Hublot Gives Its Classic Fusion The Stylish “Essential Grey” Makeover

When the new Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey models hit our screens, they immediately stood out. We always love seeing what the brand comes up with for its Classic Fusion. After all, the watch tells Carlo Crocco’s original Hublot story. But there is more to it than that. The Classic Fusion also still looks just as relevant as it did when it was first introduced. The new 42mm and 45mm monochromatic gray models show that perfectly. They are the latest additions to Hublot’s Essential Grey series and might be the best yet.

The idea of Hublot’s Essential Grey series is simple but effective. The brand has created a monochromatic version of one of its models sold exclusively through its website in the past three years. Two years ago, the first one was the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey, followed by the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey. Now there is a duo of Classic Fusion models in two sizes. Hublot calls the Essential Grey concept a collector’s series and aims to sell all the different models to avid Hublot collectors who love the look. It’s an idea that could work, but I do know that the new Classic Fusion Essential Grey will also attract people who simply want a good-looking watch.

The Hublot Essential Grey series

There is something very appealing about the traditional combination of a stainless steel case with a gray or silver dial. Just think of the super clean looks of the classic Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 with a silver dial. Another favorite of mine is the Rolex Chronograph ref. 6238 “Pre-Daytona,” which was available with silver and gray dials. More recent examples we love are the Grand Seiko SBGW305 and the VPC Type 37HW Dove Grey that our very own Thomas van Straaten created. All of these are great examples of watches that stand out because of their monochromatic looks.

While the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey and the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey were stylish watches, the gray suit fits the Classic Fusion better. This is probably due to the Classic Fusion’s stripped-down look compared to the two previous chronographs. The monochromatic palette works best with a quiet aesthetic because it allows the color and the design to have maximum impact.

Two different sizes of the Classic Fusion Essential Grey

As mentioned, Hublot picked the 42mm and 45mm models for these special editions of the Classic Fusion. Both have titanium cases that feature a mix of brushed and polished parts. The case of the 42mm version is slimmer, at 10.4mm thick, compared to the 10.95mm thickness of the 45mm version. Both watches have a 50m water resistance rating and feature the characteristic brushed bezel with six screws with H-shaped heads, an integrated rubber strap, and a simple time-and-date dial layout.

The gray sunburst dial works superbly with the vertically brushed bezel. Additionally, the brushed case parts make the contrasting polished ones stand out more. The dial features faceted applied indices and a date window at 3 o’clock. Hovering above the dial are pointed baton-style hour and minute hands and a slim seconds hand with a Hublot logo counterweight. The look is super clean and classy, and I love it.

Two different calibers based on the Sellita SW300-1a

Inside the two cases, we find two different calibers that are both based on the Sellita WS300-1a movement. The 42mm model is powered by the caliber HUB1110, whereas the 45mm model is powered by the HUB1112. The main difference is Hublot fits the latter movement with a module to place the date more toward the perimeter of the dial. This ensures that the visual balance on the dial is maintained. I very much appreciate this as a date window placed too far inward is a dealbreaker for me and many other enthusiasts.

Because of this extra module, the HUB1112 is slightly thicker than the HUB1110, with the movements coming in at 4.26mm and 3.61mm thick, respectively. This also explains why the smaller of the two models has a slightly thinner case. In terms of other specs, the calibers are identical. These automatic movements both operate at 28,800vph and have 25 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve. Hublot finishes the movements in-house and fits them with a custom Hublot rotor that you can see in action through the sapphire crystal of the case back.

Final thoughts on the new Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey models

I haven’t talked much about these models’ integrated textured gray rubber straps. A glance at them might make you think they’re titanium mesh bracelets. And to be perfectly honest, we would love to see this exact model with a mesh bracelet. That would inject both watches with even more style and class. If anything, the images show that the potential is there. For now, we have to make do with the stylish textured rubber strap that comes with a stainless steel deployant buckle. It still gives these toned-down Classic Fusion models a look that we love. Both watches are available now for €8,800 each, making them by far the most affordable in the Essential Grey series.

Overall, these two new additions to the Classic Fusion lineup look great. That’s why I would love to take the smaller 42mm model out for a hands-on review. I reviewed the green 45mm model two years ago, but quite a bit has changed since then. Hublot introduced the Classic Fusion Original models, which are at the absolute top of my list of favorite Hublot watches. The yellow gold version is my number one, with the titanium model as a close second. However, with the introduction of these Essential Grey versions, the brand might have created a third favorite. I would love to find that out. For now, these new additions look the part and perfectly show the Classic Fusion’s relevance.

For more information, visit the official Hublot website. In the comments section, let us know your thoughts on these two new Classic Fusion models.