You guys know we are not big fans of the Classic Fusion collection from Hublot; however, this particular replica watch comes with two things that we really like. The first one, a very good cause behind it and the second one, a spectacular brushed carbon fiber case. The Hublot Classic Fusion Chrono Aero Carbon ‘Best Buddies’ Limited Edition ref. 525.QX.1799.QR.BBE15 was created as a 100-piece limited edition to support ‘Best Buddies International’, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment and leadership training for people with IDD —intellectual and developmental disabilities. This partnership is not surprising at all, as Tom Brady —New England Patriots Quarterback and Best Buddies Global Ambassador— is a huge replica watchlifestyler and up until now, he had been a well-known friend of Audemars Piguet. However, after this partnership between Hublot and ‘Best Buddies International’, any chances Brady could’ve had to work more closely with AP are now long gone.
Well, back to the replica watch under review. The new Hublot Classic Fusion Chrono Aero Carbon ‘Best Buddies’ Limited Edition ref. 525.QX.1799.QR.BBE15 features what Hublots calls “ultra-lightweight case” —however, the total weight of the replica watch including the strap is 113.3 grams— completely made of carbon fiber. The replica watch designed for cyclists includes the ‘Best Buddies’ logo, illustrated by iconic graffiti artist Keith Haring printed on the case-back and a very ‘sui generis’ carbon fiber-rubber strap with orange contrast stitching. The best part about this partnership, is that a portion of the sales of this replica watch go directly to ‘Best Buddies International’.
As mentioned earlier, one thing we absolutely love about the Hublot Classic Fusion Chrono Aero Carbon ‘Best Buddies’ is its full carbon fiber 45 mm case and its very unique finish considering that the caseband features a satin brushed finish that resembles wood to the eye, but that when you touch it, you can hardly feel the texture that is apparent to the eye but ultra smooth on your fingertips. As you can see, the carbon fiber bezel, the strap and case lugs have the more traditional look —crisscross checkered pattern— of carbon fiber, however, the case band with its very unique finish is what brings this replica watch to life.
The carbon fiber dial follows the cues of the Classic AeroFusion line with its skeletonized construction featuring polished rhodium plated indices, a 30-minute chrono register located at 9 o’clock and running seconds register at 3 o’clock. The date aperture is located at 6 o’clock and the minute track is highlighted by colorful minute markers in the colors of the ‘Best Buddies International’ logo.
The crown and pushers complement the replica watch with their black ceramic polished construction just as the polished black ceramic case back with special edition engravings and the “Best Buddies” logo printed on a sapphire crystal inlay. Unfortunately the beautifully finished automatic calibre HUB1155 with 207 components, 60 jewels and a power reserve of 42 hours is not visible in this replica watch.
The black rubber and carbon fiber strap features burnt orange contrast stitching —Hublot calls it red in the technical specifications of the replica watch, however, it is not red— with a black polished PVD stainless steel deployant clasp. The strap is comfortable but the carbon fiber top feels very ‘plasticky’.
On the wrist, the replica watch wears true to its size and quite light. Definitely a replica watch that has a very sporty look but that because of its color scheme might play well with any types of outfits. In our opinion, best when paired with casual clothes and while riding a matching orange Lamborghini Aventador.
Sticker Price $19,400 USD. For more info on Hublot click here.
