A Singapore watch retailer with a presence across Southeast Asia, Australasia, and even Japan, The Hour Glass frequently collaborated with the brands it represents on regional exclusives. The latest is the Classic Fusion 42 mm Elements, a variation on the watchmaker’s long-running, minimalist wristwatch but dressed up with striking mineral stone dials, ranging from tiger’s eye to turquoise, set against a titanium-and-gold case.

Tiger’s eye

Initial thoughts

Like past editions created by The Hour Glass, the Classic Fusion Elements is different but attractive, accomplishing the most obvious purpose of a collaboration edition. Even though the Classic Fusion has been iterated endlessly, the Elements still manages to stand out. That’s thanks to several simple but smart details that demonstrate a good eye for design.

The dial, for example, does away with hours markers and the date so the mineral stone can be revealed in all its natural glory. The unencumbered dial is not only appealing for its striking simplicity, but it will also speak to fans of the brands as it resembles the original Hublot design of 1980.

Even though the dial is the star, the two-tone case plays an important role in the overall look. The gold accents make the case immediately more striking than its monochromatic counterparts, but the restrained use of gold means the result is stylish and avoids old-fashioned look that often comes with the two-tone combination.

That said, the dial colours do call to mind the candy-colour Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which is no doubt intentional given the market’s desire for such dials.

With the addition of lavish stone dials, the Elements does cost more than the the basic Classic Fusion, starting at about US$19,700 and rises to about US$21,200, depending on the material.

That’s pricey by most measures, especially since the movement is a Sellita, though the aesthetic is unquestionably attractive – in fact they are perhaps the most appealing amongst Hublot’s recent launches. But the price can also be rationalised by the surprisingly small production run of just 10 pieces for each stone type, making the watch that much more special.

Stone dials

The Hour Glass has selected five different stones for the Elements – good news for enthusiasts who appreciate the natural grains and colours of the minerals. Most striking amongst the quintet is no doubt turquoise, which has a bright, vibrant tone that encapsulates the upbeat spirit of the Classic Fusion, which is all about blending different materials in a lively design.

Turquoise

More commonly found in watchmaking but no less attractive are stones such as tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli, and malachite. But there’s the line up also includes the last and most unusual stone: red jasper.

The mineral is perhaps the most special amongst the range because it’s rarely used for watch dials. At the same time, it is visually attractive, with a simple grain and vivid colour that complements the two-tone case perfectly.

Red jasper

Malachite

Key facts and price

Hublot Classic Fusion 42 mm Elements Special Edition for The Hour Glass
Ref. 542.NX.849E.LR.THG21 (Tiger’s Eye)
Ref. 542.NX.849J.LR.THG21 (Red Jasper)
Ref. 542.NX.849M.LR.THG21 (Malachite)
Ref. 542.NX.849T.LR.THG21 (Turquoise)
Ref. 542.NX.849L.LR.THG21 (Lapis Lazuli)

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Titanium and King gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: HUB1112 (Sellita SW300-1)
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Alligator covered rubber with gold-plated steel buckle

Limited edition: 10 pieces in each dial variation
Availability: At The Hour Glass stores in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand
Price:
Tiger’s Eye, Red Jasper, Malachite – 26,500 Singapore dollars, or about US$19,700
Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli – 28,500 Singapore dollars, or about US$21,200

For more, visit thehourglass.com.