Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri
Sponsored by Hublot
Watchonista’s Guide To Exploring Capri With The Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Capri
For centuries, the Isle of Capri has attracted the most beautiful and famous people from around the world. This year, Hublot pays tribute to the magic of this island with the Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri.
By Watchonista
From the Roman Emperor Tiberius to the glamorous movie stars of the 1950s and 1960s, through to this summer, the Isle of Capri has always attracted the international jet set. It brings together a mix of people from all parts of the globe who seek crystal waters, excellent food, and the Caprese art of il dolce far niente. This special island on the southern edge of the Bay of Naples offers visitors a mix of serenity and excitement. This is not Ibiza, St. Tropez, or Mykonos. Capri is unique.
This summer, Hublot celebrates the Isle of Capri with the release of the Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition. Limited to just 30 pieces, this special edition is available exclusively at the Hublot boutique situated between two of the most renowned meeting points for Capri socialites, the Piazzetta Umberto I and the Grand Hotel Quisisana.
Recently, I was lucky enough to explore Capri, one of my favorite destinations, with the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri on the wrist.
Sweet Idleness Around Capri
The list of famous names connected to this hidden treasure is almost infinite: Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis, Oscar Wilde, and Paul Newman are just some of the famous personalities who’ve spent time on the island. More recently, Beyoncé & Jay Z, George Clooney, Leonardo Di Caprio, Roger Federer, and famed auctioneer Aurel Bacs along with a bevy of other big watch collectors have also made their preference for Capri well-known.
There are precious few places in the world visited by such a crowd, but it is difficult not to fall in love with Capri.
As the island does not have sandy beaches, you must reserve (very much in advance) your chair and umbrella in one of the bagni, Capri’s beach clubs, like La Fontellina, Bagni di Tiberio, or Il Faro. Here you can see one of the most incredible sunsets on Earth.
But to really experience the Isle of Capri, you have to visit the island by boat. Or, more precisely, by gozzo (a small traditional boat with a large wooden sundeck). Spending the day around the island will take you to one of the most emblematic and popular sightseeing destinations of the island, the Faraglioni, the two majestic limestone sea stacks rising out of the sea, sculpted by the wind and water.
Dive into the Grotta Azzurra
If you decide to be dropped off for lunch at Il Riccio for a seafood pasta and their mythical dessert buffet, do not pass up the chance to dive into the Blue Grotto.
Mark Twain probably described the Blue Grotto best in The Innocents Abroad when he wrote, “The waters of this placid subterranean lake are the brightest, loveliest blue that can be imagined. They are as transparent as plate glass, and their coloring would shame the richest sky that ever bent over Italy. No tint could be more ravishing, no lustre more superb.”
It’s quite a small sea cave, but when the sunlight passes through its opening, the bright shining seawater luminesces and creates a fluorescent-like blue reflection that illuminates the whole cave. After a few glasses of a local white wine, Falanghina, the effect Twain so eloquently described is even more pronounced.
Normally, you have to enter the cave with little boats. But this particular summer, there are fewer tourists on the island. So, don’t hesitate to ask if you can jump right in.
On The Wrist?
What better companion for exploring this idyllic place than the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri? This 45mm timepiece is ultra-light thanks to its black ceramic mid-case and striking Blue Grotto inspired bezel. A watch that perfectly encapsulates the Isle of Capri.
Powered by Hublot’s HUB1143 automatic chronograph movement with a power reserve of 42 hours, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri is the perfect companion piece for your visit to Capri. The watch has a charm that suits the island paradise, so much so that the sapphire crystal caseback is engraved with ‘CAPRI EDITION’ and an etching of the famous Faraglioni.
“Symbolizing ‘la dolce vita,’ Capri is dotted with secret coves, sunny lanes to be discovered, clifftop flower gardens and balconies lined with pine, lemon and olive trees,” said Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of HUBLOT, in a press release.
Inspired by the colors of Capri, and more specifically, the semi-fluorescent blue of the Grotta Azzurra, the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri is priced at 12,900 CHF, limited to just 30 pieces, and only available at Hublot’s Capri boutique.
Aperitivo In Piazzetta
The epicenter of la vita Caprese is the Piazzetta. There you will see throngs of people returning to town after a day at the beach or on a boat, avid shoppers in need of a retail fix, and others who are passing through town on their way to dinner, dressed to impress.
In the Piazzetta, reuniting with friends while chasing down a waiter for a table is all that matters. But, if you are not a local or know someone, be ready to wait. Once seated, the gorgeous views and intriguing people-watching is guaranteed. See and be seen wearing your Hublot Classic Fusion Capri while you enjoy an Aperol Spritz or, even better, a Negroni.
There is no better place to showcase your Hublot Classic Fusion Special Edition Capri than in the vitrine of the Caprese Piazzetta.
Final Thoughts
Full disclosure, I do not yet own a Hublot, but I must say that I really enjoyed wearing this Special Edition Capri in its natural habitat. Watchonista also recently tried the summer edition, aka the Big Bang Unico 45 Sky Blue (read HERE), but I must say, the Special Edition Capri is definitely my favorite. For personal and perhaps sentimental reasons, the Special Edition Capri will always be near and dear to my heart.
Don’t Be A Tourist in Capri!
Here is a list of places you must try before leaving Capri.
Breakfast:
- Café Alberto – For starting the day (or finish the night) in style
Lunch:
- Bagni di Tiberio – Simple and delicious food. As only accessible by boat they come and pick you up at Marina Grande
- Torre del Saraceno – Try the pasta e patate and the pasta ai piselli, they are mandatory!
- Il Faro – For an all-day club with great food and an amazing sunset
- Lo Smeraldo – It’s just delicious, one of my favorite spots
Aperitivo in the Piazetta Umberto I:
- Bar Tiberio – We love this one!
Dinner:
- Villa Verde – For a great vibe and eclectic people, it’s the best place to start the night. Their pizza and spaghetto allo sciue sciue is a must try
- Da Paolino – For a more romantic setting, you can dine under the lemon trees. A busy place, but a must try!
- Aurora – For a delicious but outrageously expensive meal. The first challenge will be getting a table outside (a must!). The second challenge will be not fainting when you get the bill
‘Til Dawn:
- Anima e Core – For live music (even Neapolitan music), this place is almost mythologically amazing. One night I got in and Beyoncé was just singing…
- Quisi Bar – For a highly strategic position to watch the night crowd moving as you enjoy drink after drink!
- Number Two – My favorite place. With a more electro playlist, I will let you discover this place and survive the “notte Caprese” on your own.
My recipe for a successful trip to Capri:
- Café Alberto for breakfast.
- Lo Smeraldo for lunch.
- Bar Tiberio for an aperitivo.
- Villa Verde for dinner.
- Number Two ‘til dawn.
- Repeat.
Enjoy Capri with the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri!
(Photography by Watchonista)
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