Why does the watch community disregard Hublot so much?

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We all know that watch enthusiasts don’t have a lot of good things to say about a brand like Hublot but, have you ever wondered why this is the case? Why do all the famous watch experts and deals like Nico Lenard hate this watch brand so much that they must put a separate section for them? It’s evident that the watch community is fairly negative when the topic of discussion is Hublot a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer. before diving into it, let’s first learn more about the brand.

Hublot beginning

Hublot was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, an Italian watchmaker. The brand's name, "Hublot," is French for "porthole," which reflects its first watch design a porthole-shaped case. This design was distinctive because it combined a gold case with a rubber strap, which was unusual at the time.

Crocco was determined to create a watch that was both luxurious and comfortable, and the use of rubber for the strap was a key innovation. It took three years to develop the rubber strap. Although the watch didn't attract any buyers on its first day at the 1980 Basel Watch Fair, it quickly became a hit, making over $2 million in sales during its first year.

The design quickly gained attention for its unique look and the quality of its craftsmanship. Hublot's early success was driven by its blend of traditional watchmaking with modern materials and design concepts.

Hublot, New Era

The founder of Hublot, Carlo Crocco got occupied with a foundation that provides help to deprived children all across the globe. This led to a search for a new person who would oversee Hublot, while Carlo Crocco diverted his focus to his activities for the foundation.

In late 2003, Jean-Claude Biver, who was president of Swatch Group's Omega division, met Carlo Crocco. By May 2004, Biver took on the role of CEO and joined the board. When Biver arrived, he focused on creating a new flagship collection. The Hublot "Big Bang" chronograph was introduced in Basel in April 2005 and quickly became a hit, with orders tripling within a year. Later, in November 2005, the Big Bang received international recognition, winning the "2005 Design Prize" at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, followed by many others

In April 2008, luxury goods group LVMH announced it had bought Hublot from Crocco for an undisclosed amount, adding it to its collection of watch brands, which already included TAG Heuer. From 2014 to 2018, Jean-Claude Biver was the president of the LVMH’s watchmaking division until his retirement.

So why all the hate?

The hate and diss against Hublot has now turned into a trend where everyone hates them, whether you are new to the world of timekeeping or a long-time watch collector or enthusiast, most of them are aware of how disregarded this one watch brand is. I’ve spent a fair share of time with people who criticize the brand and people who don’t mind it, and here are a few of the reasons why this train never runs out of time!

Marketing

It seems that Hublot markets this watch as the "Richie Rich" timepiece. This watch is designed for people with wealth, as it exudes luxury and opulence. Owning a Hublot timepiece signifies immense affluence, exclusivity indicates that the owner can afford to purchase anything they desire.

Some people also dislike Hublot because they find its designs too bold or flashy, and they feel the brand's emphasis on high prices and marketing can overshadow traditional watchmaking craftsmanship. Others might prefer more classic or understated brands.

It is believed that a watch, no matter what it may be, holds sentimental value. People don't buy luxury watches simply to display wealth or power. Watches serve as reminders of significant moments or evoke a nostalgic sense of time. They are meant to be appreciated for the intricate beauty of their mechanism and represent a shared love for horology. Additionally, they act as tokens of special memories attached to them that they want to cherish their whole life and pass down these sentiments from generation to generation.

Price

It is argued that the demanding price of the timepieces from this brand does not stand to the value they provide in return, and the gap is immense for some to totally skip the brand from one’s list, It’s believed that there are many others watch manufacturers that provide great value and better finishing for far less value when compared it to Hublot

For them, the perceived gap between the cost of Hublot watches and the value they deliver is too wide to justify the investment. They argue that brands with a long history of traditional watchmaking or those known for meticulous attention to detail often provide a better overall experience for a more reasonable price. As a result, some watch enthusiasts prefer to invest in brands that they believe offer a superior balance of quality and affordability.

Movements

Although Hublot makes some of its own movements, critics say that using parts from other companies lowers its value. Hublot also gets some movements from ETA, a major Swiss movement supplier that works with many brands. For example, the Big Bang model, which comes in various versions, includes some with ETA movements that are priced similarly to those with Hublot's own movements. This kind of pricing strategy isn't unique, but it raises questions for some buyers. While the use of outsourced movements can affect perceptions of value, Hublot’s emphasis on design and brand identity plays a significant role in its pricing.

Opinions about Hublot vary from person to person, and everyone has the right to believe in whatever they want in this world. But do they really? Regardless of the majority opinion, it is essential to conduct your own research before making decisions about what you want and what you don't want.