The Evolution of a Partnership: From F1 to GT
For the better part of a decade, the Hublot and Ferrari partnership was a high-decibel affair. It was characterized by the Big Bang Ferrari—a watch that, much like an F1 car, was all about downforce, visible hardware, and aggressive branding. It was successful, yes, but it lacked a certain 'Italianità'—that effortless grace that defines the world of Gran Turismo. In 2019, Hublot decided to change the narrative. They handed the design reigns to Flavio Manzoni’s team at Centro Stile Ferrari. The result was the Classic Fusion Ferrari GT, a watch that serves as a 'Tributo' to the elegance of road-going Ferraris.
This shift is significant for the young, sophisticated collector. We are moving away from the era of 'look-at-me' horology into an era where the story and the design ethos matter more than the size of the logo. The Ferrari GT is a 'connoisseur's Hublot.' It’s the watch you wear when you’re driving a Roma through the hills of Tuscany, not necessarily when you're in the pit lane at Monza.
Design Language: Curvature and Aerodynamics
The first thing you notice about the Classic Fusion Ferrari GT is the case. It is a radical departure from the traditional Classic Fusion or Big Bang. The watch features a suspended movement within a circular frame, creating a sense of depth and lightness. The case is 45mm, but because the lugs are virtually non-existent and the strap integrates directly into the body, it wraps around the wrist with a fluidity that is rare in watches of this size.
Manzoni’s influence is everywhere. The concentric circles on the dial evoke the speedometer of a classic GT car. The red accents on the pushers and the dial are subtle, a nod to 'Rosso Corsa' without being overbearing. The dial itself is sapphire, offering a transparent view of the UNICO HUB1280 movement. This transparency isn't just about showing off the gears; it’s about echoing the transparent engine bays of modern Ferraris.
The Engine: UNICO HUB1280
A Ferrari is nothing without its engine, and the same applies to this Tributo. Hublot equipped the Ferrari GT with the UNICO HUB1280. This is an in-house, self-winding flyback chronograph movement. For the uninitiated, a flyback allows you to reset the chronograph without stopping it first—a feature originally designed for pilots but perfectly suited for timing laps on a track.
The HUB1280 is a thinner version of the original UNICO, allowing the watch to maintain a relatively slim profile of 13.15mm. It features a double-clutch system and a column wheel that is visible from the dial side at 6 o'clock. Seeing the column wheel engage when you press the pusher is one of the great joys of owning this watch. It provides a tactile and visual connection to the mechanical heart of the piece.
On the Wrist: The GT Experience
Wearing the Classic Fusion Ferrari GT is an exercise in ergonomics. Hublot has often been criticized for making watches that feel like 'blocks' on the wrist, but the Ferrari GT is different. The use of Grade 5 titanium in the base model makes it incredibly light. The 3D Carbon version is even lighter, using a polymer matrix frequently found in motorsport.
The strap is a highlight. Hublot used Schedoni leather, the legendary Italian firm that has produced Ferrari’s luggage and upholstery for decades. It is stitched onto a rubber base, giving you the luxury of leather with the sweat-resistance and durability of rubber. It’s the perfect 'daily driver' strap.
Market Context and Investment
Let’s talk numbers. Hublot has historically struggled with secondary market retention compared to brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe. However, the Ferrari GT occupies a unique space. Because it was designed by Centro Stile and produced in limited numbers (1,000 for Titanium, 500 for King Gold and 3D Carbon), it has a dedicated following among Ferrari owners. In the world of high-end car collecting, having the matching 'Tributo' watch to your vehicle is a major plus.
Currently, you can find these on the secondary market for a significant discount from the original $22,000 MSRP. For a buyer looking for a high-complication, in-house movement with genuine automotive design pedigree, picking one up in the $14k-$16k range represents excellent value. You are getting a lot of watch—and a lot of design history—for the money.
The Verdict
The Hublot Classic Fusion Ferrari GT is a bridge between two worlds. It’s for the collector who has outgrown the 'loudness' of early 2010s horology but still wants something that pushes the boundaries of material science and design. It is a sophisticated, well-engineered piece that honors the Ferrari name by actually adhering to the principles of Ferrari design: form following function, aerodynamic beauty, and mechanical transparency.
If you’re looking for a watch that tells a story—a story of two giants of industry coming together to create something genuinely new—the Ferrari GT is it. It’s not just a watch; it’s a Tributo to the art of the drive.
