Swiss watch brand
Hublot: history, models and value
Hublot was founded in 1980 and became known for combining gold cases with rubber straps. Since the Big Bang of 2005 it has been one of the most visible luxury sports watch brands, and it has belonged to LVMH since 2008.
- Founded
- 1980
- Founder(s)
- Carlo Crocco
- Headquarters
- Nyon
- Owner / group
- LVMH
Hublot: origins and founding
Hublot was founded in 1980 by the Italian Carlo Crocco. The name is French for "porthole", which describes the round case with its screwed bezel. The first Hublot, later called the Classic, was one of the first luxury watches to combine a precious-metal case with a natural rubber strap. At the time this was an unusual idea.
Founders and family
Founder Carlo Crocco, an Italian, set up Hublot in Switzerland. The brand's second founding figure is Jean-Claude Biver, who had previously revived Blancpain. He became CEO in May 2004 and turned Hublot into a much larger brand. Today the CEO is Ricardo Guadalupe.
Hublot history and milestones
- 1980: Founding and launch of the first gold-and-rubber watch.
- 2004: Jean-Claude Biver becomes CEO.
- 2005: The Big Bang chronograph is presented at the Basel fair. Its concept, which Hublot calls "Art of Fusion", mixes materials such as ceramic, gold, rubber and later carbon and sapphire.
- 2008: LVMH acquires Hublot.
- 2010: Hublot presents its own Unico chronograph movement and takes over the team of the movement maker BNB Concept.
- 2010s: Big sports sponsorships, including football's FIFA World Cup, Formula 1 and a partnership with Ferrari.
- 2014: A Classic Fusion tourbillon minute repeater wins a prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
Famous Hublot models
- Classic / Classic Fusion: The round porthole-style watch, as three-hand watch or chronograph.
- Big Bang: The large, layered chronograph from 2005 and its many versions, including the Big Bang Unico.
- Spirit of Big Bang and Square Bang: Tonneau and square-cased variants of the Big Bang idea.
- MP collection ("Masterpieces"): Highly complicated and unusual watches, such as the MP-05 LaFerrari with a 50-day power reserve.
- Special materials: Watches in coloured sapphire, ceramic and Hublot's scratch-resistant "Magic Gold".
Movements and technique
Early Hublots and many Big Bangs of the 2000s used movements from outside suppliers, often based on proven Swiss chronograph designs. In 2010 Hublot introduced the Unico calibre HUB1240, an in-house flyback chronograph with a column wheel and about 72 hours of power reserve. Hublot has since built a range of its own movements, including tourbillons and minute repeaters, at its factory in Nyon. Hublot is also known for its work on materials, from ceramics and coloured sapphire to its own gold alloy.
Hublot today
Hublot is a wholly owned LVMH brand based in Nyon on Lake Geneva. It is positioned in the luxury segment, with watches ranging from steel or titanium Classic Fusion models to gold, sapphire and high-complication pieces. It is known for loud designs, celebrity ambassadors and sport sponsorships.
Hublot prices on the pre-owned market
Many Hublot models sell on the pre-owned market for well below their original retail price, especially common Big Bang and Classic Fusion versions in steel, titanium or ceramic. Better results usually go to in-house Unico models, sought-after limited editions, gold or sapphire cases, and complicated pieces. Condition matters a lot: rubber straps age, and ceramic or sapphire cases can chip or crack. A full set with box, warranty card and service records clearly helps the price.
Early Hublot Classics from the 1980s and 1990s are a smaller market. Gold models in original condition attract some collector interest.
How to recognise a genuine Hublot
Hublot is one of the most frequently faked luxury brands, so care is needed. On a genuine Hublot, the case finishing, the H-shaped screws on the bezel and the engraved caseback should be crisp and precise. The serial number on the caseback should match the warranty card. Check that the movement matches the model: a Big Bang Unico, for example, should have the Unico calibre. Fakes often give themselves away through poorly aligned bezel screws or wrong fonts. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch explains more checks.
What is your Hublot worth?
Curious what your Hublot would fetch today? Upload photos of the dial, caseback and papers for a free watch value estimate. For estates, divorce settlements or insurance, a written watch appraisal gives you a signed valuation.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Hublot?
Hublot has been owned by the French luxury group LVMH since 2008. It is based in Nyon, Switzerland.
Does Hublot make its own movements?
Yes, many current Hublots use in-house movements such as the Unico chronograph introduced in 2010. Older models and some current ones use movements from outside suppliers.
Do Hublot watches hold their value?
Many standard Hublot models resell well below their retail price. Limited editions, in-house Unico models and gold or complicated pieces generally do better.
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