Is a Hublot still a Hublot if it doesn’t shout? The Swiss manufacture has released the latest edition of its ‘Essential Grey’ series with the Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey. Now in its third year, the annual release sees one of the brand’s key models suffused in the neutral hue, with previous incarnations taking on the Big Bang Unico and Spirit of Big Bang. While those releases saw the monochromatic tones juxtaposed against the intricate skeletonisation of the movements within.
However, the Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey seems to make the most sense, with the time-only model an apt fit for the pared-back colour scheme. One of the brand’s founding models, the Classic Fusion harkens back to the seminal 1980s timepiece that, despite its simplicity, was revolutionary at the time for its combination (or ‘fusion’) of rubber and precious metals. And while today Hublot is known for its more out there models (read: colourful, ceramic, colossal, skeletonised, angular, innovative movements), the Classic Fusion is the model that most closely speaks to the brand’s history.
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The new Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey release comes in both 42mm and 45mm models, with the case and satin-finished bezel crafted from titanium. The monochromatic theme continues onto the dial, which is adorned with a sunburst finish and has a subtle date window at 3 o’clock. Faceted applied indices are paired with baton-style hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand features the Hublot logo as a counterweight. Both models are fitted to a textured integrated rubber strap (with a stainless steel deployant buckle) that matches the silvery grey tones of the dial.
Each model is equipped with a similar (but different) automatic movement adapted to its size, which is visible through the exhibition caseback. The 42mm is powered by the HUB1110 while the 45mm is equipped with the HUB1112; the only difference between the movements is a variation in thickness, with both guaranteeing a power reserve of 42 hours. Despite the Hublot nomenclature, both movements are derived from Sellita movements (the SW300-1).
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Simultaneously true to the Swiss manufacture’s history yet an anomaly in its contemporary lineup, the Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey represents a uniquely subdued model, catering more to those who simply want a classically good looking watch than a shouty statement piece (or an interesting mechanical marvel, for that matter).
Both timepieces are priced at $12,700AUD and are available via the Hublot webstore.
Words by Henry Blake
