Luxury watchmaker Hublot is no stranger to bold colours. Browse its collections and you’ll find a splendid array of extravagant watches spanning the full rainbow of colours. But once a year it does something completely different. It unveils a single model that uses a single colour and is only available for sale at one venue. The watch is called the Essential Grey and is produced in a small limited edition. For 2023, Hublot has created the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey, a skeletonised chronograph that features a full titanium construction. It’s only available online and is limited to 100 pieces, half that of last year’s Essential Grey model.
You’ll also like:
For a brand that is famed for its vibrant watches, the Essential Grey is something of a paradox. It’s created from a simple premise – that colours lose their individuality when combined. So this annual release features a colour palette of one, a simple grey. It’s a great way to focus the collector’s eyes on the intricacy of the watch and its unique design.
The Essential Grey is also billed as an equal-opportunity model. It’s the first and last of its kind so Hublot is keen to give all its fans an equal chance of getting their hands on one of these rare watches. It’s chosen its official website as the one location we can all access.
This year it’s the turn of the Spirit of the Big Bang, with its signature barrel case, to fly the Essential Grey flag. And what a great choice that is. This model is 100 per cent crafted from titanium – the case, bezel, screws, crown, push-pieces, case-back and even the folding clasp on the strap are all titanium. It’s an ideal lightweight metal that is also corrosion-resistant and bio-compatible.
The design itself is stunning and boasts a strong industrial vibe. The barrel case houses an unusual sapphire dial with lumed hour markers and rhodium-plated hands. The watch has a beautiful layered style and beneath the dial sits an exquisite movement, Hublot’s HUB4700. For extra legibility, Hublot has used a selection of finishes on the movement and the back is just as impressive as the front. The rotor, decorated with the brand’s H-shaped logo, is visible through the exhibition back and this is where you’ll also find the only colour on the watch. There are red jewels, blue screws and even a touch of gold.
The Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey won’t be for sale in any of the brand’s 130 outlets. Remember, this is a one-off model only available online.
Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey 642.NX.0110.NR.HEC23
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 14.1mm
Case: Titanium
Movement: HUB4700 Self-Winding Skeleton Chronograph
Straps: Rubber and Grey Fabric
Water Resistance: 100M
Limited to 100 Pieces
Price: AUD$36,300
