Since its debut in 2014, the Hublot Classic Fusion Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater has been one of our favorite minute repeaters, offering a uniquely Hublot-style fusion of contemporary aesthetics and mechanical depth—so distinctive that it won the GPHG 2014 Best Striking Watch Prize.
In February this year, Hublot introduced a new version: the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater Carbon. Its most remarkable innovation is the switch from a titanium case to a full carbon-fiber case—a bold departure in a category where brands typically rely on gold or platinum. Impressively, Hublot managed to maintain the loud, resonant chime of its cathedral gongs despite the lightweight case material.
The skeletonized dial reveals the full architecture of the HUB 8001 movement, featuring modern finishing that creates a harmonious mechanical texture. The tourbillon sits at 6 o’clock, and the movement delivers an impressive 5-day power reserve.
The minute repeater’s slide lever is positioned on the left side at 9 o’clock. In this updated version, Hublot enhanced the sealing of the activation mechanism, allowing for improved water resistance—quite uncommon for minute repeater watches.
Thanks to the lightness of carbon fiber, the 45 mm case wears almost like a 40 mm watch. The Classic Fusion line is one of Hublot’s more understated designs, and the stitched rubber-backed leather strap makes it highly suitable for everyday wear.
Limited to 50 pieces, with a retail price of $276,000.
The Classic Fusion Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater Carbon features a 45 mm carbon-fiber case, sapphire crystal front and back, HUB 8001 manual-winding movement, 21,600 vph, 5-day power reserve, and an alligator-on-rubber strap. Complications include a tourbillon and minute repeater.
