From cigars to sci-fi: Hublot’s double act dares to impress

WHAT DO A luxury cigar and a cutting-edge art installation have in common? No, that’s not the start of a strange dinner party riddle. The answer is Hublot, the Swiss watchmaker renowned for turning the unexpected into spectacular creations. With two new timepieces that couldn’t be more different, Hublot once again proves that opposites can attract.

First, there’s the Classic Fusion Chronograph Arturo Fuente King Gold, a love letter to 25 years of Fuente Fuente OpusX cigars. Think of it as the horological equivalent of a finely aged cigar: smooth, complex, and worth savouring. Then, there’s the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A by Samuel Ross, a piece so futuristic it practically demands a runway – or maybe a gallery wall. Together, these two watches are like a perfectly paired tasting menu for your wrist.

Let’s start with the Arturo Fuente King Gold, a watch that has swagger to burn. The gradient emerald-green dial is lush and smoky, like the first inhale of a premium cigar, while the engraved tobacco leaves on the King Gold bezel add an artisanal touch. And because Hublot can’t resist a little drama, the 25th-anniversary artwork in 18-carat gold on the case back is hidden, a private nod to the wearer.

Naturally, no cigar celebration is complete without a humidor (that’s the fancy box where cigars are stored), so of course, this watch comes in a lacquered green case that doubles as one. Yes, you read that right – this timepiece comes with its own furniture. With only 50 pieces in existence, it’s a legacy waiting to be worn.

On the flip side – quite literally – is the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A, a watch that’s as much about engineering as it is about style. Designed in collaboration with Samuel Ross, the visionary behind the British fashion brand A-Cold-Wall, it looks like it was dreamed up in a futuristic design lab.

The frosted grey carbon case, honeycomb pattern, and sapphire dial create a textural feast for the eyes, while the skeleton tourbillon at 6 o’clock keeps things sophisticated. It’s the kind of watch that screams innovation but whispers cool – perfect for those who prefer their luxury with an edge.

Then there’s the colour palette: a mix of deep navy blues and lighter shades, accented with pops of SuperLuminova – a material that makes the hands and markings glow in the dark (pretty cool, right?) Limited to – you guessed it – just 50 pieces, it’s made for collectors who appreciate avant-garde design and aren’t afraid to wear it boldly.

Now, let’s address the elephant – or rather, the cigar box – in the room: how are two watches this different sharing the spotlight? At first glance, they’re worlds apart: one’s all about legacy and tradition, and the other screams futuristic cool. But look closer, and there’s a common thread: craftsmanship.

Hublot’s collaboration with Carlito Fuente is a love letter to heritage, celebrating artistry and the kind of precision that only decades of expertise can deliver. Meanwhile, the partnership with Samuel Ross flips the script, pushing the boundaries of watch design with bold, modern creativity. Together, they showcase the brand’s ability to inhabit two worlds at once – past and future, tradition and innovation – and make them both feel utterly essential.

But perhaps the real genius of these watches lies in their ability to spark a conversation. The Arturo Fuente King Gold is perfect for the cigar lounge set, the collectors who savour the finer things in life (preferably with a glass of something aged and a little smoky). On the other hand, the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A is for the risk-takers, the design enthusiasts, the ones who see a watch as more than just an accessory but a statement.

So, which one should you choose? That depends. Are you more of a connoisseur of tradition or a pioneer of the new? Either way, there’s no wrong choice. Because the best kind of luxury isn’t just the kind that turns heads – it’s the kind that leaves everyone asking, “Where did you get that?”

Discover more at hublot.com.