We recently talked about the Hublot Classic Fusion WOTC boutique exclusive, a cool time-and-date watch with carbon bezel. Now I’ve been able to get hands-on with a different exclusive Classic Fusion, the Essential Grey edition that’s only available online. Let’s take a closer look.
As the name Classic Fusion Essential Grey implies, this watch is monotone in colour with the light grey/silver dial matching the time of the titanium case. When I first looked at the watch I assumed it was made of steel due to the relatively light colour of the metal and the combination of brushed and polished surfaces. Titanium is a notoriously hard metal to polish well and yet the Classic Fusion Essential Grey has polished screws, a polished edge to the wide, circular bezel, polished lugs, a polished caseband and a polished crown, alternating with areas of satin brushing.
This is only possible because Hublot have used high quality grade 5 titanium. Grade 5 titanium is a bit harder than alternative titanium alloys, which means it takes a polish better. On top of that because it’s also incredibly lightweight, it’s barely noticeable on on my wrist despite measuring 42mm in diameter. Although it’s also relatively thin with a thickness of around 11mm, which is much slimmer than I would expect given the layered, somewhat industrial appearance of the case.
Focussing in on the dial, it’s very understated, something I don’t normally say about Hublot. The base is silver with sunray brushed finishing while the hour markers are polished, facetted batons, as are the hands. There’s a date aperture at 3 o’clock with black numerals on a white disk. It’s not exactly an exciting display but I also appreciate the restraint compared to some of the extravagance seen on models like the Big Bang. It fits with the idea of this being an essential model.
One of the most interesting parts of this watch is actually the strap, which is integrated into the body of the case. It’s a rubber number with a tightly woven fabric layer in its top that gives it the impression of a Milanese bracelet. It’s a really nice texture to run your fingers over. It uses a deployant buckle clasp, making it easy to adjust the size and comfortable to wear.
Once you’ve unstrapped the watch you can see that the caseback is very flat, which is a large contributing factor to the Classic Fusion Essential Grey’s overall thinness. You can also see the exhibition window through which is the calibre HUB1110 with an automatic rotor featuring a skeletonised Hublot logo. It has a combination of brushed and polished surfaces matching the rest of the watch and while it’s not the brand’s higher-end UNICO number, it still has a 42-hour power reserve.
I always enjoy getting hands-on with Hublot watches because it lets you formulate an honest opinion without the internet buzz that often follows the brand around online. I think this is a very nice watch, the monotone colour scheme works well and it has a cool sports integrated strap design that works really well at this size. My only reservation is the price, which at £7,300 is slightly above where I’d expect a grade 5 titanium time-and-date watch to sit. However, I’d also be happy to go on record saying this is one of my favourite Hublots around.
Price and Specs:
More details at Hublot.
