HUBLOT x Art of Fusion
After years of following the brand and keeping an eye on their game-changing creations, I am excited that Hublot has made its debut on Balance & Bridge! I was able to get hands-on with one of the Swiss brand's newest additions to their lineup, and I cannot wait for you to hear my thoughts below. But first, for those not too familiar with Hublot's meteoric rise to public awareness and watchmaking prominence, let's briefly look at what got them here.
Hublot, founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, has earned quite a reputation for its innovative designs and use of non-traditional materials in its watches. One of the brand's most notable innovations is the pairing of integrated rubber straps with precious metal cases, dating back nearly two decades. This groundbreaking move began with the introduction of the Hublot Classic Fusion in 2004. The 2004 model year Classic Fusion, with its natural rubber integrated strap and gold case, revolutionized the industry by combining practicality, style, durability, and luxury. Not to mention breaking some unwritten rules along the way.
The integrated rubber strap on a metal case quickly became synonymous with the Hublot brand, symbolizing its commitment to blending traditional watchmaking with modern, unconventional materials. This fusion not only enhanced the durability of the watches but also contributed to their distinctive look, merging luxury with sportiness. Needless to say, it was a hit with consumers everywhere who were looking for a bit of understated luxury without sacrificing quality.
Hublot’s approach has influenced many other brands and remains a key aspect of their identity, showcasing their ability to innovate while maintaining a strong connection to the classic design elements that made them famous. Fast forward nearly 20 years, and Hublot remains true to its design language with its continued use of integrated rubber straps and circular "porthole" cases—a nod to their namesake 'HUBLOT'. Let's take a look at the newest Classic Fusion iteration in 2024.
HUBLOT Classic Fusion Essential Grey Review
The Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey 42mm, an online exclusive from the Swiss brand, continues Hublot’s signature blend of bold design and understated elegance. As part of the Essential Grey series, this model reinterprets the Classic Fusion—a cornerstone in Hublot’s collection—with a fresh, monochromatic approach that appeals to those who favor simplicity with a touch of luxury. This model joins other models like the 'Big Bang' and the 'Spirit of Big Bang' in the Essential Grey collection.
Crafted from satin-finished and polished titanium, the 42mm case exudes quiet strength, balancing rugged durability with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The titanium not only keeps the watch lightweight but also adds a unique, industrial-chic appeal. Let's take a moment to appreciate the addition of polished titanium, both an uncommon and impressive feat. The bezel, also in satin-finished and polished titanium, is accented with Hublot's iconic H-shaped screws, subtly reinforcing the brand's signature style without overpowering the minimalist design. The subtle details help to bring to life the otherwise sterile bezel and accentuate the cleanliness of the dial.
The real charm of this timepiece lies in that dial. The grey sunray finish is an exercise in understated sophistication, with a texture that plays delicately with light, creating a dynamic visual effect that shifts as you move your wrist. The dial appears anywhere from white to charcoal, depending on the lighting. The dial is punctuated by applied faceted indices and baton-style hands, all rendered in matching grey, adding to the watch’s seamless and cohesive look. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment protects the dial, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions while maintaining durability. The entire presentation is just enough to bring interest to the dial and case, but not too much as to distract the wearer or onlooker.
Powering this watch is the HUB1110 automatic movement, a reliable and precise engine based on the famed Sellita SW300-1. This movement ticks at a steady 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a solid 42-hour power reserve, ensuring accuracy even after a day or two off of the wrist.
The movement is housed in a case that measures just 10.4mm in thickness, making it a comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes and perfect for both casual and formal settings. A bonus is the sapphire case back, which allows you to observe the lettering of the HUBLOT-machined rotor in action. The flat sapphire joins seamlessly with the bezel/case, providing a cohesive look that fits perfectly against a sweatshirt sleeve or under a formal cuff.
The strap complements the minimalist theme with a grey rubber base overlaid with grey fabric, offering a comfortable yet stylish fit. The stainless steel deployant buckle clasp ensures the watch stays securely on your wrist while being easy to fasten and remove. Together, these elements create a timepiece that is as functional as it is stylish.
The deployant clasp adds class to the rubber bracelet, and the dual-sided, woven, and rubber strap looks like steel mesh from a distance. The idea that a rubber-strapped luxury watch can trick the eye into thinking it is full titanium while wearing as comfortably as it does, is worth the price of admission. The texture of the strap softens the titanium, and the online pictures do not do it justice—it is truly stunning in person.
Comfort and Versatility
The finishing, materials, and design are great, but without comfort on the wrist, any design would fall short of being desirable. The Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey delivers on this front in spades. The lightweight titanium case, combined with the slim 10.4mm profile, ensures that the watch sits effortlessly on the wrist without feeling cumbersome. The strap molds to the wrist over time, providing a snug yet flexible fit that doesn’t compromise on style. The beautiful deployant buckle and clasp further enhance comfort by securing the watch firmly without causing discomfort or pinching, making it an ideal companion for both casual and formal occasions.
This watch is comfortable enough to wear all day in various climates and can seamlessly transition from casual to formal wear. The ability to adapt a luxury watch into whatever the situation requires is a blessing, especially handy while traveling and on vacation. Not only is it versatile, but it is an obvious luxury piece. This won't be mistaken for anything but.
Specification Round-Up
Case:
Reference: 542.NX.5610.NR.HEC24
Size: 42 mm x 10.4mm Thick
Material: Satin-finished and Polished Titanium
Bezel:
Material: Satin-finished and Polished Titanium
Water Resistance:
50m or 5 ATM
Crystal:
Sapphire with Anti-reflective Treatment
Dial:
Grey Sunray
Movement:
Type: HUB1110 Self-winding Movement
Power Reserve: 42 Hours
Strap & Clasp:
Strap: Grey Rubber with Grey Fabric
Clasp: Stainless Steel Deployant Buckle Clasp
Final Thoughts
At $8,500 (USD), the Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey 42mm sits comfortably in the luxury market, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who value elegance with a subtle twist. Unlike Hublot’s more extravagant designs, this watch offers versatility, making it suitable for a range of occasions, from daily wear to special events. As part of Hublot’s permanent collection and available exclusively online, it offers a unique blend of accessibility and exclusivity, making it an excellent addition to any watch collection.
It was one of the most striking, comfortable, and original pieces I have had the pleasure of getting to wear, and I was surprised at just how great the watch looks in person. Images do not do it justice.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey 42mm is a watch that speaks softly yet carries the unmistakable weight of Hublot’s design expertise. It’s a compelling option for anyone who appreciates high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and a design that doesn’t shout but quietly commands attention.
This specific model is an online exclusive and can be found at the link below.
All Images were captured by Balance & Bridge. Thanks for stopping by and we hope you enjoyed the Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey Review.
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