iFANN
    Last updated
    Hublot
    clock

    Hublot

    Switzerland flagSwitzerland

    "Be the first, be unique, be different"

    Founded 1980 Nyon, Switzerland CEO: Julien Tornare
    Community

    About

    Hublot is a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1980 by Italian Carlo Crocco, who broke away from his family's Binda Group to launch his own venture. The name, meaning "porthole" in French, was inspired by ship windows. Crocco's initial breakthrough was the first luxury watch fitted with a natural rubber strap, a daring combination of gold and rubber that defied horological conventions of the time. In 2004, Jean-Claude Biver took the helm as CEO and revitalized the brand with the launch of the Big Bang collection in 2005, which tripled sales within a year. LVMH acquired Hublot in 2008 for an estimated CHF 500 million (about $475 million), and the brand now operates under the LVMH Watches & Jewelry division.

    Hublot's design philosophy, termed the "Art of Fusion," blends traditional Swiss watchmaking with unconventional materials such as Magic Gold (a scratch-resistant 18K gold), King Gold (a proprietary rose gold alloy), carbon fiber, ceramic, and sapphire crystal. The brand's core collections include the flagship Big Bang, the slimmer Classic Fusion, the tonneau-shaped Spirit of Big Bang, and the high-complication MP (Masterpiece) line. In-house movements like the Unico chronograph (caliber HUB1240, introduced 2010) and the Meca-10 with a 10-day power reserve underscore Hublot's technical capabilities. The brand has also produced limited-edition collaborations with Ferrari, Shepard Fairey, and Takashi Murakami.

    Hublot occupies the upper-luxury segment, with entry-level prices around $6,000–$8,000 and high-complication pieces exceeding $500,000. It competes with Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and Roger Dubuis, targeting a younger, fashion-forward clientele. The brand has served as official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup since 2010 and the UEFA Champions League, and counts Kylian Mbappé, Usain Bolt, and Novak Djokovic among its ambassadors. Despite criticisms of flashiness and occasional quality concerns with early models, Hublot has grown steadily, with an estimated annual revenue of CHF 500–700 million as of 2023–2024. The brand operates over 100 boutiques worldwide, with manufacturing in Nyon, Switzerland.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Big BangClassic FusionSpirit of Big BangMP (Masterpiece) CollectionUnico movementMeca-10 movementMagic GoldKing Gold

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns Hublot?
    Hublot is owned by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. LVMH acquired the brand in 2008 for approximately CHF 500 million, and Hublot operates as a wholly owned subsidiary under the LVMH Watches & Jewelry division.
    Who is the CEO of Hublot?
    The current CEO of Hublot is Julien Tornare, appointed in 2022. He succeeded Ricardo Guadalupe, who led the brand for a decade. Tornare previously held leadership roles at Vacheron Constantin and Zenith, bringing extensive experience in luxury watch management.
    How much is Hublot worth?
    Hublot's exact valuation is not publicly disclosed, but industry estimates place its annual revenue at CHF 500–700 million and brand value at $800 million–$1.2 billion. The brand has grown significantly since LVMH's 2008 acquisition, with consistent double-digit growth through the 2010s.
    Hublot vs. Rolex: Which is better?
    Hublot and Rolex target different buyers. Hublot offers bolder, more avant-garde designs with innovative materials like Magic Gold and sapphire, while Rolex emphasizes heritage, resale value, and timeless aesthetics. Hublot is generally more expensive at entry level ($8,000+) but Rolex holds value better in the secondary market.
    Is Hublot still in business?
    Yes, Hublot is very much in business and thriving. As a subsidiary of LVMH, the brand continues to release new collections, open boutiques globally, and maintain high-profile partnerships with FIFA, UEFA, and celebrities. Hublot's revenue has grown steadily, with strong demand particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

    Keywords

    HublotSwiss watchluxury watchBig Bangrubber strapLVMHJean-Claude BiverUnico movementMagic GoldFIFA World CupFerrari

    Company Info

    Founded
    1980
    Founder
    Carlo Crocco
    CEO
    Julien Tornare
    Headquarters
    Nyon, Switzerland
    Industry
    clock
    Parent Company
    LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
    Revenue
    CHF 500–700 million (estimated)
    Revenue (estimated)
    CHF 500–700 million
    Number of Boutiques
    Over 100
    Key Innovation
    First luxury watch with natural rubber strap

    Official Website

    www.hublot.com

    Links

    Join the community

    fans discussing