The watches with the Classic Fusion moniker all have a visual link to the original perfect replica Hublot from 1980. The watch shaped like and named after a porthole was the brainchild of Carlo Crocco. Gérald Genta paved the way for Crocco, who added a rubber strap to the gold watch. Forty-three years ago, it was a shocking and controversial move. Now, though, high quality fake watches like this are in the catalog of almost every major high-end watch brand. The revolutionary of the 1980s is now the most conservative top copy Hublot family member. But with the help of French neo-pop artist Richard Orlinski, the Classic Fusion can now show its artistic side.
Just like a gorilla
Orlinski’s signature design language fits the cheap fake Hublot Classic Fusion incredibly well. There are other Orlinski-designed watches in the Hublot catalog. Both on and off the wrist, they’re impossible to miss because of size and color. The Swiss movement copy Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium, however, is different. There’s a run of 500 pieces with a rubber strap, but it’s the version with the titanium bracelet — reference 549.NI.1270.NI.ORL23 — that is the most balanced and interesting one if you ask me.
The micro-blasted bracelet with a titanium folding clasp shows diamond-cut center links that match the shapes of the case. And these faceted, angular forms are derivative of Orlinski’s famous sculptures. Just look at his gorilla sculptures, and you’ll know what I mean.
Entering Bvlgari Octo territory
With its 5ATM-water-resistant 41mm × 12mm case, the Hublot Classic Fusion replica for sale is an easy-to-wear watch. It’s also unmistakably a high quality replica Hublot, but it whispers the brand name in your ear and doesn’t shout it at you from a distance. And the subtle Orlinski design touches make me think of the Bvlgari Octo. The Octo Roma Chronograph to be precise. That’s a steel 42mm × 12.4mm chronograph powered by the automatic caliber BVL 399. That 4Hz movement with a 42-hour power reserve is a Bvlgari BVL 191 base caliber — Bvlgari calls it the “Solotempo” and states it’s an “in-house caliber” — with a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module on top.