Buying guide for best Hublot watches
Nothing says “luxury” like a fine watch, and Hublot makes some of the finest. While relatively new compared to other luxury watch brands, Hublot watches have been known for their innovation, materials, and style since they debuted in the 1980s. Since then, the watches have grown in popularity among athletes and anyone with tens of thousands of dollars to spare on a statement timepiece.
Before you make this big purchase, there are some key considerations to keep in mind. Hublot watches are available in different models and materials, so you have a number of options. And no matter the price, a watch is still a watch, which means you’ll also want to consider such factors as size, color, display, functions, and dials. No matter what you’re looking for on a fine watch, Hublot has something to offer.
How to buy the best Hublot watch
Why buy a luxury watch?
When it comes to telling the time, nobody needs a luxury watch. Regarding price, luxury watches typically start at around $1,000. If you’re a high-powered professional, your appearance is likely important, and a luxury watch like a Hublot adds polish to any business wear.
If heirlooms are important to you, Hublot watches, with proper care, can be passed down through the generations.
A luxury watch is also a great way to treat yourself or mark a major milestone like securing your dream job or finishing a degree. Why not indulge in a beautiful timepiece that will last for years to come?
A bit of Hublot history
Hublot watches were first debuted by Italian Carl Crocco in Switzerland in 1980. Crocco had been a well-established watchmaker before launching his own brand. From the first, what made Hublot watches stand out from the crowd was their fusion of rubber and metal. Early Hublot watches had a gold bezel and case paired with a rubber strap, making the watch a popular choice for athletes and those who appreciated the ergonomic comfort.
Materials
“Art of Fusion” is Hublot’s motto for a reason. The brand began with a fusion of gold and rubber, at the time unheard of in a luxury watch brand. It took a few years to fully develop the rubber-strapped watch, which was designed to wear comfortably on the wrist for hours.
The mix of materials was cutting edge for the time, but Hublot’s innovations didn’t stop there. Many of today’s Hublot watches combine ceramic with different metals. The Magic Gold watch, for example, combines gold and a porous ceramic, the first watch of its kind. Now many of Hublot’s more colorful watches incorporate ceramic elements. Hublot also is known for its innovative use of sapphire, a difficult material to cut and manipulate, for both clear and colored watch crystals.
Size
For the right fit, watch size is critical, and Hublot has a variety of sizes available.
Watch sizes are determined by the diameter of the case, for example, 33 millimeters. In general, people with small wrists should look for a watch with a smaller diameter, and people with larger wrists can wear a larger watch. All of Hublot’s watches for women measure 39 millimeters or less. The largest Hublot watches measure 49 millimeters.
To ensure the best fit, it helps to measure your wrist. If your wrist is 6 to 7 inches in circumference, look at small- and medium-size watches. If your wrist measures 7.5 inches or more, look at large watches.
Hublot appeals to a younger clientele. The brand is a major sponsor of a number of European sports clubs, such as Manchester United.
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What features should I look for in Hublot watches?
Model
Two of Hublot’s most popular models are the Classic Fusion and Big Bang chronographs. Both feature the brand’s distinctive “porthole” design.
The Classic Fusion put Hublot on the map with its mixture of rubber and gold. The style is low-key and streamlined. The newer Classic Fusion styles might include elements like a geometric or diamond-embossed case. These modern touches keep these timepieces timeless, so they’ll never go out of style.
The Big Bang is the brainchild of Jean-Claude Biver, who took over Hublot in 2004. As the name suggests, this bold design is not for the meek or fashion conservative, and some Big Bang designs include a number of visible moving gears. Other designs include a cascade of geometric figures. Regardless, this understated yet captivating aesthetic is a great gift for the trendsetter in your life.
Display
Many Hublot watches have an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) thin-film display. The display is incredibly clear and crisp and doesn't require a backlight.
Other watches have an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, an improvement on the OLED display, with even more vivid colors and contrasts. It’s the highest-quality display on the market, so you can expect to pay more for it.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hublot (pronounced OO-blow) is French for “porthole.” The watch faces are designed to resemble a porthole.
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How much do Hublot watches cost?
Inexpensive
There is no “inexpensive” range for Hublot watches. It’s more a matter of expensive versus more expensive. Luxury watches are an investment, after all. That said, it’s possible to acquire a Hublot watch for less than $8,000. At the lower end of that range, you’ll mostly find Classic Fusion models, many of them updated versions of the 1980s original. Most Hublot watches in this range incorporate gold, titanium, and/or ceramic.
Mid-range
From $8,000 to $14,000, you can find more Classic Fusion watches and many more from the flashier Big Bang series. These Classic Fusion watches likely have some extra flair, like a geometric case. A number of these Big Bang watches incorporate white diamonds in the bezel and case.
Expensive
If you’re going to invest in a watch and you have the means, there’s nothing wrong with splurging. For $15,000 and more, there are special collections of Classic Fusion and Big Bang watches. These might include gold, diamonds, and sophisticated mechanics. Expect watches at this price to be bold and attention-grabbing. Prices for Hublot watches can reach into the hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars.
If you purchase your Hublot watch from a verified seller, it is guaranteed against all manufacturing defects for up to two years from the date of purchase.
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Tips
- Take good care of your investment. Be sure to thoroughly read through the Hublot user’s manual. We recommend getting the watch serviced every other year to keep it running at peak performance.
- Don’t try to repair the watch yourself. If the watch needs fixing, it’s better to take it to a professional rather than try to repair it yourself. Opening the watch exposes the workings to dust and moisture that could affect its performance.
- Don’t expose the watch to chemicals. Hublot watches are high-quality mechanisms, so substances like cologne, oils, or cleaning products can affect the watch and watch band’s quality and operation over time.
FAQ
Q. How can I tell if my Hublot watch is real?
A. Counterfeit watches are everywhere. However, there are a few ways to suss out a real Hublot from a phony. One way to tell if the watch is authentic is to check it closely for flaws or shoddy craftsmanship. Is the “HUBLOT” engraved on the back of the watch deep enough? Are there typos? Also pay attention to the screws on the bezel. Hublot screws clearly resemble the letter H.
Q. Are Hublot watches better than Rolex watches?
A. It’s a matter of preference. Rolex has been around for nearly 100 years and has a more classic style. Hublot watches have some flashier designs and mix more materials. Both are excellent watches.
Q. Will Hublot watches increase in value?
A. While Hublot is a luxury brand, reselling the watch won’t necessarily make back what you spent. An increase in value isn’t a given for every luxury watch brand. Those that tend to fare best are well-established, well-known heritage brands.
