In the world of elite European football, where every second can define a legacy, the measurement of time is not merely a function but a fundamental part of the drama. Since 2015,
Hublot has been the official timekeeper for the UEFA Champions League, witnessing and recording the moments that turn players into legends. To commemorate a decade of this pivotal partnership, and in a nod to the 70-year history of the European Cup, Hublot has unveiled a new limited-edition timepiece: the Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League Titanium. This watch is a direct tribute to the competition's prestige, designed for enthusiasts who appreciate both mechanical precision and the beautiful game.
Hublot's identity was forged in 1980 through a bold act of horological disruption. By pairing a precious gold case with a casual rubber strap, the brand introduced a new philosophy known as the "Art of Fusion." This concept of combining seemingly disparate materials to create a unified and innovative whole has been the guiding principle of the company ever since. This approach reached a new
Zenith in 2005 with the introduction of the Big Bang, a model whose layered case construction and audacious design language cemented Hublot's reputation as a modern innovator. This same spirit of fusion and bold partnership-building led Hublot to the world of professional sports, where its presence on the sidelines of major football tournaments has become a familiar sight.
Courtesy of Hublot
The relationship with the UEFA Champions League, which began in 2015, is a natural extension of this philosophy. Football is a sport of moments—a last-minute goal, a game-saving tackle, the tense countdown of a penalty shootout. Hublot has been present for over 800 matches, its iconic fourth official's board signaling substitutions and added time, becoming an integral part of the on-pitch narrative. This 10-year anniversary piece is therefore not just a branded product, but a tangible celebration of a shared history, encapsulating the spirit of competition that defines the world's most-watched annual sporting event.
The case of the Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League Titanium serves as the foundation for its robust and sporty character. Machined from Grade 5 titanium, it measures a contemporary 42 mm in diameter and 11.9 mm in thickness, striking a balance between presence on the wrist and comfortable wearability. The choice of titanium is deliberate and significant. Hublot extensively uses this aerospace-grade material for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making the watch surprisingly light despite its solid construction. Titanium is also highly resistant to corrosion and is hypoallergenic, ensuring comfort for the wearer during daily activities.
The visual appeal of the case is enhanced by its intricate finishing. Hublot has applied a combination of satin-brushed and polished surfaces, creating a dynamic play of light that accentuates the distinct lines of the Classic Fusion design. The vertically brushed finish on the top of the bezel and lugs contrasts sharply with the high-polish chamfered edges, giving the watch a sense of depth and refinement. This dual finishing is a hallmark of the brand, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail that elevates the industrial nature of the material.
Securing the bezel are six H-shaped screws, also crafted from polished titanium. This is one of Hublot's most recognizable design codes, inspired by the shape of a ship's porthole (or "hublot" in French). These functional screws are not merely decorative but are integral to the watch's construction, ensuring the case's water resistance of 50 meters (5 ATM). The polished titanium crown, emblazoned with the Hublot "H," and the corresponding chronograph pushers are ergonomically designed for easy operation, completing the cohesive and functional architecture of the case.
Courtesy of Hublot
The dial is arguably the most captivating feature of this timepiece, rendered in a deep, satin-finished gradient blue that immediately evokes the official colors of the UEFA Champions League. The color is not a flat, uniform blue but transitions subtly, appearing darker at the edges and brighter towards the center, giving the dial a sense of dimension and life. This sunray satin finish causes the dial to interact with light beautifully, shifting in tone and intensity as the wrist moves.
Functionality is presented through a bicompax chronograph layout, which features two sub-dials positioned horizontally for a clean, balanced aesthetic. The sub-dial at 9 o'clock serves as the 30-minute chronograph counter. However, the true centerpiece of the dial is the running seconds sub-dial at 3 o'clock. Here, the iconic UEFA Champions League "starball" logo is prominently applied, replacing the standard seconds track. This emblem is not merely printed but is a polished, multi-faceted appliqué that stands out against the blue background, serving as a constant and proud reminder of the watch's special theme.
The hands and applied hour markers are rhodium-plated and polished to a mirror finish, ensuring excellent legibility against the blue dial. Their faceted shape catches the light from any angle, making time-telling quick and intuitive. A discreet, color-matched date window is positioned at 6 o'clock, maintaining the dial's overall symmetry and providing useful, everyday functionality without cluttering the design. The entire dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal that has been treated with an anti-reflective coating, minimizing glare and ensuring a clear view of the time from any perspective.
Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, offering an unobstructed view of the mechanical heart beating within. The caseback itself is printed with the UEFA Champions League logo, further cementing the watch's identity. Around the perimeter of the caseback, engravings denote its status as a special series, with the words "LIMITED EDITION" and the unique number out of 100 clearly marked, confirming its exclusivity for the owner.
Courtesy of Hublot
Powering the watch is the HUB1153, a self-winding chronograph movement. This reliable caliber is composed of 269 individual components and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour. This high frequency allows the central chronograph seconds hand to move in a smooth, sweeping motion, enabling more precise time measurements. The movement is fitted with 39 jewels, which serve to reduce friction on critical moving parts, thereby increasing the mechanism's efficiency and longevity.
The HUB1153 provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, meaning the watch will continue running for two full days off the wrist before needing to be wound again. While hidden from the front, the movement's finishing, visible through the caseback, showcases industrial yet attractive decoration, including perlage and brushed surfaces on the bridges and plates, as well as a skeletonized rotor that allows for a more comprehensive view of the intricate mechanics at play.
True to Hublot's "Art of Fusion" philosophy, the strap is a composite creation that combines comfort, durability, and thematic design. The inner lining is made of black structured rubber, a material Hublot pioneered in luxury watchmaking. This rubber is soft, flexible, and resistant to sweat and moisture, making the watch exceptionally comfortable to wear in any situation. This practical foundation provides the perfect base for the expressive outer layer.
The exterior of the strap is crafted from fine blue calf leather, perfectly color-matched to the dial. This leather surface is not plain; it is embossed and printed with the starball motifs from the UEFA Champions League logo, creating a textured and visually engaging pattern that flows seamlessly from the watch head. The strap is finished with contrasting white stitching, adding a sporty touch, and is integrated cleanly into the lugs of the case for a unified look.
Courtesy of Hublot
The strap is secured to the wrist with a stainless steel deployant buckle clasp. This type of clasp is both more secure and more convenient than a traditional pin buckle, as it allows the wearer to set the strap to their size once and then simply click it open and closed. It also reduces wear and tear on the leather strap, preserving its condition over time. The clasp is engraved with the Hublot name, providing a final touch of branding.
The presentation of this limited-edition piece goes beyond the standard watch box, reinforcing its status as a true collector's item. Each of the 100 watches is delivered in a custom-made wooden case that has been specially designed for this edition. The interior of the box provides a secure and impressive setting for the timepiece itself, with compartments that showcase its unique features.
The most remarkable element of the presentation is the inclusion of an official miniature replica of the UEFA Champions League trophy. This highly detailed, small-scale version of one of sport's most coveted prizes sits alongside the watch in the presentation case. As Hublot notes, it is a trophy you don't have to win to lift, offering the owner a piece of the victory and prestige that the competition represents. This thoughtful addition transforms the unboxing experience into a memorable event and provides a unique display piece for any football aficionado.
In a statement, Hublot CEO Julien Tornare captured the sentiment behind the creation, explaining, "Football isn’t just a game, it’s a feeling. From the roar of the crowd to the silence before a penalty, every beat matters. And this watch is built to beat with you." His words highlight the deep emotional connection that fans have with the sport and how this timepiece is designed to be a part of that experience, celebrating shared moments of triumph and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Courtesy of Hublot
The watch represents the culmination of a decade-long journey. It is a physical manifestation of Hublot's commitment to the world of football and a celebration of the moments that have defined the UEFA Champions League over the past ten years. For the dedicated fan, it is a way to carry a piece of the game's soul on their wrist.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League Titanium is a limited edition of just 100 pieces worldwide. This scarcity ensures its exclusivity and appeal to serious collectors of both watches and football memorabilia. The watch is priced at $14,400 USD and is available for purchase through Hublot's global network of boutiques as well as on the brand's official website, Hublot.com. For the 100 individuals who will own this piece, it offers a distinct connection to the heart of European football, powered by the spirit of champions.
Case: Satin-finished and polished titanium; 42 mm diameter; 11.9 mm thickness; 50m (5 ATM) water resistance; Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
Movement: HUB1153 self-winding chronograph; Approx. 48-hour power reserve; 28,800 A/H (4 Hz) frequency; 269 components; 39 jewels.
Dial: Satin-finished gradient blue; Applied UEFA Champions League logo on the 3 o'clock counter; Date window at 6 o'clock; Polished rhodium-plated hands.
Strap: Black rubber and blue calf leather with UEFA Champions League logo print; Stainless steel deployant buckle clasp.
Price: USD 14,400
Reference Number: 541.NX.5170.VR.UCL25
Notes: Limited to 100 pieces. Created to celebrate the 10-year partnership between Hublot and the UEFA Champions League. Presented in a custom wooden case with a miniature replica of the UEFA Champions League trophy.