Artistic Edges
Hublot collaborates with sculptor Richard Orlinski to create a timepiece that could have its own place in an art gallery
atchmaking and contemporary art have collided as Hublot collaborates with Richard Orlinski to bring to life the artist’s bright and wild universe. Orlinski joins an illustrious list of Hublot collaborators that include Maxime Büchi, Lapo Elkann, Pelé, Lang Lang, Bar Refaeli, Usain Bolt, and even Dustin Johnson.
The resulting watch—the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski—features brand-new designs that play on angles and reflections, much like Orlinski’s sculptures. Ridges and facets on the watch reflect each other, from the case to the bezel and the push buttons to the hands. In celebration of the beautiful union, two locations were selected to showcase the timepiece: the Hublot boutique and the Markowicz Fine Art Gallery, where Orlinski’s works are on show—both in Miami.
Orlinski’s signature multifaceted angular sculptures are hard to miss. Brightly coloured like the Pop Art that inspired them, these sculptures can be found all over the world from his immense “Wild Kong” gorilla sculpture on the Croisette in Cannes and his crocodiles in the Miami Design District to his 5m-tall bear on the snowy pistes of Courchevel.
Eager to constantly challenge himself, Richard creates his sculptures by cutting them like diamonds. In the hands of Richard Orlinski, the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph is adorned with multiple facets—12, to be exact, just like those that punctuate the dial of a watch.
As someone who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship, Orlinski has designed a watch that thrives on the border of vintage and neo-futurist styles. Pointing to the future, the hand of the watch becomes a symbolic metaphor for Orlinski: as it keeps on turning, it embodies the infinite nature of time.
The visionary design of Orlinski presented a major challenge for the Hublot Manufacture: the work of Richard Orlinski—a threedimensional fold in the case—had to be modelled before it was cut from ceramic and titanium. These two materials feature one of the artist’s iconic signatures: mirror polishing.
The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski is available in two brand-new models, each released in a limited edition of 200 pieces: one in titanium and the other in blue ceramic. The entire outer façade of the watch will be covered in either titanium or blue ceramic. The watch’s dial has been cast in sapphire crystal, while the case, crown, bezel, and push buttons also feature the angular facets. The 45mm watch is a veritable work of art designed to be worn on the wrist. The Caliber Hublot HUB1155 self-winding Chronograph movement powers the watch, providing a power reserve of 42 hours.