Is it possible that Hublot, the masters of bold, brash and over-the-top watchmaking, are entering their elegant era? This series of five special edition watches made to celebrate 40 years of partnership with The Hour Glass certainly shows a side of the brand that’s both surprising and — to put it simply — hot.

Each version takes the pared-back Classic Fusion, inspired by the original 1980 ‘porthole’ design, with a 42mm titanium case and adds in flecks of red and King gold detail on the crown and bezel screws. So far, it’s a pretty sedate take for Hublot — but don’t worry, they’ve gone all out for the dials. Each of the dials is crafted using a slice of hardstone, with versions using pink jasper, turquoise, sodalite, nephrite jade and lunar meteorite. Each watch is limited to 10 pieces, making them legitimately exclusive, and the simple case design really lets the unique nature of these stones shine. The lunar meteor (a piece of the moon that entered Earth’s orbit) is the most reserved of the bunch, with grey tones and a metallic sheen. If I had to guess, I’d say the turquoise and nephrite jade options would be the most popular, not just because of the positive associations of the stones but for their sheer visual appeal. The bright green and blue stones absolutely pop, amplified by the golden hands and case details. If you like the blue, the dark indigo sodalite dial is likely up your alley — the example used in these press images features some distinctive inclusions. However, if I had to pick my favourite of the five dials, it would be the pink jasper. It’s a warm, dusty pink that is a more unusual dial choice, and the tonal match with the gold elements is exceptionally pleasing.

Really though, none of these dials miss. The lack of any details beyond the Hublot logo really empahsises the colour and sheen of the dials, while each material has enough subtle texture and pattern in its inherent composition to provide a dial with so much depth and interest that it could never be mistaken for lacquer, or even enamel.

These special watches for The Hour Glass are slender on the wrist, at only 10.4mm tall, and the HUB1110 movement allows for 42 hours of power reserve. The black alligator strap with contrasting stitch adds to the dressy vibes, but to be honest, all the elements of habillage are there to support the star of the show, those gorgeous dials.

Tech Specs: Hublot Classic Fusion Elements II Special Edition for The Hour Glass

Movement: HUB1110, automatic, 42 hours of power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Case: Titanium and gold, 42 x 10.4mm, water-resistant to 50m
Dial: Pink jasper, turquoise, sodalite, nephrite jade, lunar meteorite
Strap: Black alligator
Price and Availability: The Classic Fusion Elements II Special Edition for The Hour Glass retails between SGD 31,700 and SGD 43,200 depending on the dial execution and is available at The Hour Glass boutiques in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Each dial is limited to 10 pieces.

Find out more at The Hour Glass.