.95mm thick and it feels pretty comfortable as with the other versions in the Classic Fusion Collection. Equipped with AR coated scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides, the case is water resistant to 50 meters.
Hublot Classic Fusion Vendome Collection model features a special dial made of bronze. Due to the nature of the bronze material, the dial gets a partial patina making all timepieces in the collection visually unique.
Of course, the material’s growing popularity is not the only reason for its use in this model. “The Vendome Column”, which is one of the city’s most iconic symbols, has a veneer made of bronze. 44 meters column has been built in 1810 and adorned with bronze coating that features the trophies of France. The H symbol on the 12 o’clock of the dial also features an embedded miniature illustration of the statue which is the inspiration for the model.
The model is powered by the Hublot Caliber Ref. HUB1100. Sellita SW300 based self-winding movement beats at 4Hz and offers a power reserve of 42 hour when fully wound. The movement is enjoyable through the sapphire crystal display caseback.
Hublot Classic Fusion Vendome Collection comes on an aged-look calf skin strap in brown. The strap, which I find it to be extremely comfortable on my wrist, is secured by a Hublot signed folding clasp made of titanium. The model is limited to 100 units only.
That’s it for the Hublot Classic Fusion Vendome Limited Edition model. Please share your thoughts about this timepiece in the comments section below. See you in the next review.
