Back in 1980, when Swiss watchmaking house Hublot’s founder, Carlo Crocco, introduced a timepiece that was not only practical and robust, but also very wearable, he caught the imagination of watch enthusiasts looking for an exciting new direction. This watch was the Classic Original, which combined fresh design with comfort.

Not only that, it breached traditional horology by putting together gold and a modern rubber developed in its own workshops. It was a bold move: marrying precious and everyday materials was something new. It was the birth of Hublot’s ‘art of fusion’ approach, underpinned by technological innovation and a daring approach that now seems commonplace, but at the time was radical thinking for the essentially conservative watch industry. That audacity and pioneering was embraced enthusiastically by Jean-Claude Biver on becoming CEO in 2004, and has continued since with the current CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe.

What became the Classic Fusion collection is now celebrating its 40th anniversary with the launch of a new model, capturing the elegance and timeless design of the initial version. Its contemporary heir features a stealth-grade black lacquered and polished dial, understated and sleek, with only faceted hands, and an appliqué brand name on display. With a mechanical movement, the 45mm case is made from yellow gold, titanium, or black ceramic and includes the signature screws on the bezel, sitting on a rubber strap with triple deployant clasp for comfort and security. Four decades on, it’s still clearly part of the bloodline, confident in its refined tough-guy demeanour.

From £6,900; hublot.com