Hublot, a name synonymous with luxury, innovation, and fusion, is a big deal in the world of horology. Despite being one of the younger luxury watch brands, Hublot has made a significant impact through its bold designs and daring use of materials.
Let’s explore the history of Hublot, from its foundation to its groundbreaking innovations and influence in the luxury watch industry.
Hublot History
The Birth Of Hublot
Hublot was founded in 1980 in Geneva, Switzerland by Italian watchmaker Carlo Crocco. After leaving his family’s successful watchmaking business, Binda Group, which was known for the popular Breil watches, Crocco set out to create his own brand. He imagined a watch that combined traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials and design.
The name ‘Hublot’, which means ‘porthole’ in French, perfectly embodied Crocco's vision. His first design featured a porthole-shaped case that was distinct and modern, reflecting a nautical theme.
However, what truly set the brand apart was its innovative strap—a natural rubber strap, which was unheard of in luxury watches at the time. The use of rubber was not only practical and comfortable but also marked a bold departure from traditional leather or metal straps used in high-end watches.
Hublot & Innovation
When Crocco introduced Hublot’s first watch at the Basel Watch Fair in 1980, it quickly gained attention for its unconventional design. The watch’s clean and minimalist aesthetic was paired with luxurious materials like gold, while the rubber strap provided a modern and practical edge. This combination of high-end luxury and contemporary innovation was a game-changer in the watch industry.
Hublot was the first luxury brand to use a natural rubber strap, a daring move that certainly paid off. Despite initial skepticism, the watch became a commercial success, particularly with the elite, including European royalty.
The brand’s ability to merge tradition with innovation became its defining characteristic, and the rubber strap became one of Hublot’s signature features.
Jean-Claude Biver & The Big Bang
While Hublot had achieved a degree of success since its founding, it was the arrival of Jean-Claude Biver in 2004 that catapulted the brand into global prominence. Biver, an industry veteran known for revitalizing Blancpain and working at Omega, brought with him a vision to transform Hublot into a major player in the luxury watch industry.
In 2005, Hublot launched its most iconic collection to date: the Hublot Big Bang. The Big Bang was a bold and innovative design that perfectly embodied Biver's philosophy of ‘The Art of Fusion’. This philosophy revolved around combining traditional watchmaking with unconventional materials and modern aesthetics.
The Big Bang featured a large, chunky case and introduced a striking fusion of materials such as ceramic, titanium, carbon fiber, and rubber, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in luxury watches.
The Big Bang collection was an instant success, earning numerous awards and propelling Hublot to the forefront of the luxury watch market. Its bold design, combined with impeccable Swiss craftsmanship, appealed to a new generation of watch collectors and enthusiasts who sought something different from the traditional, more conservative designs of other luxury brands.
Collaborations & Limited Edition Watches
Hublot’s history is also marked by high-profile collaborations and limited-edition models. The brand has partnered with an array of cultural icons, from sports teams to musicians and artists, further cementing its reputation as a brand that thrives on fusion and innovation.
One of the brand’s most notable partnerships is with Ferrari, resulting in the creation of exclusive, high-performance timepieces that reflect both brands' dedication to precision and innovation. Hublot is also involved in the world of sports, serving as the official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup and the Ferrari Challenge.
Hublot has also collaborated with renowned artists such as Richard Orlinski and Takashi Murakami. These collaborations have helped Hublot reach a broader audience and showcase its commitment to creativity.
How To Pronounce Hublot?
The ‘t’ is silent. Hublot is either pronounced as HOO-BLOW or HUGH-BLOW, depending on your accent. In french, the ‘h’ is also silent.
Why Is Hublot Popular?
Today, Hublot is recognized as one of the most innovative and bold brands in the luxury watch market. Under the ownership of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), which acquired the brand in 2008, Hublot continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking.
The brand’s combination of cutting-edge technology, creative design, and traditional Swiss craftsmanship has ensured its place among the elite watchmakers of the world.
With boutiques in major cities across the globe and a strong presence in both the watch and fashion industries, Hublot continues to thrive. The Big Bang collection remains one of the brand’s most popular lines, with variations that include everything from high-tech chronographs to diamond-encrusted models for the fashion-forward.
Where To Buy Hublot Watches?
If you want to discover a wide range of luxury watches from the likes of Hublot and Rolex, look to myGemma. Here you’ll find unisex watches, watches for women, and watches for men. From classics such as the Cartier Tank to neo-vintage watches.
Every watch (as well as every other item) on the website and app has been expertly assessed before going online. Our industry veterans are experts in their field and authenticate items within their category. We guarantee authenticity or your money back.
One of the perks of buying from the resale market is that you can save money and also buy rare pieces you won't find anywhere else.
Still unsure? Check out our reviews to see what previous customers have to say about us. If you prefer to shop in person, you can make an appointment to visit our showroom in NYC.
How To Sell Watches Online?
Have you got a watch (or watches) that are gathering dust? Instead of letting them sit in a drawer, consider selling your timepieces.
myGemma has designed the selling journey to be as simple as possible. All you have to do to get started is fill out the online form with the details of your item(s). Once a member of the team has assessed your form, they will be in contact with a price quote.
Should you choose to accept the offer, from price quote to payment it can take as little as 24 hours. There are no hidden fees and there is no middleman involved. The price you are offered is the amount you get.
When you shop, sell, or trade-in with myGemma, you are making a positive difference towards a circular economy.
