Hublot’s fifth Essential collection drop is its most stripped-back yet

Once a year, Swiss watchmaker Hublot releases an exclusive timepiece in one colour, in one design, exclusively online. The endeavour has aptly been dubbed the ‘Essential’ collection, and 2026 marks its fifth year in rotation. This year’s watch? The Spirit of Big Bang in Essential Taupe, the House’s first diamond-free execution of a Big Bang watch. 

Shedding the extra carats, the watch reinforces the spirit of the Essential collection. Pure, no frills, versatile enough for every occasion. Instead of diamonds, it’s the true craftsmanship that goes into the piece which sparkles. The only variables are the straps, which come in velcro, rubber or satin and titanium. 

As the point of the Essential range is to reinforce Hublot’s quality and horological craftsmanship, the watch has all the essential Hublot features. The 42mm watch is powered by the HUB4700 self-winding chronograph delivering up to 50 hours of power reserve, while the 32mm version has the HUB1120 technology, delivering a slightly more modest (but still ample) 40 hours. The Spirit of Big Bang in Essential Taupe is limited to 200 models, and will be the first and last of its kind ever made. The clock is ticking, so grab one while you still can. Shop