Hublot releases their “Essential Grey: Volume III”, this time in the form of their Classic Fusion in both a 42mm and 45mm sizing.
The Essential Grey has fast become one of Hublot’s most collectible models. Each year since 2022, the brand has released an Essential Grey version of one of their iconic watches – starting with the Big Bang Unico in 2022 limited to 200 peices, and followed up by the Spirit of Big Bang in 2023 which was an e-commerce exclusive and limited to just 100 pieces. This year, the choice for Hublot’s Essential Grey is the Classic Fusion as a pure online exclusive for customers who want to get their hands on what Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe says will be “a timeless collector’s item.”
“The Essential Grey is one of our most eagerly awaited recurring series. It’s the kind of curve ball we like at Hublot: At a time when so many brands and studios are struggling to guess what the next colour trend will be, we have decided to keep this essential grey, unique and different, year after year, because we know it will be a timeless collector’s item. In fact, its success proves that it already is!”
RICARDO GUADALUPE, HUBLOT CEO
The Classic Fusion’s descendant is what kicked off the journey for Hublot over 40 years ago with the very first precious metal watch on a rubber strap – The Classic Original which was brought to life by Hublot Founder Carlo Crocco back in 1980. So it’s no surprise that this year the brand has decided to focus their Essential Grey edition on this model as a reminder of this. And grey it is!
For this, Hublot’s third iteration of the Essential Grey, the Classic Fusion provides the perfect canvas for the monochromatic shades of grey that give this collection an overly unique look – one in stark contrast to their now famous highly coloured ceramics. The combination of the brushed and polished surfaces on the case with the addition of the fully grey rubber and fabric strap provide a statement on the wrist.
With two case sizes available – 42mm and 45mm, Hublot has given people an option to suit most wrist sizes, with these wearing on the smaller side due to the way Hublot has designed the case, not to mention their case thickness. The 42mm has a case thickness of 10.4mm and the 45mm just 10.95mm meaning that whilst their case size may suggest larger, they won’t wear this way. In addition to this, each piece is crafted from Grade 5 Titanium, meaning each is much lighter than their steel or precious metal counterparts, aiding in the wearability of each watch.
Material Design
The beautifully polished Titanium case of the Essential Grey Classic Fusion showcases Hublot’s expertise in materials. The silky smooth case and bezel sides give a textured contrast to the brushed polished sections and adds to the overall monochromatic look of the watch, whilst providing the eye with different shades to look at depending on the light.
One of the ways Hublot achieves this is with the movements that are inside the Classic Fusion Essential Grey. Both watches have been designed to house movements designed for their size, assisting in both the construction of the pieces as well as the thickness. Inside the 42mm version is the HUB1110, an automatic movement measuring just 3.61mm thick, and inside the 45mm model, the HUB1112 measuring 4.26mm thick. Both beat at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH and consist of 63 components, pivoting on 25 jewels and providing the wearer with 42 hours of power.
Each piece comes with a grey combination of rubber and fabric strap on a deployant buckle that aids in the comfort of the watch as well as its aesthetics. With rubber on the inside to give the strap maximum comfort, Hublot has paired this with a fabric outer that gives the piece an almost military look with the fabric woven in a mesh link style. At first glance, it does look like the strap is mesh but on closer inspection, it’s clear these are designed for both form and function.
Initial Thoughts
Hublot’s Classic Fusion has a place in horological history, well its predecessor, the Classic Original does as this was the piece that both launched Hublot and changed the way watch case and bracelet/strap design was thought of. Carlo Crocco was an innovator, and as a result, is embedded into Hublot’s brand DNA – something that the brand has continued with for over 40 years, and well into the future. The Essential Grey Classic Fusion speaks to this with its now recognisable lines, shape, and in this case, Titanium case fused with the rubber and fabric strap – an ode to Hublot’s “Art Of Fusion”.
A full grey look may not be for everyone, just as all white, or black watches won’t be, but for those that like this monochromatic look in a watch, the Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey is a worthy choice to have on the wrist. Yes the movement isn’t an in-house movement, but based on an SW300 it’s a movement that is proven, tried, and tested and won’t let you down. But with these watches, the movement isn’t what you’re buying. It’s the look, feel, and brand DNA that is the Classic Fusion, not to mention these are light and easy-wearing sports watches made from grade 5 Titanium. Oh, and they won’t break the bank with both pieces priced at A$12,700.
Reference: 542.NX.5610.NR.HEC24 (42mm) / 511.NX.5610.NR.HEC24 (45MM)
Specification:
- Size: 42mm and 10.4mm thick / 45mm and 10.95mm thick
- Case Material: Grade 5 Titanium with satin-brushed and polished surfaces
- Dial: Sunray Grey
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 50 meters with screw-down crown
- Movement: 42mm – HUB1110 and 45mm – HUB1112 automatic movements beating at 4Hz/28,800Vph
- Power reserve: 42 Hours
- Strap: Grey rubber with fabric strap and stainless steel deployant buckle
