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History of Hublot Watches

Founding (1980s)

• Founded: 1980 by Carlo Crocco, an Italian watchmaker.
• First Watch: The very first Hublot watch introduced the world’s first natural rubber strap on a luxury watch — a daring move at the time.
• Design: The watch was inspired by a ship’s porthole (hence the name Hublot, which means “porthole” in French) and featured a simple gold case with exposed screws.
• This combination of gold and rubber became Hublot’s signature look.

Growth & Innovation (1990s – Early 2000s)

• Hublot became popular among European royalty and celebrities for its sporty yet elegant style.
• However, sales were relatively niche compared to giants like Rolex and Omega.
• The company kept refining its rubber strap technology, making it more comfortable and durable.

The Big Bang Era (2004 – 2010)

• 2004: Jean-Claude Biver (famous for revitalizing Blancpain and working at Omega) became CEO and transformed the brand.
• 2005: Launch of the Hublot Big Bang Chronograph – a bold, oversized watch with a fusion of materials like ceramic, titanium, carbon fiber, and rubber.
• The Big Bang became a sensation, winning awards and attracting a younger, trendier clientele.
• This marked the birth of Hublot’s philosophy of “The Art of Fusion.”

Expansion & Manufacture (2010s)

• 2012: Hublot opened its own manufacture in Nyon, Switzerland, allowing in-house production of movements.
• Developed its first in-house movement, the Unico chronograph caliber.
• Introduced the MP (Masterpiece) Collection — ultra-complex watches with tourbillons, power reserves over 10 days, and unique complications.
• Collaborations with Ferrari, FIFA World Cup, and various artists elevated its profile.

Modern Day (2020s)

• Hublot continues to push boundaries with watches made from sapphire cases, brightly colored ceramics, and high-tech materials like Magic Gold (scratch-resistant gold).
• Known for limited editions, avant-garde design, and strong presence in sports partnerships (soccer, Formula 1).
• Popular lines today: Big Bang, Classic Fusion, Spirit of Big Bang, and MP series.