The luxury watch manufacturer Hublot is one of the most well-known and distinguished brands in the industry, yet it also has its fair share of detractors. Hublot watches are often seen as overpriced, flashy, and gimmicky.
- Hublot’s reputation
- The history of Hublot
- Who owns Hublot
- Reasons why enthusiasts dislike Hublot
- Does Hublot deserve to be so hated?
- Nico Leonard and Hublot
- Conclusion
In this article from the experts at CALIBRE, we’ll be exploring why so many people have grown to hate Hublot watches, starting with the history of Hublot up to the modern day, and what could be done to make the brand more appealing. It’s important to note that this article is not to tear apart the brand, as there are plenty of reasons why Hublot are one of the biggest luxury watchmakers in the world, but simply to highlight some customer feedback so that you can understand why some collectors are not fans of the brand, leading to the reason they are so controversial in the world of horology.
Hublot’s Reputation
The Swiss company has been at the centre of heated debates amongst collectors due to various elements that have caused backlash from the community.
Firstly, Hublot is often criticised for its pricing structure which many argue does not reflect the value of the watches produced. Quality materials are used and their craftsmanship has been praised by experts but some insist that fans are paying a premium for an exclusive look. Additionally, many accuse Hublot of popularising overpriced limited editions which can be obtained more cheaply elsewhere.
Additionally, there has been an outcry from those who think that Hublot’s products lack innovation and cater too much toward trendiness instead of practicality or design excellence.
The History of Hublot
Hublot is a luxury Swiss watchmaking company with a rich history. Founded in 1980 by Italian Carlo Crocco, Hublot was one of the first-ever luxury watch brands to combine precious metals such as gold and platinum with rubber straps. This revolutionary mix of materials created an eye-catching look that still defines many of Hublot’s watches today.
The original Hublot timepiece was launched in 1980, the “Classic Model”. It featured an 18-karat gold case with a black rubber strap, creating an eye-catching contrast that made it stand out from other watches on the market. This combination of traditional materials with the contemporary design created the signature look that defines Hublot today. Years later, Crocco formed an alliance with French watchmaker Jean Claude Biver to further develop their product line and expand their reach to new markets. Hublot released the iconic “Big Bang” Chronograph in 2005, which has become one of the most sought-after pieces from the brand.
The year 2008 marked an important milestone in Hublot’s history, when it became part of the LVMH group, the world’s leading luxury goods company, and began its foray into major international markets.
Who owns Hublot?
The Swiss watchmaker Hublot was acquired from Crocco by the LVMH group in 2008 and is now run as a subsidiary of that company.
LVMH (“Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy”) is an international conglomerate specializing in luxury fashion, fragrances, wines, spirits, cosmetics, and leather goods. The company is headed up by French billionaire Bernard Arnault and owns more than 70 renowned brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Dom Pérignon, and TAG Heuer. This makes Hublot part of one of the world’s largest luxury conglomerates.
Reasons why Enthusiasts dislike Hublot
Though Hublot has achieved success among watch enthusiasts, some fans continue to criticise the company and its products. Here are some reasons why Hublot has earned criticism from the watch enthusiast community:
Quality Control
From movement malfunctions to incorrectly positioned hands and faulty crowns, the list of potential issues goes on. In fact, some have even described Hublot’s watches as ‘poorly built’ due to their regular technical errors and design flaws. We can’t say that Hublot has completely poor craftsmanship, as this wouldn’t be true, but it’s fair to point out the numerous errors that collectors report about these watches.
Overpriced
Experts agree that a lot of people have a negative perception of the brand due to its expensive price tag. For example, a basic model can cost upwards of £5,000 – something that’s out of reach for many people. This steep pricing means that customers feel ripped off and this sentiment gets projected onto the company as a whole.
Furthermore, there are those who believe that Hublot watches are overpriced because they don’t deliver enough value for what they cost, especially on models that are listed at around the £100,000 price mark.
Low Artistry
At first glance, Hublot watches appear to be extremely busy, adorned with hundreds of tiny diamonds, large dials, oversized cases and a dizzying array of bright colors. There are often too many elements competing for attention in a single piece. While they may look flashy and glamorous at first glance, they often fail to stand up to scrutiny when compared to more classically designed timepieces from other brands.
Does Hublot Deserve to be so Hated?
To begin with, it’s important to recognise that many people love Hublot watches and consider them a great choice for luxury timepieces. As well as being highly fashionable and eye-catching, these watches also feature advanced mechanics and craftsmanship which make them durable and reliable. This is why they’re often seen on the wrists of celebrities or high-profile businesspeople who want to make a statement.
On the other hand, there is a strong argument that Hublot watches are overpriced given their relatively low-quality materials sometimes used in construction. There is also plenty of other reasons to dislike the brand, such as busy designs and the fact that their artistry is not for everyone, especially those who are fans of more classic designs. However, it’s important to form your own opinion, and if you’re a fan of more extravagant watches, maybe Hublot is for you!
Nico Leonard and Hublot
Nico Leonard, a popular YouTuber and the owner of Pride and Pinion known for his entertaining and informative videos on the luxury watch industry recently stirred up quite a buzz in the community due to his continued hatred of Hublot watches.
For starters, one of the main reasons why Hublot receives so much hate is because they’re widely perceived as taking the concept of luxury watches too far. Nico feels that many of their designs are overpriced and lack value in quality compared to other watchmakers. He also believes that some of their models simply look ridiculous with intricate designs and flashy colors that appear gaudy and excessive.
Nico’s opinion isn’t shared by everyone though; many people still appreciate Hublot’s unique style and craftsmanship despite its hefty price tags, however, it’s fair to say that a lot of his statements are justified. At the end of the day, Nico whilst not only being an absolute expert but is also an entertainer. Maybe he’s making hating Hublot a trend? Either way, his judgment is trusted by many enthusiasts, and a Nico Hublot rant is always fun to watch.
Conclusion: Understanding Hublot
In conclusion, Hublot is an iconic watch brand in some respects, with a strong identity and loyal fanbase. While the majority of enthusiasts may see the brand as being overly extravagant and expensive for the craftsmanship of its pieces, it is undeniable that Hublot has had a large influence in the world of luxury watches. Despite this, it’s clear that understanding Hublot is subjective, as some will love it and some will hate it.
Ultimately, however, there is no denying that Hublot provides us collectors with a constant source of entertainment and intrigue due to the debate that it provides. It’s a fair point that many feel their watches are not worth the price, but the ultimate decision of whether you like the designs does come down to personal preference. At CALIBRE, however, we do have to say we are with Nico on this one.
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