Hublot watches
Hublot is a Swiss luxury watch brand known for its bold designs, innovative materials, and high-profile marketing.
Founded: 1980 by Carlo Crocco
Headquarters: Nyon, Switzerland
Parent Company: LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy)
Hublot is relatively young compared to other Swiss watchmakers but has carved out a distinct niche with its "Art of Fusion" philosophy—blending traditional watchmaking with unconventional materials like ceramic, carbon fiber, rubber, titanium, and even sapphire.
Hublot pioneered mixing high-tech and precious materials. For example:
Gold + Ceramic = "Magic Gold" (scratch-resistant gold alloy)
Rubber straps (a novelty in the early 1980s)
Transparent sapphire crystal cases
In-House Movements
Though initially reliant on third-party movements, Hublot now produces high-end in-house calibers:
Popular Collections:
Big Bang
Launched in 2005, this is Hublot’s signature line—bold, chunky cases, exposed screws, and skeletonized dials. Often made with experimental materials.
Classic Fusion
A more refined and minimalistic line that references Hublot’s original 1980 design. Thinner than Big Bang, but still modern and luxurious.
Spirit of Big Bang
Tonneau-shaped watches (barrel-shaped) that reinterpret the Big Bang in a more sculpted form.
MP (Masterpiece)
A line of ultra-complicated, futuristic timepieces (e.g., MP-05 LaFerrari with 50-day power reserve).
Celebrity & Brand Collaborations
Hublot is aggressive in marketing and partnerships, which helps drive its visibility:
Sports: Official timekeeper for FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and partnerships with teams like Chelsea FC and Juventus.
Athletes: Usain Bolt, Kylian Mbappé
Fashion & Art: Collaborations with artists like Takashi Murakami and brands like Berluti
Cars: Ferrari editions and partnerships with high-end auto brands
Pricing & Market Position
Entry-level Hublot watches: ~$6,000–$10,000 (e.g., basic Classic Fusion)
Mainstream Big Bang models: ~$12,000–$25,000
High complications/limited editions: $50,000 to $300,000+
Collectors’ pieces (MP series): Can exceed $1 million
Hublot competes with brands like Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Rolex, and Panerai, especially in the modern/luxury sport segment.
Criticisms and Controversies
Design: Critics often say the watches are too flashy or oversized.
Price vs Movement: Some horology purists argue Hublot’s movements don’t always justify the high price (especially in entry-level models).
Resale value: Compared to Rolex or AP, Hublot watches tend to depreciate faster on the secondary market.