It required passion, self-sacrifice and the desire to achieve perfection in order to push Fuente cigars to the pinnacle of world tobacco production. Since its creation in Cuba in 1912, the "Tabacalera Arturo Fuente y Compahia" business has survived many challenges along the way—a forced departure from Cuba following the Castroists' arrival in power, exile both in Florida and in Nicaragua—to eventually set up in the Dominican Republic. This is where its planters and rollers finally found a place that measured up to their immense talent. It was here, at the beginning of the eighties, that Carlito Fuente, worthy descendant of the founder, Arturo, chose to set up his cigar factory, despite everyone's advice for him not to settle in the Dominican Republic. It was a gamble that paid off: one hundred and five years after its birth, the Fuente brand has found its rightful place, has competed with and surpassed the best Cuban cigar producers.

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During the centenary of Arturo Fuente cigars in 2012, the two brands decided to become partners, brought together by their shared desire in their own field, to stretch the demonstration of excellence. This union has already produced several watch collections and different charitable initiatives to help the Dominican population through the Fuente Family Foundation. A new creation pays tribute to this common love of fine craftsmanship: the Hublot Classic Fusion Fuente Limited Edition watch. This new release will come in three models produced in limited editions.

"My family and I are very moved by the design sported by this new Hublot-Fuente model. I consider it to be a tribute to our emotional connection to the land, to the earth that enable us to make our cigars and to our origins. Once again, it honours the shared values of the Fuente tabacalera and the Hublot manufacture." - Carlito Fuente, CEO of Arturo Fuente

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Using the famous Classic Fusion 45-mm diameter case, the first of the models comes in King Gold, a unique alloy developed by the Hublot house and combining gold and titanium. Made from this precious material, the case, bezel and crown are finely engraved, paying tribute to the Fuente house. The case presents a drawing of tobacco leaves whereas the bezel reproduces a motif reminiscent of the earthenware tiles adorning the floors of the old colonial houses of Havana and incorporating the letter X, emblem of the Fuente family.

The back of the watch is engraved with an illustration evoking Guines, the town in the province of Havana where the history of the Fuente family took root. It is also marked with "Chateau de la Fuente" and the model's limited edition series number. Displaying gold plated appliques, its dial comes in burgundy colour, a tonality also used on its deployant buckle clasp strap in rubber-lined alligator skin. Fifty pieces of this version will be produced.

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"This new creation is a tribute to the workmanship, a celebration of human spirit, to the precision and finesse necessary to produce excellent cigars and watchmaking. In this aspect, we feel very close to the Fuente family."

- Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot

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The second variation has sublime livery in brushed titanium. It features the same fine chasings as the King Gold model and a blue tint for its dial and strap. 100 numbered pieces will be produced.

The third version uses bronze, a fine alloy whose reflections evolve over time, beautifully matching the tone of green chosen for its strap and its dial. 100 pieces of this final version will also be made.

All three editions will be fitted with the HUB1112 calibre, an automatic movement operating at a frequency of 28'800 A/h and with a 42-hour power reserve. They will be officially unveiled by Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, during Fuente's Asian Tour.

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CLASSIC FUSION FUENTE LIMITED EDITION 45mm

Reference: 511.BZ.6680.LR.OPX17 (Bronze) - Limited to 100 pieces 511.NX.6670.LR.OPX17 (Titanium) - Limited to 100 pieces 511.OX.6670.LR.OPX17 (King Gold) - Limited to 50 pieces

Diameter:  45 mm

Thickness: 10.95mm

Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50m)

Case: Engraved and black brushed Bronze or titanium or King Gold

Bezel: Engraved and black brushed Bronze or titanium or King Gold

Screws « H »:  Polished titanium

Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment

Crown: Engraved and black brushed Bronze or titanium or King Gold

Case back: Engraved and black brushed titanium (Bronze and Titanium) or King Gold with "LIMITED EDITION" + "N°XXX/100" or "N°XXX/50"

Dial: Gradient mat green  (Bronze), blue (Titanium) or burgundy (King Gold); Polished 18k yellow gold plated appliques (Bronze); Polished rhodium plated appliques (Titanium); Polished 18k red gold plated appliques (King Gold)

Movement:  HUB1112 caliber, self-winding movement

No of Components:  63 (21 rubies)

Frequency:  4 Hz (28'800 A/h)

Power reserve:  42 Hours

Strap: Black rubber and green or blue or burgundy vintage alligator with green or blue or burgundy stitching

Buckle: Black brushed Bronze or stainless steel (Titanium) or King Gold and black-plated stainless steel deployant buckle clasp

For more visit Hublot Online.