Hublot, often translated as Yubo Watch, was founded in Switzerland in 1980 by Italian entrepreneur Carlo Crocco. With “The Art of Fusion” as its core brand philosophy, it holds a significant position in the high-end watchmaking world thanks to its innovative materials and unique designs. Below is a detailed introduction to its watches, focusing on core features and classic collections:
Core Brand Features
**Pioneer in Material Innovation:** Hublot was the first brand to fuse precious metals with natural rubber in watchmaking. Its first watch, launched in 1980, featured a gold case with a natural rubber strap, breaking the industry’s reliance on traditional materials at the time. Subsequently, it continued to explore new materials, such as developing Hublonium magnesium-aluminum alloy, while also widely using ceramics, carbon fiber, tantalum, and titanium, enhancing the watch’s durability and creating a unique visual and wearing experience.
**Identical Design DNA:** The watches often feature design inspiration derived from the French word for “porthole” (Hublot). Classic models are secured to the bezel with 12 polished screws, serving both a decorative and functional purpose. Furthermore, its unique double butterfly clasp design and the rubber strap that can be adjusted in real-time according to the customer’s wrist size during sales combine practicality and wearing comfort.
Classic Watch Collections
Big Bang Collection: Launched in 2005, this collection is Hublot’s iconic creation, revolutionizing the watchmaking industry upon its debut. The original model perfectly embodied the “art of fusion,” and numerous versions have since emerged. For example, the Big Bang Unico series features a brand-in-house movement with a 3-day power reserve and flyback function, along with a “one-click” strap changing system; the Big Bang Soul series innovatively adopts a tonneau-shaped case, retaining iconic elements such as the H-shaped titanium screws on the bezel, with some models featuring a high-performance chronograph movement in collaboration with Zenith; the Big Bang Meca-10 series features a skeletonized movement inspired by building blocks, boasting a 10-day power reserve and a highly aesthetically pleasing mechanical structure.
Classic Fusion Collection: First unveiled at Baselworld in 2008, this collection offers a modern interpretation of the brand’s innovative early 1980s models. This series boasts a more traditional style than the Big Bang, featuring a satin-finished bezel, a simple dial, and a refined silhouette. The series encompasses various diameters, materials, and colors, exemplifying unisex watches that are suitable for everyday wear while maintaining a high-end feel.
Brand Development and Industry Impact: Hublot initially failed to gain widespread popularity due to its niche designs. However, it gradually gained market recognition through its innovative combination of rubber and precious metals, attracting early patrons such as the King of Greece. After Jean-Claude Biver took over in 2004, the Big Bang series revitalized the brand. Hublot was acquired by the LVMH Group in 2008. It not only promoted the brand through innovative methods such as its own online television channel, but its material fusion philosophy and bold designs also spurred the entire watchmaking industry to explore new materials. Many traditional watch brands subsequently began incorporating materials like rubber into their watches, driving style innovation in high-end sports watches.