Introducing the Horologically Unique HU-01 “Finale”

Last year’s HU-01 took the watch world by storm, paying homage to Patek Philippe’s Calatrava 96 and offering it for a fraction of the source material’s price. Horologically Unique stuck closely to the Calatrava’s design language but added their own embellishments and twists. The original HU-01 modernized a classic to some degree, taking the original’s case dimensions of 31mm and bulking them up to 36mm, using a high-domed sapphire crystal, and installing an exhibition case back. Horologically Unique’s newest model, named the HU-01 Finale, takes the same general formula but adds a hint of luxury and a dash of more historically-accurate design elements. The Finale positions itself somewhere between the first HU-01 and the original Calatrava 96, both in aesthetics and pricing. So what makes the Finale a cut above its predecessor?

The first notable difference can be seen with the two dials on offer: one in a brushed grey finish and the other with a stone dial made of jade. The latter model, nicknamed the “Yu” or “玉” meaning jade in Chinese, exhibits a gorgeous greenish-blue hue courtesy of the Burmese jade. It’s unlike most other stone dials I’ve seen, and I’m sure it will be a sight to behold in-person under direct lighting. Adorning both dials are a series of lab-grown diamonds, three baguette cut and eight round brilliant cut. Adding a bit of bling to a sterile dial is a unique choice, one I think helps add more character to what otherwise would be a more plainly-designed dial. 

Other changes between the original HU-01 and the Finale include a more authentically vintage 34mm diameter and 41mm lug-to-lug case—though coming in a bit thicker at 10.1mm instead of 9.1mm—and the option of a solid stainless steel case back. Powering both variants of the Finale is the Peseux/ETA 7001, an always reliable and revered movement beating at 21,600vph with a 42-hour power reserve. 

The Finale is a fun take on the HU-01 blueprint with just a bit more flair added to the mix. Limited to 80 pieces for the brushed grey dial and only 30 pieces for the jade, it isn’t an accessible watch for the average consumer but is instead one that offers a unique package of modern, classic, and luxurious design for the collector who appreciates the appeal of Horologically Unique’s work. Both models are available to order from Horologically Unique’s website, with the Finale retailing for $2,580 SGD ($2,014 USD) and   the Finale Yu for $2,980 SGD ($2,327 USD).