Hublot is a relatively new luxury watch brand that dares to blend the old with the new in a way few others can. Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot disrupted the luxury watchmaking world with its first-ever watch that fused a precious gold case with a rubber strap—a bold break from watchmaking conventions of the era. In just a few decades, the brand has become a global leader in high-end watchmaking, known for its commitment to craftsmanship, daring utilization of unorthodox materials and ability to push the boundaries of design.
Discover Hublot’s rich and dynamic history, from its bold early innovations to its meteoric rise under Jean-Claude Biver’s leadership. Explore how Hublot became a global powerhouse, pioneering luxury sports and fashion partnerships that have redefined modern watchmaking. Read on as we explore the fascinating story behind this iconic brand.
The Early Years: Founding of Hublot (1980)
Hublot’s story began with Carlo Crocco, an Italian businessman from the Binda Group family renowned for its ownership of Breil watches. Eager to strike out on his own, Crocco moved to Switzerland to create a timepiece unlike anything the luxury world had seen before. His vision? A watch that combines the elegance of precious metals with the durability and comfort of natural rubber straps.
The result was the first Hublot watch, launched in 1980. It featured a minimalist design inspired by the portholes of ships—hence the name “Hublot,” which means porthole in French. However, the real innovation lay in the combination of the 18-karat gold case with a black rubber strap. At the time, rubber straps were considered too utilitarian for luxury watches, but Crocco’s daring combination quickly won over some of the world’s most elite clientele, including royal families such as the Prince of Monaco and the kings of Spain and Greece.
Hublot’s Breakthrough: The Big Bang Collection (2005)
Despite its early success, Hublot remained relatively niche until the arrival of Jean-Claude Biver in 2004. Biver, a legendary figure in the Swiss watch industry known for revitalizing Blancpain and Omega, took over the reins of Hublot and set the brand on a new path. Under his leadership, the brand embraced its Art of Fusion philosophy—combining traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern materials like titanium, ceramic and carbon fiber.
Hublot was on the verge of stagnation until Biver enacted major operational and design changes to revolutionize the brand. His vision for Hublot’s future led to the launch of the iconic Big Bang collection in 2005, which became an instant sensation that took the luxury watch world by storm. With its bold, oversized case and intricate multi-layered construction, the Big Bang embodied Hublot’s daring aesthetic. More importantly, it fused a variety of unorthodox materials— ceramic bezels, rubber straps and titanium screws—to create a truly unique luxury sports watch. The Big Bang redefined Hublot’s identity and propelled the brand to global fame.
The watch line surged in popularity and was a smashing successs, earning several industry awards and significantly increasing Hublot’s sales. By combining avant-garde design with the mechanical complexity of Swiss craftsmanship, the Big Bang established haute horology newcomer Hublot as a trendsetter in the luxury watch market.
The Art of Fusion: Hublot’s Philosophy (2005-Present)
Hublot’s Art of Fusion philosophy distinguishes the brand in the luxury watch world by daring to combine the best of traditional Swiss watchmaking with cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber, ceramic and titanium. While many older luxury brands, such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, emphasize preserving horological heritage through meticulous handcrafting and classic design, Hublot stands out by pushing boundaries and constantly innovating with bold, modern aesthetics.
One of Hublot’s most celebrated material innovations is Magic Gold, introduced in 2012. Magic Gold is an 18-carat scratch-resistant gold developed in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Unlike traditional gold, which scratches easily, Magic Gold is durable and perfect for the rigors of everyday wear. This material exemplifies Hublot’s technological ingenuity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.
Hublot’s incorporation of carbon fiber, sapphire crystal and titanium into its handsome designs continues to reflect this fusion of heritage and innovation. By daring to experiment with avant-garde materials, Hublot has managed to maintain its standing as a pioneering brand in the luxury watch sector, constantly appealing to collectors who appreciate both creative style and technological innovation.
Global Expansion Under LVMH (2008-Present)
In 2008, Hublot’s ownership shifted to the LVMH Group, marking a new era in the company’s history with its expansion into global luxury markets. This acquisition greatly expanded Hublot’s global reach and gave it the resources needed to innovate even further.
Under LVMH, Hublot continued to push the luxury envelope with new models and limited editions that attracted collectors worldwide. The brand also formed high-profile partnerships, becoming the official timekeeper for FIFA World Cups, Formula 1 and other global sports events.
These partnerships have helped Hublot tap into a broader audience, blending the worlds of sports and luxury fashion. Collaborations with celebrities, athletes, and artists and partnerships with figures like Usain Bolt and the Ferrari design team have further cemented Hublot’s reputation as a trendsetting brand.
Iconic Collections and Limited Editions (1980-Present)
Throughout Hublot’s history, what truly sets the brand apart is its penchant for creating highly sought-after limited editions that captivate collectors worldwide. Limited-edition Hublot timepieces are prized not only for their rarity but also for their cutting-edge designs, exclusive collaborations, and innovative materials. These watches often appreciate in value, making them prime assets in the secondary market.
Below are some of the most significant collections that have shaped Hublot’s legacy.
Original Hublot (1980)
The Original Hublot, launched in 1980, was a groundbreaking timepiece that revolutionized luxury watchmaking with its bold combination of a gold case and rubber strap—a first in the industry. Inspired by founder Carlo Crocco’s desire for comfort and practicality, the timepiece became an ‘80s-era emblem of durability and style. Though unconventional, the design resonated with the lifestyles of the rich and famous including actual European royals, which laid the foundation for Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy. This innovative approach paved the way for the brand’s future success, blending luxury with modern materials and setting the tone for iconic partnerships and limited editions to come.
Big Bang Collection (2005)
Launched in 2005 under the guidance of Jean-Claude Biver, the Big Bang collection redefined luxury sports watches with its oversized case, exposed screws, and fusion of materials like ceramic, carbon fiber, and rubber. This bold design broke traditional norms and earned industry acclaim, including the 2005 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
The Big Bang became an instant hit, appealing to collectors with statement pieces and expanding over time with limited editions and collaborations with Ferrari and FIFA. Today, it remains a flagship collection continuously evolving with new materials and innovations, cementing Hublot’s reputation as a leader in modern watchmaking.
Classic Fusion (2010)
Introduced in 2010, the Classic Fusion collection offers a more refined and minimalist alternative to the bold Big Bang. Staying true to the “Art of Fusion” philosophy, it combines materials like titanium, ceramic, and King Gold with a sleek design that appeals to those who favor understated elegance. Drawing inspiration from Hublot’s 1980 Original model, the Classic Fusion features thinner cases and cleaner dials, making it ideal for either formal or everyday wear.
With various configurations including chronographs, moon phases, and tourbillons and collaborations with renowned artists such as Shepard Fairey and Richard Orlinski, the Classic Fusion offers versatility and modern appeal.
MP-05 LaFerrari (2013)
The MP-05 LaFerrari, launched in 2013, is one of Hublot’s most ambitious creation. Limited to just 50 pieces, this extraordinary timepiece inspired by the design and performance of the Ferrari LaFerrari hypercar embodies the brand’s relentless pursuit of boundary-pushing horological innovation. With an impressive 50-day power reserve powered by 11 barrels working in series, the MP-05 LaFerrari highlights Hublot’s ability to combine advanced engineering with bold, innovative design.
The MP-05 also features a vertical tourbillon and a sapphire crystal case that resembles the contours of a hypercar engine, adding to its futuristic appeal. Due to its limited production and intricate craftsmanship, this model has become a highly coveted collector’s item and a paragon of exclusivity. It is very rarely found on the second-hand market, with any appearance there a brief one that often commands bids at prices well above its original retail value.
Hublot’s Global Recognition in Sports and Fashion (2000s-Present)
Hublot’s bold designs and innovative materials have made it a favorite among watch collectors and the sports and fashion industries. The brand’s partnerships with FIFA, Formula 1 and various sports leagues have expanded its reach, while collaborations with celebrities and fashion designers have kept Hublot at the forefront of luxury.
Numerous A-list celebrities including Jay-Z and Beyoncé and superstar athletes like Kylian Mbappé and Usain Bolt, have worn the Big Bang and Classic Fusion models. These collaborations have made Hublot a symbol of modern luxury, seamlessly integrating into the broader fashion world.
Key Hublot Watches by Year
Over the years, Hublot has released a series of groundbreaking watches that have redefined the concept of a luxury timepiece. Below is a timeline of some of the brand’s most significant models and their key innovations.
| Year | Model | Key Innovation |
| 1980 | Original Hublot | First luxury watch with a rubber strap. |
| 2005 | Big Bang | Introduced the concept of The Art of Fusion, blending materials like ceramic. |
| 2012 | Magic Gold | Introduced scratch-resistant 18K Magic Gold. |
| 2013 | MP-05 LaFerrari | Launched with a 50-day power reserve, setting a world record for a hand-wound tourbillon wristwatch. Designed in collaboration with Ferrari. |
| 2014 | FIFA World Cup Official Watch | Hublot became the official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup. |
| 2016 | Sapphire Crystal Big Bang | Released the Big Bang Unico Sapphire with a fully transparent sapphire crystal case. |
| 2017 | Ferrari Partnership Extended | Extended partnership with Ferrari, producing limited-edition watches that fuse high-performance automotive design with horological innovation. |
| 2020 | Big Bang Integral | Introduced an integrated metal bracelet in the Big Bang series. |
| 2021 | Sustainability Initiative | Launched the Big Bang Unico Golf Green Carbon, a step towards sustainability using recycled and eco-friendly materials. |
Conclusion: 43 Years of Bold Design and Innovation
For over 40 years, Hublot has pushed the boundaries of luxury watchmaking, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations like the pioneering rubber strap and cutting-edge materials such as Magic Gold. Exceptional collections like the Big Bang and Classic Fusion have consistently redefined the industry, while the brand’s deep forays into sports and fashion lifestyle have cemented its status as a global luxury icon.
If you want to own a part of Hublot’s legacy, explore the curated selection of iconic Hublot timepieces at Watches.io. Discover your perfect watch today.
FAQs On Hublot History
Is Hublot owned by Rolex?
No, Hublot is not owned by Rolex. Hublot is owned by LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate.
Rolex, on the other hand, remains an independent Swiss watch brand.
What is so special about Hublot?
Hublot is renowned for its “Art of Fusion” philosophy, which combines traditional Swiss craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials like ceramic, carbon fiber and titanium. It was also the first luxury brand to incorporate rubber straps into high-end watches, which was revolutionary then. The brand’s bold, avant-garde designs and constant innovation in materials and watch movements set it apart in the luxury market, appealing to collectors who appreciate innovation and style.
Why is Hublot so expensive?
Hublot is expensive for a few reasons. First, the Swiss luxury watchmaker uses premium materials, some of which are developed in-house, like Magic Gold, adding to the costs. Hublot also handcrafts its timepieces through a meticulous process, contributing to higher labor expenses.
Additionally, the brand’s periodic limited-edition releases and exclusive partnerships drive demand, further increasing the value of its watches.
What is the entry level Hublot?
For those looking to enter the world of Hublot at a lower price point, the 33mm Classic Fusion Titanium is a great option. It features a quartz movement and retails for $4,200. If you’re seeking an automatic movement, the 38mm version is priced at $7,200, while the 42mm model is priced at $7,800. These models provide a more accessible way to own a Hublot without compromising the brand’s renowned craftsmanship and design.
Why is Hublot Hated?
Hublot is sometimes disliked for its strong focus on marketing and celebrity endorsements, which some in the industry feel takes precedence over traditional watchmaking. Critics also argue that Hublot’s prices are too high compared to its perceived craftsmanship or heritage, especially when compared to more established brands with longer histories like Patek Philippe. Additionally, Hublot’s bold, fashion-forward designs can be polarizing to watch collectors who prefer more classic styles.
