Neslon Mandela is the father of today's democratic and multi-racial South Africa. He became the country's first black President in 1994. Nelson Mandela, also known as "Madiba" – who passed away in 2013 at the age of 95 – was, without a doubt, one of the world's most influential spokesmen on human rights.
Today, in collaboration with the House of Mandela foundation created by the family of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Hublot has decided to pay tribute to him by unveiling the Classic Fusion House of Mandela. It is a homage both to his exceptional character, and to the legacy that he has left to not only his family, but humanity as a whole. The House of Mandela aims to commemorate the life and philosophy of Nelson Mandela. Amongst its many charity projects, the Mandela family contributes to the education of South African children. A portion of the profits generated by the sale of these timepieces will also be donated to help the foundation achieve this goal.
Crafted in 18K King Gold, the Classic Fusion House of Mandela is available in two models: a 45 mm diameter men's model and a 42 mm diameter women's model with a bezel set with 35 diamonds (totalling 1.15 carats). This special edition is limited to 95 pieces – a reference to Nelson Mandela's age at the time of his death. The dial bears the totem of the Mandela family, a bee with outstretched, branched wings which symbolise the various branches of the Mandela family tree. This insect was not chosen at random: it is inspired by Nelson Mandela's Xhosa name, Rolihlahla, which translates as "he who is brave enough to fetch the honey from the honeycomb" or "challenge the status quo". The bee also represents courage, sharing, and compassion, which are values shared by the family. The piece is completed by a black alligator strap.
