When it comes to luxury watches, few names stand out as boldly as Hublot. Known for their bold designs, innovative materials, and eye-catching timepieces, Hublot has become a symbol of modern luxury in the watchmaking world. But the story of this iconic brand isn't just about lavish watches—it’s a tale of vision, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what a luxury timepiece can be.
Let’s dive into the fascinating history of Hublot, from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the biggest names in the world of horology.
🕰️ The Birth of Hublot: A Visionary Founder
Hublot was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, an Italian businessman with a vision to create a luxury watch that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. Prior to Hublot, Crocco had worked with several prestigious brands, but he saw an opportunity to innovate the watch industry. His idea was to create a watch that was both luxurious and unique—something that had never been done before.
Hublot’s debut creation was revolutionary for its time. The brand’s first model, the Hublot Classic, introduced the world to a striking concept: a rubber strap paired with a precious metal case (18-carat gold). At the time, the idea of using rubber for a luxury timepiece was unheard of, as traditional watches typically featured leather or metal straps. This bold combination of materials set the tone for Hublot’s future: daring, unconventional, and focused on pushing boundaries.
🌍 Hublot's Growth: Becoming the Watch of the Future
The company’s breakthrough came in 1980 when the first Hublot watch was released. The Hublot Classic was an immediate success. The unique design—featuring a gold case and rubber strap—was unlike anything anyone had ever seen. Crocco’s decision to use rubber was inspired by the popularity of rubber boats, and it turned out to be an ingenious move. The contrast of the soft, sporty rubber with the elegance of gold gave Hublot a distinct identity, appealing to a new generation of watch lovers.
However, the road to success was not always smooth. In the early years, Hublot was a small, niche brand that struggled to find its footing in a highly competitive luxury market dominated by Swiss giants. But it was Hublot’s unorthodox approach that slowly but surely began to capture attention. By 1986, the brand had already achieved notable success, but it was still largely a well-kept secret in the luxury world.
🚀 A Game-Changer: Jean-Claude Biver and the Hublot Renaissance
Hublot’s real turning point came in 2004, when Swiss watchmaking legend Jean-Claude Biver took over the company. Biver was already well-known for his success with Blancpain and later Omega, and he quickly saw the untapped potential in Hublot’s combination of innovative design and quality craftsmanship.
Biver didn’t just maintain Hublot’s vision; he turbocharged it.
Under Biver’s leadership, Hublot turned into a global powerhouse. His key contribution was the creation of the Big Bang collection—a line of watches that would cement Hublot’s place in the luxury watch industry. The Big Bang was a radical departure from traditional Swiss timepieces, with a design that was bold, oversized, and futuristic. Released in 2005, the Big Bang became a cultural phenomenon, combining high-tech materials like titanium and ceramics with bold, avant-garde design elements.
It wasn’t just about the design. Hublot’s marketing was just as innovative. Biver made smart partnerships with sports events and celebrities, including sponsorships of the FIFA World Cup and partnerships with famous athletes and musicians. The brand became synonymous with luxury sports and high-octane glamour.
🔬 Innovation: A Legacy of Material Mastery
Hublot's success didn’t stop with bold designs and strategic partnerships. The brand also became known for its technical innovation—especially when it came to the materials used in its watches.
In 2005, the brand introduced “fusion” as part of its philosophy. Hublot’s approach was to fuse traditional materials with modern, high-tech materials to create a completely unique product. This philosophy led to groundbreaking innovations like the use of ceramic, titanium, carbon fiber, and even sapphire crystal in the construction of its watches.
Perhaps one of Hublot’s most notable material innovations came in 2010 when the brand introduced the King Gold alloy—a proprietary mix of rose gold and other metals, giving it a deeper, more intense color than regular gold.
Another big leap in innovation came in 2017, when Hublot introduced the MP-05 LaFerrari—a stunning watch with an impressive 50-day power reserve. The MP-05 had 11 barrels and was designed in collaboration with Ferrari. It was a perfect representation of Hublot’s commitment to combining cutting-edge engineering with luxurious style.
🌟 Collaborations and Limited Editions: Hublot’s Star Power
Hublot’s rise to fame wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its stellar collaborations. The brand has worked with some of the biggest names in sports, fashion, and entertainment, further elevating its status as a luxury watchmaker.
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FIFA World Cup: Since 2006, Hublot has been the official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup, cementing its place in the world of sports and luxury.
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Formula 1: Hublot’s partnership with Ferrari and Formula 1 brought a high-performance edge to the brand’s offerings.
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Art and Culture: Hublot has also collaborated with artists like Jean-Claude Biver and Richard Orlinski, integrating art into its watch designs and making timepieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Perhaps one of the most notable collaborations is Hublot’s relationship with Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man. Bolt became an ambassador for the brand in 2010, further cementing Hublot’s association with excellence and performance.
🏆 The Future: Hublot’s Continuing Innovation
Today, Hublot continues to push the envelope in terms of both design and materials. Its Big Bang collection remains iconic, but the brand has continued to evolve, producing collections like the Hublot Classic Fusion and the MP series, which represent the pinnacle of the company’s craftsmanship and design.
One of Hublot’s most recent innovations is the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 watch, a stunning timepiece that features an incredible 14-day power reserve and showcases the brand's ability to combine complex mechanical movement with futuristic style.
The brand’s ongoing commitment to creating luxury watches that combine high-end craftsmanship with forward-thinking design ensures that Hublot will remain a leader in the world of haute horology for many years to come.
🔑 Hublot: A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation
From its humble beginnings in 1980 to its current position as a global luxury watch brand, Hublot’s story is one of bold innovation and timeless design. Whether you’re drawn to the cutting-edge materials, the iconic Big Bang design, or the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, Hublot represents a unique fusion of art, engineering, and luxury.
Hublot has built its reputation on combining the traditional and the modern, creating timepieces that aren’t just watches—they’re statements of style, performance, and innovation. So, whether you’re a watch enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of luxury timepieces, there’s no denying the allure of Hublot.
Bulova Chronograph Quartz 97A124
Product information
$678.40
Product Review Score
4.17 out of 5 stars
204 reviews
