Hublot, the New York Giants and Victor Cruz Unveil Partnership and New Classic Fusion Aerofusion Limited New York Edition Chronograph
Last night, at what may well be the most the most lavish tailgate party ever, Hublot announced its partnership with the legendary New York Giants as the Official Timekeeper and official luxury watch for the team. As such, the brand along with New York Giants’ wide receiver Victor Cruz – known as a fashion icon – unveiled the new Classic Fusion Aerofusion Limited New York Edition watches – inspired by the Giants.
The tailgating party, held in a parking lot in New York, offered breath-taking views of the Empire State Building, and featured vintage cars with champagne being served out of the trunks. The bill of fare was smoked barbeque from Blue Smoke, and, in addition to life-size Giant’s dressed Victor Cruz (#80) mannequins, the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy was on display – showcasing the fact that fact that the New York Giants – one of the oldest teams in American football history – is a four-time champ of the Super Bowl.
The true highlight attraction, however, is the new watch, which Cruz co-designed. In an upbeat atmosphere filled with New York Giants’ players and fans, as well as a few celebs, Cruz and Hublot Managing Director Jean-Francois Sberro discussed the nuances of the limited edition watch and the relationship with the Giants that underscores the brand’s motto: “Hublot Loves Football.”
Cruz said that before they even got started on designing the watch, he spent a great deal of time with Hublot reviewing all of the brand’s line. He then selected the Classic Fusion case as the basis for the watch because it offered the most classic yet sporty appeal.
The chronograph features a skeletonized movement, with parts visible from the dial side, and with many parts and accents such as hands, number rail, markers, and bezel are all in the team’s iconic blue color. The hands, markers and minute ring are blue lacquer, while the outer pushpieces and lug accents are made of blue composite resin. The blue strap is made of pebbled pigskin inspired by the football.
It is the back of the 45mm case, though, that has the true Giants appeal. When one turns the watch over there is a miniature vintage Giants cartoon with a Giants player, set against the New York City skyline, throwing the ball. The scene tells the New York story in an instant.
The skeletonized HUB1155 self-winding movement made in house by Hublot powers the chronograph. In addition to chronograph functions it offers day and date. The caliber consists of 207 parts, 60 jewels and offers 40 hours of power reserve. It is water resistant to 50 meters and is sold in a presentation box encased in a full-sized Giants helmet that is signed by Victor Cruz.
The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Limited New York Edition watch is being built in extremely limited numbers: 10 in King Gold – retailing for $37,200; and 40 in titanium – retailing for $17,800. The first watches will be sold at Hublot’s New York Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue boutiques.
