Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo Revives the 1980 MDM at $30,900
The Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo is Hublot's recreation of the watch Carlo Crocco launched in 1980. Announced around October 15, 2026, it comes in two 38mm 18k gold versions, yellow gold (ref. 262.VX.1130) and white gold (ref. 262.WX.6870), and brings back the twelve-screw bezel, the black dial and the integrated rubber strap of the original MDM Genève. Inside is an automatic Zenith-based movement instead of quartz. It costs US$30,900 for either metal and is not a limited edition. Hublot is also donating CHF 100,000 to Crocco's Main dans la Main foundation.
At a glance
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| References | 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM (yellow gold); 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM (white gold) |
| Case | 38mm, 9.5mm thick; 18k yellow gold (polished and satin) or 18k white gold (polished); 12 domed H-shaped titanium bezel screws; sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Yellow gold: matte black lacquer. White gold: polished black onyx. MDM signature at 6 o'clock, date at 3, no conventional indexes |
| Movement | Automatic calibre HUB1711 (HUB1710 per SJX), based on the Zenith Elite 670; 185 components; 28,800 vph (4Hz); hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Power reserve | Sources disagree: 60 hours (Monochrome, Fratello) or 50 hours (SJX, Time and Watches) |
| Water resistance | 100m, screw-down crown |
| Strap | Black lined rubber on exposed lugs, folding clasp; no One Click system |
| Production | Not limited |
| Price | US$30,900 (CHF 25,000, EUR 30,200, GBP 23,600), same for both metals |
| Availability | Selected Hublot points of sale and online per Monochrome; boutiques and retailers per SJX. No delivery dates found |
What the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo changes
The 1980 original was a quartz watch with a 36mm yellow gold case, twelve exposed bezel screws, a black dial with a date window at 3 o'clock and a rubber strap. SJX describes it as the first watch to pair a precious-metal case with rubber. The Tributo keeps that layout and enlarges the case by 2mm to 38mm, at 9.5mm thick.
The most visible correction is the screws. SJX notes that the 2023 Classic Fusion Original used six flush H-shaped screws, a black lacquered dial and an ETA 2892 movement, which made it a looser reading of the 1980 watch. The Tributo goes back to twelve slightly domed screws that double as the hour markers, since the dial has no conventional indexes. On the yellow gold watch they are polished titanium, and on the white gold watch they are black-plated titanium.
Other points follow the original: a date at 3 o'clock, MDM lettering at 6 o'clock, and a black rubber strap fitted straight to exposed lugs. Hublot has left out its One Click strap-changing system, so the strap is not a quick swap. Both versions are water resistant to 100m with a larger screw-down crown.
Design: yellow gold, white gold and onyx
The two references share case size, movement architecture, water resistance and strap, and differ in finish. The yellow gold ref. 262.VX.1130 is the faithful homage, with a polished and satin-finished case and a matte black lacquered dial. Time and Watches adds a faint charcoal effect to that dial. SJX says the bezel is brushed on this version.
The white gold ref. 262.WX.6870 is more modern. Its case is polished throughout, its screws are blackened and its dial is polished black onyx. Monochrome says the MDM signature on this watch is silver, while Time and Watches describes gold lettering for the range, so we do not specify the colour. SJX says the markers on the onyx dial are applied by adhesive, a method it calls common on stone dials.
The folding clasp is gold-toned or black-plated depending on the outlet. Monochrome lists gold and black-plated steel, Revolution mentions gold, stainless steel or titanium, and SJX says titanium. Treat the clasp metal as unconfirmed until Hublot publishes it.
Movement: the HUB1711 and a Zenith link
The original MDM ran on quartz, a choice Fratello says Crocco made during the quartz crisis. The Tributo uses the automatic calibre HUB1711, which Monochrome says is made by sister brand Zenith and based on the Elite 670. It has 185 components, beats at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and shows hours, minutes, seconds and date. Our Zenith Elite history covers that movement family.
Two details are disputed. SJX names the calibre HUB1710 in most of its text, though it uses HUB1711 once, and describes a Triovis regulator. The power reserve is 60 hours according to Monochrome and Fratello, and 50 hours according to SJX and Time and Watches. We cannot settle either point without Hublot's technical sheet.
The rotor is an open-worked H, visible through the sapphire caseback. It is 22k yellow gold on the yellow gold watch and black tungsten on the white gold one. Time and Watches adds that the watch is conceived and assembled in Nyon, Switzerland.
Heritage: Carlo Crocco, MDM Genève and the donation
Crocco presented the first Hublot at the Basel fair in 1980 under the name MDM Genève. Monochrome credits designer Francesco Maria Vimercati, case maker Eric Bonnet and engineer Guido Gamberini, who spent two years on the rubber strap. Fratello and Revolution say vanilla was added to mask the rubber's smell. Revolution gives the MDM initials as Marie-Danielle Montre, after Crocco's wife, while Fratello records several readings of the letters over time.
The name came later. "Hublot" is French for porthole, and the watch's success eventually gave its name to the company. Crocco sold the business to LVMH in 2008. Monochrome says Hublot CEO Julian Tornare reconnected with him and that he consulted on the Tributo.
To mark the launch, Hublot is giving CHF 100,000 to the Main dans la Main foundation that Crocco established in 1998. Monochrome, Revolution, Time and Watches and Fratello all report the gift, which supports vulnerable children and communities. SJX does not mention it. Our Hublot history traces the brand from here to the Big Bang.
How it compares and what it costs
Hublot's core Classic Fusion line is built around the same bezel-and-rubber idea, but this is a gold watch with a 1980 reference point. At US$30,900 (CHF 25,000, EUR 30,200, GBP 23,600), both metals cost the same. The white gold watch carries no premium for its onyx dial. See the Classic Fusion history for the standard range.
It is not limited, so there is no allocation to chase. A search snippet we read mentions an initial run of 200 pieces per metal, but we could not find that in any article we read and do not rely on it. Time and Watches notes the standard five-year warranty for eligible watches bought from January 1, 2026, extendable by five years through the Hublotista programme.
For wider context on gold and watch pricing, our gold price report covers the wider market, and the watch price increases report covers list prices this year. Both outlets that quote prices in several currencies list the same figures for the yellow and white gold versions.
Who the Tributo is for
It suits buyers who want a gold Hublot with a clear story rather than a Big Bang. The 38mm case is 2mm larger than the original, and the dial has no markers, so the screws set the rhythm. Those who want a strap they can change in seconds will notice the missing One Click system.
It also gives Hublot a way to point to its own beginnings. The Big Bang followed in 2005 and defined the brand. This watch goes back 25 years before that, to a quartz gold watch on rubber, the model Hublot is now paying tribute to. It also pairs a mechanical movement with the original's look, which may matter to buyers who wanted the design but not a quartz calibre.
Buyers should weigh what is still unconfirmed. Hublot's own technical sheet was not available to us, so the power reserve, calibre number and clasp metal should be checked with a boutique before purchase, and we found no delivery dates.
Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo references
| Reference | Case | Dial | Rotor | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM | 38mm, 18k yellow gold | Matte black lacquer | 22k yellow gold | US$30,900 |
| 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM | 38mm, 18k white gold | Polished black onyx | Black tungsten | US$30,900 |
Background
Hublot began as MDM Genève in 1980, and the brand's later history, from the Classic Fusion line to the Big Bang in 2005 and the Unico calibre, is covered in our Hublot history. The Zenith connection is covered in our Zenith Elite page.Sources: Monochrome, Revolution, SJX (Hands On, October 15, 2026), Time and Watches and Fratello, all retrieved October 21, 2026. Hublot's own product page could not be read and we found no press release, so the power reserve, calibre number, clasp material and release dates are not confirmed. Prices are indicative and may vary by market and tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo cost?
US$30,900 for either the yellow gold or white gold version, which is CHF 25,000, EUR 30,200 or GBP 23,600. SJX quotes the US price excluding taxes.
Is the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo a limited edition?
No. Monochrome and SJX both say it is not limited. We found no confirmed production figure.
What are the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo reference numbers?
The yellow gold version is 262.VX.1130.RX.MDM and the white gold version is 262.WX.6870.RX.MDM.
How big is the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo?
The case is 38mm in diameter and 9.5mm thick, 2mm larger than the 36mm 1980 original.
What movement is in the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo?
An automatic calibre named HUB1711 by most outlets (SJX says HUB1710), based on the Zenith Elite 670, with 185 components, 4Hz and a date.
What is the power reserve of the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo?
Outlets disagree. Monochrome and Fratello say 60 hours, while SJX and Time and Watches say 50 hours.
Why did Hublot make the Classic Fusion Tributo?
It honours Carlo Crocco's 1980 watch, made under the MDM Genève name. Hublot is also donating CHF 100,000 to Crocco's Main dans la Main foundation.
Is the Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo water resistant?
Yes, to 100 meters, with a screw-down crown.
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