Hublot Founder Carlo Crocco Discusses Fusion, Royal Clients, and Returning to the Original Design
Carlo Crocco founded Hublot in 1980 with the revolutionary idea of fusing seemingly incompatible materials, most famously pairing precious gold with a rubber strap. This bold concept challenged traditional watchmaking norms and quickly attracted royal patrons such as the kings of Greece, Spain, Sweden, and the Monaco family, as well as renowned designers and industrialists. Despite a quiet start at Basel, the distinctive design gained momentum, leading to worldwide success and the eventual acquisition by LVMH. Crocco’s vision of combining elegance, practicality, and innovation laid the foundation for Hublot’s enduring brand identity. Decades later, Hublot revisits its original design with a re‑edition that expands the case size from 36 mm to 38 mm while preserving key elements like the twelve screws and personalized strap system. The updated model reflects contemporary tastes for smaller, versatile watches and supports the MDM Foundation with a CHF 100,000 contribution. By maintaining both the classic line and the larger Big Bang collection, Hublot balances its heritage of fusion with modern expansion, ensuring the brand’s legacy continues to evolve.
Buying Time Analysis: The story highlights how Carlo Crocco’s pioneering fusion concept reshaped luxury watchmaking, influencing design, materials, and brand identity, making it a pivotal moment in horological history.
