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It’s been two years since the debut of the Hublot Essential Grey series, which, as its name suggests, is a collection of pieces executed in sleek monochromatic gray tones. Following the original Big Bang Unico Essential Grey from 2022 and the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey from 2023, a pair of Classic Fusion watches now join the Essential Grey capsule collection for 2024.

Commenting on the color collection, Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO, said: “The Essential Grey is one of our most eagerly awaited recurring series. It’s the kind of curve ball we like at Hublot: At a time when so many brands and studios are struggling to guess what the next color trend will be, we have decided to keep this essential grey, unique and different, year after year because we know it will be a timeless collector’s item. In fact, its success proves that it already is!”

The Classic Fusion, Hublot’s contemporary tribute to its inaugural model that sent shockwaves through the industry in the 1980s, is perfectly suited to the pared-down palette. The watch’s clean and strong lines, minimalist yet industrial design language, and combination of materials and textures are beautifully highlighted by the absence of color.

Hublot offers two versions of the Classic Fusion Essential Grey, one measuring 45mm in diameter and 10.95mm thick and the other 42mm in diameter and 10.4mm thick. Both cases are water resistant to 50 meters. Each is thoughtfully fitted with a movement that best suits its proportions, emphasizing Hublot’s respect for design and engineering. The Classic Fusion Essential Grey 45mm runs on Caliber HUB1112 (4.26mm thick) whereas the Classic Fusion Essential Grey 42mm is powered by HUB1110 (3.61mm thick). Both self-winding movements operate at a frequency of 28,000 beats per hour and supply 42 hours of power reserve. Naturally, the movements are visible through sapphire crystal windows on the watches’ casebacks.

Aside from the sizes and movements, the pair is identical in appearance. They both feature titanium cases and bezels where the satin-brushed finishing of the latter contrasts impeccably with the polished elements of the former. True to Hublot form, the bezel includes six functional screws with H-shaped heads, accompanied by another four where the straps meet the case. Those weave-like textured straps, which are a mix of fabric and rubber and fitted with steel deployant buckles, are also rendered in a gray tone but noticeably darker than the rest of the watch for a handsome contrast. The watches have sunray-finished dials, home to a trio of hands at the center, accompanied by a discreet date window at 3 o’clock. The faceted hour makers and polished edges of the hands add a touch of sparkle to the dial.

Like all the other Hublot Essential Grey watches, the Classic Fusion editions will be exclusively available online. The Classic Fusion Essential Grey 45mm (ref. 511.NX.5610.NR.HEC24) and the Classic Fusion Essential Gray 42mm (ref. 542.NX.5610.NR.HEC24) are both priced at $8,500 USD. For more information about the Classic Fusion Essential Gray watches, please visit Hublot’s website.