Watchatlas

Hublot

Nyon, Switzerland · Est. 1980

Founded by Carlo Crocco

Hublot was founded in Geneva in 1980 by Carlo Crocco and became famous as the first watchmaker to combine gold with natural rubber, a then-shocking material pairing. Under Jean-Claude Biver's leadership from 2004 and now as part of LVMH, Hublot pioneered the concept of fusion materials and big-bold aesthetics, becoming one of the fastest-growing luxury watch brands.

Founded
1980
Headquarters
Nyon, Switzerland
Group
LVMH
Price Segment
Luxury
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Big Bang (2005) — Hublot’s emblematic sports-luxury collection, first launched in 2005, built around bold geometry, oversized proportions, and the brand’s Art of Fusion approach using materials such as ceramic, carbon fibre, titanium, and sapphire. Key references: Big Bang, Big Bang Unico, Big Bang Original.
  • Classic Fusion (2008) — Hublot’s sleeker, more refined core collection, positioned as a slimmer and dressier expression of the brand’s fusion concept, with a wide range of sizes, materials, and configurations spanning 3-hand, chronograph, moonphase, and partnership editions. Key references: Classic Fusion, Classic Fusion Original, Classic Fusion Titanium.
  • Spirit of Big Bang (2014) — Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang is the barrel-shaped reinterpretation of the Big Bang, translating the brand’s integrated, high-tech aesthetic into a tonneau case with a broad range of materials, sizes, and complications. Key references: Spirit of Big Bang Titanium 42 mm, Spirit of Big Bang King Gold 42 mm, Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10 Titanium 45 mm.
  • MP Collection — Hublot MP Collection is the brand's experimental high-complication family, grouping exceptional tourbillon, sapphire, carbon, and artist-collaboration pieces outside the core Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines. Key references: MP-09, MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System, MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire.
  • Square Bang (2022) — Hublot’s Square Bang is the brand’s square-cased interpretation of the Big Bang concept, bringing the same sandwich construction, technical materials, and high-complication spirit into a geometric case architecture. Key references: Square Bang Unico, Square Bang Unico Sapphire 42 mm, Square Bang Unico King Gold 42 mm.

Timeline

  • 1980 — Carlo Crocco founds MDM Genève (later Hublot) in Geneva, creating the first luxury watch with a natural rubber strap.
  • 2004 — Jean-Claude Biver joins as CEO, transforming Hublot from a niche brand into a global luxury powerhouse.
  • 2005 — The Big Bang collection launches, defining Hublot's 'Art of Fusion' philosophy and becoming an instant icon.
  • 2008 — LVMH acquires Hublot, providing resources for rapid expansion and manufacture development.
  • 2010 — Introduces the UNICO manufacture movement, Hublot's first in-house chronograph calibre.
  • 2012 — Becomes the official timekeeper of FIFA and the World Cup, cementing its global sports presence.
  • 2025 — Celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang with a special anniversary series. Julien Tornare succeeds Ricardo Guadalupe as CEO.
  • 2026 — Launches a modernised post-anniversary Big Bang under new CEO Julien Tornare, who announces a strategic rebalancing toward sport, art, design and music.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hublot

What does 'Art of Fusion' mean for Hublot?
It is Hublot's design philosophy of combining unexpected materials — gold with rubber, ceramic with titanium, carbon fibre with sapphire — pioneered by founder Carlo Crocco and amplified under Jean-Claude Biver.
Why was the rubber strap revolutionary?
In 1980, pairing natural rubber with a gold case was considered sacrilege in Swiss watchmaking. Crocco's innovation eventually became an industry standard, with most luxury brands now offering rubber strap options.
What is the UNICO movement?
Hublot's in-house automatic chronograph calibre, first introduced in 2010. It features a flyback function, column wheel, and distinctive skeleton dial design that showcases the movement architecture.
Is Hublot part of a larger group?
Yes, Hublot has been part of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) since 2008, alongside TAG Heuer and Zenith in LVMH's watch division.

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