For a brand known for its sapphire and ceramic cases, its large, colorful, and distinctive-looking watches, and its overall focus on contemporary design, the Classic Fusion collection is remarkably understated and classic. At its core, the Classic Fusion collection is a pure interpretation of the brand’s DNA: combining old-world luxury with a new world. 
With its satin and polished 45 mm titanium case, this Classic Fusion reinterprets the first Hublot replica watches, replacing the black dial with a bright sunburst blue and introducing a power reserve and a subdial for measuring seconds. The dial details of the Classic Fusion are neat and compact, focusing on getting the job done in the cleanest possible way. Rhodium-plated, diamond-cut markers pulsate on the wrist, requiring attention every time the wrist is checked, a fact matched only by the equally clean, solid, pointed handset. To help keep track of the HUB 1602 caliber’s eight days (that’s 192 hours!) of autonomy, the power reserve indicator is neatly placed at the hour marker at 10 o’clock.
Ulysee Nardin is a fascinating watch brand that succeeds in effectively communicating the brand’s rich history through modern timepieces, such as this Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar. However, the characterful components do not start and end with the case, as the dial has much to commend here. The distinctive white Roman numerals have always helped frame this watch. Things take it up a notch when we find the 30-minute, 12-hour, and annual calendar subdials at 3, 6, and 9, respectively. The gothic hands allow the true personality of this fake watch to shine through. The convenient date window at six o’clock is framed by a circular disc, keeping with the watch’s whole spirit.
Ulysse Nardin’s Marine collection gives the wearer a reassuring nod to the brand’s pedigree while balancing appropriate contemporary style and distinction. Over the years, the Marine collection has been available in various complications and versions, including annual calendars, clocks, tourbillons, and moon phases, all in steel and precious metal cases.
We love the Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase by Glashütte Original in Germany, which is a comfortable 42 mm size, finished to the highest German standards inside and out, and features an elegant asymmetry for all formal occasions as well as casual ones, where a touch of elegance can make a difference. The stainless steel case ensures that this watch is never “too much,” but the high polish makes many people mistake it for white gold, especially when paired with formal wear. That is a very versatile watch.
Since its debut, we have found much to like about this formal chronograph, notably the double chronograph subdial and the date window at six o’clock, a balance that is a reappropriation of Breitling’s in-house caliber B01, the movement customarily used to drive watches with three dials and a 4:30 date window. For lovers of dial symmetry, this is undoubtedly a triumph. Add to this the applied hour markers, the cushion-shaped chronograph pushers, and the tight downward-sloping lugs, and you have a unique visual and tactile experience on the wrist. Overall, this 42 mm stainless steel watch is full of elegant details and vintage-influenced yet impeccably modern – its unusual style is reliably driven by a chronometer-grade movement with a solid 70-hour reserve.
