Technical virtuosity and great creativity are the characteristics shared by Hublot and Berluti, who have been working together since 2016. For this fourth creation, the two Maisons redefine the concept of the "Art of Fusion", going even further: the case features both the "Scritto" calligraphy and the patinated leather palette, two iconic stylistic features of the footwear brand. The model is available in titanium or bronze, combined with a Venezia Cold Brown or Cold Gold leather strap. This series will be available exclusively in Japan (Isetan, in Hublot stores in Ginza, Osaka and Kyoto) and in the Hublot boutique in New York from 19 June to 20 July. It will instead be available worldwide from the following day. "In Olga Berluti's eyes, there is nothing more splendid than a leather shoe burnished by time. For her, this phenomenon has a soul all its own, she says. Hence the idea of developing an incredible colour palette, with a range from light to dark, that makes these shoes as unique as the wearer. Transferring this savoir-faire to the world of watchmaking was an extraordinary challenge: the unmistakable patina and the letters of the 'Scritto' calligraphy, two of Berluti's distinctive features, were integrated into our cases thanks to some exciting work," said Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot (pictured here with Marc Nicolosi, Managing Director North America of the Berluti Maison). Olga Berluti has skilfully developed this process by studying it down to the smallest detail, applying essential oils and pigments that give the shoe a unique character, to defy time and the rules of colour. The 'Scritto', one of the hallmarks of the luxury shoe brand, evokes the letters of an 18th century French calligraphy that Olga Berluti purchased at auction. The handwritten lines of the text leave an unmistakable mark on this iconic collection, translating the passion of handmade work. Enclosing Venezia leather, a natural material, in a waterproof case was quite a feat. But once completed, Hublot had a clear idea of the next challenge: to find a way to transplant these traditions into metal, a material with completely different physical characteristics, and give the cases the "soul" of Berluti. A symbiotic fusion of savoir-faire uniting the two ateliers of excellence. These two new watches are powered by the HUB1143 automatic chronograph movement and sport, from the strap to the dial, an infinite variety of autumnal colours in all their contrasting shades. The watches are presented in a personalised box containing a complete Berluti skin care set. Each version will be available in a limited edition of 200 pieces.
