Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons Unveiled
Hublot has expanded its collaboration with American artist Jeff Koons with the Classic Fusion Balloon Dog, a new series of limited-edition watches inspired by Koons' Balloon Dog sculpture.
The project follows the recently introduced Hublot MP-14 Origin by Jeff Koons and turns to Balloon Dog, which the artist worked on between 1994 and 2000. For the new watches, Hublot has reworked the familiar proportions of the Classic Fusion to reproduce the visual impression of an inflated balloon.
Three versions are available, each limited to 200 pieces.
Image source: www.hublot.com
Bringing the Balloon Dog Aesthetic to the Classic Fusion
Rather than simply placing an image of Balloon Dog on the dial, Hublot has incorporated the sculpture's distinctive forms throughout the watch.
A central challenge was creating the impression of tension associated with an inflated balloon. The sapphire crystal, dial and other components have been reshaped to reinforce this effect. Even the titanium screws have been given a convex profile.
To achieve these forms, components are machined using five-axis CNC equipment before being individually finished by hand.
Several smaller details continue the Balloon Dog theme. The crown takes the form of a small ball, while the arrangement of the hands at 10:30 evokes a stylised tail. The seconds hand counterweight repeats the shape of the Balloon Dog.
Three 42mm Versions in Steel and Aluminium
All three Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog models have a 42mm case measuring 11mm thick.
One version uses mirror-polished steel, while the other two feature polished anodised aluminium cases in blue and red. Aluminium was selected for the coloured editions because the material lends itself particularly well to the vivid finishes associated with Koons' work.
The different materials and finishes allow the same Balloon Dog-inspired design to be presented in three distinct versions while retaining the rounded forms that define the collection.
HUB1710 Movement With a Balloon-Inspired Rotor
Inside the Classic Fusion Balloon Dog is the HUB1710 calibre. The movement measures just 3.7mm thick and operates at a frequency of 4Hz.
It provides a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
The Balloon Dog styling continues on the movement side of the watch. Hublot has developed a dedicated tungsten rotor whose rounded form echoes the inflated appearance used throughout the case and dial.
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Specification |
Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog |
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Case size |
42mm × 11mm |
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Case materials |
Steel or anodised aluminium |
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Aluminium colours |
Blue or red |
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Movement |
HUB1710 |
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Movement thickness |
3.7mm |
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Frequency |
4Hz |
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Power reserve |
50 hours |
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Rotor |
Tungsten |
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Strap |
Rubber-based |
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Limited edition |
200 pieces per version |
Straps and Special Balloon Dog Presentation Box
Each version is fitted with a soft strap built around a rubber base, with the materials and colours adapted to the corresponding case.
The steel model combines the rubber base with a silver metallic-coloured polymer insert. The blue and red aluminium versions instead use embossed leather inserts matched to the colour of their respective cases.
The presentation also continues the Jeff Koons theme. Each watch is supplied in a specially designed box featuring a chrome-coloured Balloon Dog figure on the lid.
Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog Price and Availability
Hublot is producing each of the three Classic Fusion Balloon Dog versions in a limited edition of 200 pieces. The steel, blue aluminium and red aluminium models are therefore each individually restricted to 200 examples.
The watches are priced at approximately €24,600 or $25,100.
Across the case, dial, crown, rotor and seconds hand counterweight, Hublot has carried the Balloon Dog theme through multiple elements of the watch. The result connects the Classic Fusion design with the rounded forms and distinctive visual language of Koons' sculpture.
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