Hublot - Page 3

Hublot may be one of the youngest luxury watch companies around, but they certainly have made an impact in a hurry. The word “Hublot” is actually French for “porthole." No surprise there as these nautical inspired timepieces resemble exactly that; a porthole of a ship. This unique design has inspired watchmakers around the world to create similar designs, yet none can replicate Hublot’s brilliance.

Carlo Crocco left the Blinda Group in 1976 to start his own watch company in Switzerland, MDM Geneva. It didn’t take him long to conjure up a design that set him apart from the rest of the world. In 1980, Crocco created the Hublot, a watch that had the first natural rubber strap in the history of watchmaking. Three years of research went into this strap that watch companies around the world now incorporate into many of their models. Although Hublot was not able to attract a single customer on the day of its debut, they proved to be resilient as sales reached in excess of $2 million in its first year.

Hublot quickly garnered the attention of the Kings of Spain, Greece, and Sweden, all of whom had to add a rubber strapped Hublot to their fine collection. The case of the Hublot watch used twelve tiny titanium screws to secure the lunette to the case and mark the hours. The Hublot rubber strap was produced to ensure that when the consumer purchases the watch, it instantaneously adapts to consumers wrist for ultimate comfort. The combination of this strap with the beautiful brushed case and black dial was an instant hit with critics everywhere.

Over the years, Crocco’s involvement in charity work and his own designs led him to the conclusion that he needed to hire new blood to run Hublot. In 2004, Crocco appointed Jean Claude Biver as the CEO of the company, giving him board member status and minority shares in Hublot. Just one year later, Hublot introduced the world to the Big Bang, a model that won them the "2005 Design Prize" in the "Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix", the "Sports Watch Prize" at the "Watch of the Year" ceremony in Japan, and the Middle Eastern Prize for the "Best Oversized Watch" at the Editor’s Choice "Watch of the Year" in Bahrain. Following the arrival of Biver in 2004, the brand's sales hit 24 million Swiss francs and by the end of 2006, sales were bordering on the 100 million Swiss franc mark.

Although Hublot is not a traditional watch company, it is exactly what sets them apart from other manufacturers. Their modern designs capture the eye of watch enthusiasts everywhere. Hublot is a company that has challenged conceptual designs in both fashion and watchmaking, and their gambles have paid off handsomely. By aligning themselves with athletes who use their watches professionally, celebrities, and other high end clientele, Hublot has created a brand presence that is growing at an exponential rate. Hublot consumers everywhere appreciate the large sporty appearance of the Big Bang complemented by the ultra comfortable rubber strap especially the limited edition versions.