The Ultimate Guide To Hublot Watches

What is Hublot? An Origin Story & Design Philosophy

The year is 1980 and in the picturesque lakeside town of Nyon, Carlo Crocco is planning his next move. The Italian entrepreneur is no stranger to the world of luxury watchmaking, having previously worked in his family's watch business, the Binda Group, known for Breil watches, until 1976.

But now, Crocco is consumed by a new vision. His goal is to fuse cutting-edge materials with the traditions of Swiss watchmaking. This design philosophy will be the initial spark of the Hublot origin story and carry it to greatness in the years to come. 

Four years after his departure from Binda Group and an estimated $1 million spent on research and design, the first Hublot timepiece was born. The Classic Original featured a tempered, lightweight design, and a fusion of classic gold and natural rubber strap. Debuting to rapturous acclaim at Baselworld, the innovative strap garnered attention as the first of its kind in luxury watchmaking history. 

While Crocco and Hublot would go on to achieve greatness in the ensuing decades, notably following the release of the Big Bang Original in 2005, this founding design philosophy has always endured. 

Hublot stands for the "Art of Fusion" simultaneously a homage to the classic traditions of Swiss luxury watching and a heretical and upstart approach to design and the use of materials. This creative contrast and often antagonistic flair is the seed of Crocco’s greatness and in no small part the reason for Hublot's enduring appeal among collectors today.

Iconic Hublot Watches & Collections You Need To Know

40 years later and Hublot has cemented itself as one of the finest and most respected luxury watchmakers. Each release has added a layer to Hublot’s design ethos and aesthetic which has today has come to be synonymous with Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship, cutting-edge design and advanced engineering. 

Here, we take the opportunity to explore what we see as the definitive Hublot watches, charting their evolution and offering a sneak peek into what could be your next great purchase:

Classic Original (1980)

Forty years since its release, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Classic Original may be somewhat of a relic of history. But it’s unquestionable that Hublot struck gold on the first try. 

Today’s modern reinterpretation is sleek, simple and minimalist, with an elegant design that rivals the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. The ingenious natural rubber strap remains, with an even greater significance to today’s collectors who frequently value sustainability. 

The meaning behind the Hublot name, "porthole" is honoured in the iconic case design, with a black resin insert under the bezel. With the price of this Hublot watch starting from around $10,000 AUD, it’s an accessible way to purchase a piece of Hublot history.

Big Bang Original (2005)

Fast-forward 25 years, and Hublot breaks the mould with the Big Bang. The revolutionary timepiece was conceived by Jean-Claude Biver, who joined the group as CEO in 2024 at Crocco's behest.

One word that defines this watch is “disruptive.” Its most defining feature is its oversized case design, boasting a unique "sandwich" construction that fuses titanium, ceramic, King Gold, and other precious metals.

Many Big Bang models showcase the iconic skeletonised dials. They offer a unique look inside the complexities of luxury watch-making and are an instantly defining feature of the Hublot collection.

Hublot watch prices for the Big Bang begin at around $20,000 AUD, and collectors can find plenty of preowned pieces available online.

Big Bang Sang Bleu II (2018) 

We said we would try not to get sucked into the orbit of the Big Bang, but we had to take a moment to touch on this seminal collaboration. The design of this watch was conceived by Maxime Plescia-Büchi, the Swiss tattooist, graphic designer and creative director who works under the alias MxM. 

Plescia-Büchi’s fine line, geometric style is perfectly suited to the Big Bang, reinvigorating the “art as fusion” design philosophy for a new generation of enthusiasts. Powered by the HUB1233 self-winding chronograph, it boasts a powerful and refined movement that extends this luxury watch beyond aesthetic impact. It’s one of our favourite releases of recent years and a favourite among young collectors. 

Hublot’s willingness to think outside the box and partner with innovative creators like MxM, alongside other major contemporary figures like Takashi Murakami (see his Classic Fusion rendition) further cements the watchmaker's reputation for avant-garde creative expression.

Getting Under the Hood With Hublot's Technological Innovations

Hublot’s commitment to design often steals the spotlight, but its foundations in Swiss luxury watchmaking precision are just as striking. 

The Unico Movement was introduced in 2011. It was the brand's first in-house chronograph movement and went on to power many of its seminal Hublot Big Bang releases, taking over years of research and development by over 100 experts. 

The movement packs a serious punch, featuring a flyback function, column wheel construction, and a 72-hour power reserve. Never shying from the spotlight, this precision engineering, which features 330 components, is evident in the skeletonised dials. 

The innovative use of materials has always been a key feature of Hublot’s R&D. Magic Gold and proprietary ultra-light alloys are standout features of many of their collections. Seeking lighter and stronger ways to build watches, these breakthrough materials reimagine the traditions of Swiss watchmaking for the contemporary age.

Hublot’s Cultural Impact and Celebrity Allure

Hublot has carved a unique space for itself at the intersection of luxury timepieces and popular culture. 

Their celebrity collaborations are a masterclass in brand building. From releasing limited edition watches co-designed with sports legends like Usain Bolt and musical icons like Jay-Z, to gifting championship teams custom Hublot timepieces, the brand has become synonymous with exclusivity and excellence. 

Hublot's partnership with Ferrari is a prime example of their brand building through collaborations. This special edition Hublot Ferrari watch is not just for Formula One enthusiasts; they're coveted collector's items that embody the spirit of high-performance luxury. Taking inspiration from Ferrari's design and engineering prowess, these Hublot watches feature sleek, aerodynamic designs with materials like carbon fibre, and powerful movements that echo the powerful performance of Ferrari's iconic cars.

Even beyond collaborations, Hublot's own creations, like the million-dollar "5 Million" watch, have set records and captured the imagination of watch aficionados worldwide. Hublot doesn't just sell watches. They sell a feeling of being part of an elite community.

Buying Hublot Watches: A Collector’s Guide

Entering the world of Hublot collecting requires a strategic approach. If you’re just dipping your toe in the water,  consider the Classic Fusion collection, offering a refined entry point with diverse styles and materials, steeped in the traditions of the watchmaker. 

As your collection grows, exploring the iconic Big Bang series is a must. This addition will enrich any collection with bold designs and innovative complications. 

If you’re searching for something bold, The Big Bang Paraíba is an unmissable choice. Its attention-grabbing bezel is adorned with rare Paraíba tourmalines, surpassing even diamonds in exclusivity. 

Hublot’s tradition of artistic collaboration continues with the Classic Fusion Orlinski Tourbillon, which showcases Richard Orlinski's signature faceted design on the dial. Limited to just 30 pieces, this is a truly unique and sought-after watch - if you can get your hands on one! 

Finally, Hublot pushed the boundaries of materials science with the Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Sapphire, a limited edition of 100 with a striking yellow sapphire case and skeletonised dial and a price tag to match.

For pre-owned finds, it's important to note that reputable dealers with authenticity certificates are crucial. Research market value and expected variations based on model, condition, and year. Authentication can involve professional evaluations or utilising online resources to compare specific details against genuine models.

Treat your Hublot like a prized possession. Regular servicing by authorised Hublot boutiques ensures optimal performance and longevity for generations to come.

What’s Next For Hublot? Exploring the Future of Watchmaking. 

From intensive research and development to breakthrough materials and creative collaborations, Hublot embodies Swiss luxury watchmaking for the 21st century. These recent innovations hint at what we can expect to see from the brand, and horology as a whole in the years to come: 

Pushing Boundaries with Avant-Garde Designs

Clearly, Hublot isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. The recent MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium exemplifies this. This unconventional timepiece ditches the traditional dial, hands, and oscillating weight, opting for a roller display, a circular power reserve indicator, and a suspended tourbillon. It’s an audacious design that represents a bold new direction in watchmaking, both technically and aesthetically.

Pioneering New Materials and Technologies

Hublot's stands for the relentlessly pursuit of innovative materials and techniques. In addition to the scratch-resistant Magic Gold alloy and the ultra-light Hublonium, as witnessed in the bold green Saxem case on the Hublot Big Bang Unico Green Saxem model. Expect more development and cutting-edge materials that redefine the possibilities of watchmaking.

Fusing Tradition and Avant-Garde

While constantly exploring the future, Hublot never forgets its roots in the Swiss watchmaking tradition. The MP-10 Tourbillon perfectly represents this fusion of the past and future. It houses a tourbillon, one of watchmaking's most revered complications, within its avant-garde case. By bridging heritage with innovation, Hublot seems intent on leading the charge in the future of haute horology.

Takeaway: Why Hublot’s Art of Fusion Will Stand the Test of Time

Hublot's story is one of deep creativity and unwavering commitment to Swiss watchmaking excellence. From the classic elegance of the Classic Original to the futuristic design of the MP-10 Tourbillon, their "Art of Fusion" philosophy remains at the core of everything they do. 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply appreciate the finer things, Hublot offers a timepiece that speaks to the desire for something bold, innovative, and undeniably luxurious for the modern age. 

So, are you ready to join the Hublot club? JewelCover is here to support you on your journey with luxury watch insurance in Australia. We’re passionate about helping collectors find the specialist insurance they need, with cover against loss, theft and damage. 

To build your Hublot collection with confidence, get your free luxury watch quote online today.