Hublot and Arturo Fuente unveiled their latest collaborative timepiece that celebrates the 25th anniversary of OpusX, regarded by cigar aficionados as one of the finest cigars in the world.
The sixth collaborative watch comes as a continuation of the 12-year relationship between the watchmaker and 120-year-old cigar maker, headed up by fourth-generation owner Carlito Fuente.
The Classic Fusion Chronograph was created to commemorate the occasion, alongside the official inauguration of the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation and an Art Academy – a health and education program for the local community near Chateau de la Fuente in the Dominican Republic where the Fuente family cultivates its tobacco leaves.
With a gold and green colourway, the timepiece marks the first time that a Fuente is done in a 42mm case, and the first with both the case and bezel in King Gold.
It features a laser-engraved motif of tobacco leaves on the bezel, while the emerald green dial has a sunray-patterned finish and a gradient ‘fumé’ effect that darkens towards the edges.
The anniversary version of the OpusX logo in gold and green details the constant seconds counter at 3 o’clock.
Its caseback reveals an elaborate engraving and lacquered with a special OpusX 25th Anniversary artwork in 18K King gold.
Beneath it beats the HUB1153 automatic chronograph calibre, with a power reserve of 48 hours.
The Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold edition is a limited edition of 50 pieces, and is presented in a lacquered watch box that doubles as a cigar humidor, designed in collaboration with Manny Iriarte – a long-time creative partner of Hublot.
Of the collaboration, Carlito Fuente said: “The honor and privilege of building such a wonderful relationship with Hublot, which I consider family, has been one of my greatest lifetime achievements. Over these many years of incredible success, we have been able to spread love all over the world!”
Arturo Fuente isn’t the first cigar name that Hublot has partnered with, with the Swiss watchmaker also teaming up with Swiss brand Davidoff on a limited-edition timepiece back in 2014.