22 March 2021

HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION CHRONOGRAPH SHEPARD FAIREY

In the second collaboration between the Swiss watchmaking manufacture and the brilliant American artist Shepard Fairey, Hublot presents the Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey timepiece. A veritable titanium sculpture to be worn on the wrist, it symbolises the natural cycles of life and the unity between different cultures.

Hublot is staying true to its motto "Be the first, be unique, be different" by deepening its commitment to its "Hublot Loves Art" programme. After unveiling new collaborations with artists Takashi Murakami and Richard Orlinski, Hublot is today presenting its third watchmaking work of art of the year, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey.

As its name indicates, it has been designed by American artist Shepard Fairey. Painter, graphic designer, DJ, illustrator, street artist, skateboarder and founder of the OBEY Clothing company, Fairey – also known by his pseudonym Obey – is probably the most politically influential artist of his generation. His works include the famous "Obama Hope" poster, an iconic image from Barak Obama's electoral campaign in 2008, as well as the piece entitled "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" which he created as a symbol of hope for France after the 2015 terrorist attacks.

His works are on show in the world's most prestigious museums such as the Smithsonian in Washington, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the MoMa in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to name but a few. He has been a Hublot ambassador since 2018.

Hublot and Shepard Fairey chose a watch from the Classic Fusion collection as the basis for their second collaboration. On this piece, the American artist, greatly involved in the project, chose to bring to life a piece symbolising a mandala, an ornamental symbol whose origins can be traced back simultaneously to several cultures across the planet. The mandala represents harmony, the cycle of life and the elements, as well as the precious nature of time in the mind. Here, this pattern is brushed and engraved into the titanium, the material used to create the bezel and the 45-mm diameter case. This work continues on the dial, which has also been finely cut to reveal the self-winding chronograph movement, a calibre HUB1155 offering a power reserve of 42 hours. In the centre, the hands display Fairey's signature "Star Gear" mark. Fitted on a lined black rubber strap, the black stainless steel deployant buckle is also brushed.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey timepiece is available now as a limited edition in the Hublot e-shop and boutiques. Hublot and Shepard Fairey have agreed that this timepiece will help to raise funds for Amnesty International, an NGO formed of over 10 million people in 150 countries, which campaigns to put an end to human rights violations, in accordance with the theme of global harmony represented by the design engraved on the watch.

“With his roots in street art – a type of expression which is essentially a form of protest – Shepard Fairey is truly shaking up the art world; his works make us think. This is an inspiring approach which is also in line with the brand's "Hublot Loves Art" programme. For this second watchmaking work of art, the artist wanted to immerse himself fully in the technical aspects made possible by the expertise of our brand, to produce a piece with a striking visual impact, where the ornamental elements communicated with the heart and mind, allowing each individual to freely interpret this message.”

Ricardo Guadalupe

Hublot CEO

“Hublot's watchmakers and engineers are true masters in their field, enabling me to go further in expressing my inspiration and pushing the limits imposed by the materials and technology. I must say, I am very impressed with the final result of this second timepiece that I have created in collaboration with Hublot. I wanted to integrate the art of the mandala into the piece as, for me, this evokes the connection between the inner self and the outer world. A powerful concept to consider when looking at a watch and thinking about time.”

Shepard Fairey

Artist