Paris, 2^nd December 2016 – Swiss watch manufacture Hublot has just officially released the special edition Classic Fusion “Vendôme Collection” at its boutique at number 10, Place Vendôme. The timepiece will be on display exclusively at the eponymous Hublot boutique for a period of three months.

This special edition pays glorious tribute to Place Vendôme, which has been the backdrop for the Hublot boutique for five years; with the famous Vendôme column adorning the stylised H on the logo of boutique itself.

Typical of the Art of Fusion philosophy cherished by the watchmaker, the Classic Fusion “Vendôme Collection” is part of the history of the French capital while offering a modern and innovative reinterpretation of its heritage.

The 44-metre tall Parisian landmark dating back to 1810 was inspired by Trajan’s column and is covered in a bronze veneer, which, according to legend, was cast from canons taken from the enemy, decorated in bas- reliefs depicting French trophies and victories and spiralling 280 metres round the column to the top, which itself is crowned with a once-destroyed and now rebuilt statue of Napoleon: the Vendôme Column has truly stood the test of time.

As a tribute, the dial of the Classic Fusion “Vendôme Collection” is adorned with bronze – a real technical feat. In fact, this alloy of copper and tin, commonly referred to as “verdigris” thanks to its green and gilt marbling, is particularly volatile. The corrosion and oxidation to which it is naturally exposed jeopardise its longevity – even inside a timepiece. That is why the watchmakers at Hublot have enclosed it in a sapphire capsule to restrict its contact with air and thereby stabilise the alloy.

As a finishing touch to the tribute and in order to do justice to the plates surrounding the Vendôme Column, the case of the Classic Fusion “Vendôme Collection” is made of titanium.

The dial and case are accompanied by a “vintage” black rubber and brown calfskin strap; testimony once again to Hublot’s unique fusion of tradition and modernity.

The Classic Fusion “Vendôme Collection” was unveiled in the unique and ephemeral setting of the Vendôme Hublot Boutique, dressed in black to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the All Black invisible time display concept. Thanks to an interactive carpet, visitors were able to walk through all ten years of the concept; each step gradually revealing the key All Black models manufactured since 2006.

Respecting tradition while celebrating its very different and visionary nature – that is ultimately what motivated watchmakers at the Swiss watch manufacture who, like alchemists, have fused past and present in the Classic Fusion “Vendôme Collection” to create a timeless future.