Crafting elegance, tick by tick
Hublot and Richard Orlinski collaborate on the Fusion collection, featuring innovative designs with matching ridges and facets on the case and bezel
Walking into the Hublot pavilion at Watches and Wonders 2023 in Geneva is Richard Orlinski, who moves with the commanding presence of a rock star, instantly capturing attention and igniting an atmosphere of anticipation. His attire, an all-black ensemble, is typical of an artist’s style.
As a sculptor, Orlinski creates multi-dimensional creatures with a Pop Art flair. Examples include the “Wild Kong” gorilla sculpture enhancing the Croisette in Cannes, his sunlit crocodiles within Miami’s Design District, and his towering five-metre bear against the backdrop of Courchevel’s slopes. With an impressive portfolio, Orlinski is the natural choice for collaborating with Hublot. Since 2017, he has been designing watches that harmonise vintage and neo-futurist aesthetics, echoing his creations inspired by the Pop Art movement.
The debut design for Swiss watchmaker Hublot by Richard Orlinski is the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski. This timepiece flaunts a fresh design with angles and reflections, as ridges and facets across the watch create a captivating interplay. These elements extend from the case to the bezel and from the push buttons to the hands. The watch is offered in titanium and blue ceramic variations, presenting a 45-mm canvas of artistry for the wrist. Its dial is sapphire crystal, echoing the unique facets seen throughout the Hublot and Richard Orlinski collaboration, showcased in the case, crown, bezel and push buttons.
Recalling the early days of creating the Fusion line, Orlinski says that his interpretation of the watches revolves around art. “For me, art is everywhere. Art is everything. So, making watches, playing music, doing sports — everything is intertwined. It originates from our minds, and we all possess an artistic nature, whether we choose to nurture it or not. We are all born artists.”
Speaking about the initial collaboration, the watch collector recalls his meeting with Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe; he was offered what he calls a “wildcard”. This gave Orlinski the license, so to speak, to craft a watch explicitly tailored for artists and designers. He explains: “You draw inspiration from the DNA of my art, almost like taking a portion of it. And I incorporated all types of shapes into the watch. Creating a harmonious union between Hublot and Orlinski. They complement each other splendidly.”
Orlinski’s hallmark style blends vintage and neo-futurist elements, but in an interview at the watch fair, he challenges this idea, saying: “I’m not confined by a style. I can change, evolve, and adapt. I’m not fixated on anything specific. It’s a signature.” Orlinski’s watch designs intend to evoke emotions and a sense of liberation.
He challenges norms, promoting emotional openness. His motivation is embracing freedom, letting thoughts and emotions flow without limits. “I do this because it signifies that,” the artist says, adding that he wants everyone to interpret as they see fit.
Orlinski says true freedom is expressing your opinions and preferences openly. We all possess the freedom to proclaim. “I adore this because... sometimes, it’s about recognising that someone’s perspective is their truth. It’s not about being right or wrong; it’s about embracing diverse viewpoints, all of which can be valid.”
This philosophy extends to his art as well. He explains that when someone interprets his work in a certain way, they say: ‘Does this symbolise that?’. His response is yes: “And even if they propose an alternative perspective, that’s perfectly fine too. It’s because I want to grant the audience the power of interpretation. I’m not inclined to dictate a single meaning or conclusion.”
Immersed in the realm of creativity, the artist consistently seeks inspiration. He says: “Inspirations are all around us. It’s possible that even after this interview, your questions or unforeseen events might spark something within me. This is because my mind operates around the clock. Additionally, inspiration often stems from my team. We’re a cohesive unit, working collaboratively. I firmly believe that the collective power of many minds is mightier than a single perspective. I thoroughly enjoy joining forces with my team to create and innovate.”
Orlinski advises aspiring artists: Embrace your uniqueness and be distinctive. He adds: “To truly stand out, you must lend an ear to and have faith in the small voice within you. Follow your dreams. Cultivate the belief that everything is achievable and recognise the paramount significance of timing.”
Classic Fusion Orlinski 2020
The edges, angles and facets have been miniaturised with horological precision to yield mirror effects on the dial. The subtle strap in matte white rubber presents a striking contrast, particularly pronounced on four of the six models, where diamond-set cases produce a jewellery-like allure. What could be more fitting than a gem with the highest refractive index to capture the mirror-polished finish that defines the plastic artist’s work? On four of these timepieces, the dodecagon bezel — a hallmark of the creative partnership since 2017 — is adorned with 54 diamonds. It adorns a case that is either fully set with 210 diamonds or partially set with 112 diamonds.
Classic Fusion Tourbillon Sapphire Orlinski for Only Watch in 2019
This unique piece has been redesigned for Only Watch with a white gold bezel set with 54 baguette-cut topazes. Entirely transparent, it reveals an open-worked architecture — a second nod to the work of the French sculptor — showcasing the gears, tourbillon cage and power reserve. A stylised skeleton calibre merges into the transparent rubber strap in the colours of Only Watch.
See also: Defying traditions
Classic Fusion Orlinski 2019
Following on from the Aerofusion Chronograph and Tourbillon collection, Orlinsky designed and developed a smaller-scale version. The edges, bevels and facets have been miniaturised to create mirror effects on the dial. The understated strap in matt black rubber contrasts four of the six models whose diamond-set cases create a jewellery effect. Four of the timepieces are set with 54 diamonds with a case which is either fully set with 210 diamonds or partially set with 112 diamonds.
