Hublot Watches: 40 Years of Excellence with Rubber Straps

Before collaborating with celebrities, street artists, and sports superstars, and before embracing colorful trends and using precious stones, Hublot made a mark in the watchmaking history as the first manufacturer to use rubber straps for its gold watches. To date, Hublot has been equipping its premium watch models with rubber straps for 40 years.

A Bold Start with Rubber-Strapped Hublot Watches

It’s worth noting that at the time, rubber straps were considered inappropriate and even gauche for high-end mechanical watches. However, today, sports watches with rubber straps are seen as fashionable and are warmly embraced by the younger generation.

Forty years ago, Carlo Crocco, an elegant Italian gentleman, created a unique watch that combined the sophisticated design of the world’s fashion capital with Swiss handcrafting techniques. He named his watch “Hublot,” which means “porthole” in French. Crocco’s watch stood out with the screws on its case, a feature that has defined the Hublot brand for decades.

Unique Design and Superior Quality

The shape of the Hublot watches case is inspired by the portholes of luxury ships. The rubber strap was used to provide convenience and safety when encountering water, although it was entirely contrary to traditional design principles.

To commemorate Carlo Crocco’s original design, Hublot recently released the Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary model with various material options: 18k gold, titanium, and ceramic. These limited-edition watches include 100 pieces in gold, 200 in titanium, and 200 in black ceramic. Unlike the first version, which used a quartz movement, the new models are equipped with the automatic Caliber Hublot HUB1112, based on the SW300-1 movement and decorated by Hublot.

Elegant and Simple Design

Like the original Classic model, the new watch has been stripped of most details. The dial is “bare” except for the brand’s H logo and the name HUBLOT at the 3 o’clock position, along with a round date window at the 3 o’clock mark. On the glossy black lacquered dial, the hands and brand name are the most valuable details, shining and radiant under the light.

The Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary watch is a modern, simple yet luxurious model, with smooth and sharp cuts on the case. Though it may not be as eye-catching as the Spirit of Big Bang skeleton models or the Classic Fusion Orlinski, the Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary will surely remain popular in the future, just like the 1980 Hublot Classic Original model.

Size and Price

The watch measures 45mm, larger than the average male wrist. The rubber strap and folding clasp are made from the same material as the watch case. The prices for the Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary models are:

• $8,300 for the titanium version (ref. 511.NX.1270.RX.MDM40),
• $10,400 for the ceramic version (ref. 511.CX.1270.RX.MDM40),
• $25,200 for the gold version (ref. 511.VX.1280.RX.MDM40).

Conclusion

With 40 years of development, Hublot watches have not only established their position in the watchmaking industry but also changed perceptions of rubber straps, from being seen as gauche to becoming fashionable. Hublot watches, especially the Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary, are not only symbols of creativity and sophistication but also testament to the brand’s continuous innovation.