Hublot is a Swiss watch brand that was founded in 1980. The French name translates to “porthole,” which is easy to understand when you see their design language. In 2008, the luxury conglomerate LVMH acquired Hublot, and a few years later, industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver took charge of watchmaking for LVMH, overseeing Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith.
Who wears Hublot watches?
The brand rose to popularity through some savvy marketing tactics and brand partnerships with the likes of Jay-Z, Chelsea FC, the Dallas Cowboys, and Ferrari. The brand has since become a go-to choice for rappers, athletes, and anyone looking for a readily-identifiable status symbol.
What are the most iconic Hublot models?
The Hublot Big Bang and Hublot Classic Fusion are the hallmark models for this manufacturer. Hublot continues to experiment with case materials like titanium, synthetic sapphire, and proprietary gold alloys. They also offer a range of chronographs and watches with skeletonized dials, all of which fall under the banner of “more is more.”
How much does a Hublot cost?
Thoroughly positioned as a luxury product, Hublots typically sell for between $5,000 and $20,000. Some limited editions with mechanical complications, precious metal cases, or celebrity endorsements can demand $30,000, $40,000, or even $50,000. However, chances are that you can even get a special edition under $20,000 on Chrono24.
Why is Hublot so unpopular in the watch community?
Ok, there’s a lot to unpack here in terms of brand perception. The general sentiment toward Hublot is not very kind, at least from a watch nerd perspective. Many find them to be all flash and no substance. It’s a “look at me” brand featured in a lot of rap songs but not a lot of serious collections. The watches were popular in the early 2000s when the large watch trend hit its peak, but Hublots haven’t retained the same relevance as other oversized timepieces like those from Panerai, Richard Mille, or the Royal Oak Offshore. That being said, if you’re the kind of buyer who wants a fun watch for a night on the town, Hublot has you covered.
