ublot is reprising its iconic Essential Grey collection. It is one of the Manufacture’s most popular vintages thanks to its exclusivity: a single model, a single colour, once a year, sold through a single channel.

More than an event, the arrival of the Essential Grey has come to define the Hublot year. Collectors are eagerly awaiting this moment – especially those who succeed in getting their hands on all the consecutive vintages, making up a complete set of pieces. These collectors are rare, but some managed to obtain first the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey, followed by the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey, and they are now looking forward to completing the hat-trick with the new Classic Fusion Essential Grey.

This year, the decision to choose the Classic Fusion model was no coincidence. Alongside its most disruptive creations, Hublot likes to regularly highlight the importance of its founding models. This has recently led to the appearance of understated, streamlined ’Time Only’ versions of the Big Bang. Essential Grey is part of this same dynamic: A reminder that Hublot, beyond its world of unbridled creativity, is first and foremost a leading watch manufacturer, the creator of numerous designs which, for more than 30 years, have been at the forefront of the watchmaking scene. Iconic, timeless watches that, even without bright colours and complications, remain monuments to design and elegance.

This is what defines the two Classic Fusion pieces in the 2024 Essential Grey vintage. Both come with 100% titanium cases and bezels, the first measuring 42 mm, the second 45 mm. Both feature all the hallmarks of a genuine Classic Fusion: integrated bracelet, satin-finished bezel with 6 functional screws with H-shaped head, exclusive textured rubber strap, and sunray finished dial with three central hands complemented by a discreet date window.

The most discerning customers will appreciate a subtlety that they may be the only ones to see: As the diameters of the two models differ by 3 mm (42 mm and 45 mm), Hublot has ensured that they are fitted with a calibre adapted to each volume (10.4 mm high for the first, 10.95 for the second). This refinement reflects the extreme attention to detail so dear to the hearts of watchmaking collectors.

The 42 mm Classic Fusion Essential Grey beats to the rhythm of the HUB1110 calibre, which is just 3.61 mm thick, while its 45 mm big brother is powered by the HUB1112 movement, measuring 4.26 mm. This “made- to-measure” choice shows respect for the design and engineering, which perfectly blends the forms and functions specific to each case. In the interests of fairness, however, each piece offers the same level of mechanical excellence, with a guaranteed power reserve of 42 hours.