Hublot Elegant

Hublot Elegant is an early classic line from Hublot, the brand founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980. Hublot is French for "porthole", and the Elegant is built on that form: a round porthole case, screws on the bezel and a rubber strap. The collection became a bridge between the first models of the 1980s and today's Classic Fusion.

The Elegant is recognised by its details. The integrated rubber strap closes with a folding clasp. The dial is minimal: sparse markings and a date. The line includes stainless steel, yellow gold and two-tone, that is, steel combined with gold. Movements are quartz or self-winding automatic calibres. These are watches worn under a shirt cuff: their elegance lies in restraint rather than size.

One example is the steel Classic Chronograph, also known as the Hublot Elegant Chronograph, with a black textured dial, a date and a black rubber strap. Its flat surfaces are satin-finished and the bevels polished.

Within the collection, the choice is made by movement, metal and condition. Two-tone is more eye-catching than steel. On a pre-owned piece, check whether the bezel edges are intact and whether the rubber strap is original.