Gorgeous Hublot Pink Sapphire

Hublot is leading the way in the world of watchmaking with this brave and bold move. Watch companies are eager to control their own distribution networks and have direct access to customers. Single-brand boutique shops will do just that. Biver is quite certain that those customers looking for Hublot watches know what they want and having a dedicated store that can display all of their watches in one place will not only increase sales but give customers exactly what they’re looking for. Hublot boutique stores will be located in some of the most prestigious shopping spots in the world, such as Place Vendome and Bond Street in London, and Madison Avenue in New York.

Hublot watches are unique and therefore present a niche market. They are recognizable for their futuristic Big Bang porthole design. Their goal is to have an endless stream of product variations. For instance, their line of gemstone beveled watches. These gorgeous stones are gathered from all over the world and include:

• Yellow Sapphire
• Green Sapphire
• Pink Sapphire
• Orange Sapphire
• Amethyst
• Andalusite
• Hematite
• Ruby
• Smoked Quartz
• Spinel
• Topaz
• Tsavorite

One of those stones includes the faceted Andalusite stone which displays red, green, and yellow colors that resemble a muted form of iridescence – simply gorgeous. The alumino-magnesian Spinel is also known as red diamond and shines like one – truly magnificent. The rare orange sapphire exhibits a sunrise color – very striking. Then there is the Tsavorite garnet which is a very vivid green stone that studies show may be 200 times rarer than emerald! Imagine being able to view these magnificent pieces in one boutique store!

The Hublot watch has a unique history which began in 1980 when gold was combined with rubber. This was the first time in watchmaking history that a precious material was combined with rubber. This watch combined polished and brushed gold, a minimalist black dial, and a distinctive black natural rubber strap, all which came to symbolize Hublot. With the company’s “Art of Fusion” concept, Hublot became a major player in the watchmaking world.

And now, with Hublot paving the way with single-brand boutique stores, they are poised to grow their brand, identity and reputation even further.

Jean-Claude Biver has stepped down as Hublot CEO.

Jean-Claude Biver, a leader in the Swiss watch industry, has stepped down as CEO of luxury watchmakerHublot, but will continue to serve as board chairmen of the brand.

Replacing the position is Ricardo Guadalupe, former Hublot managing director and long-time friend and colleague of Biver, with whom he has worked with for over 20 years. The positions were changed on Jan. 1. Guadalupe had worked at Blancpain, owned by Swatch Group, for several years before joining Hublot in 2005.

“I had decided already many years ago that Ricardo would take over as chief executive at some point,” Biver said. “Now it is official.”

While his resignation has marked an end to his role as chief executive, Biver will serve as board chairman of the Hublot — helping to conduct communication activities and providing input to the luxury watch brand’s strategy and product development.

“There is a time for learning, a time for doing, a time for handing over, and a time for moving on,” said Biver in a statement. “I’ve happily made it safe and sound to the hand-over stage. With the gratification of being able to hand over to a friend and colleague of more than twenty years. And happiness at the prospect of remaining part of the team on matters relating to strategy, products and corporate relations.”

Biver has successfully worked in the industry for nearly 40 years, leading watch brands Blancpain and Omega prior to Hublot. He has also been credited with helping to rescue the Swiss watch industry from the quartz movement, bringing back the life and style of mechanical watches. Hublot even remained successful during the recession of the late-2000s. Up to November 2009, business sales had dropped 30 percent for a majority of the Swiss watch industry business. Despite the slip of the economy, Hublot sales were only down 15 percent. By 2011, sales increased to 30 percent, a number above the industry average. Biver expects that 2012 will entail more of a challenge.

“You’re not going to see less of me,” Biver told Douglas Gollan, editor-in-chief at Elite Traveler. “For an entrepreneur there are four quarters of a career. The first is learning, and for me that started when I entered the industry in 1974, and you of course never stop learning. Then you have the action part, which started with Blancpain in 1982 and has lasted until now. So you can say I am at halftime. Then you have the transmission period, which I plan for the next seven years and then departure period that takes one year, so I am planning eight more years.”

The Miami Heat baller, Dwayne Wade, rang in the New Year as the newest ambassador of the Swiss watch company, Hublot. The 30-year-old guard attended the November 2011 opening of Hublot’s newest boutique in Bal Harbor, Florida. In addition, Wade has now got his own Hublot watch called the King Power Dwayne Wade. This limited edition 48mm watch comes in the Miami Heat’s colors and has Dwayne’s number, “3,” on the watch face.

Dwayne Wade with his wife, Gabrielle Union, at Hublot's Bal Harbor, Florida opening.

The King Power’s watch strap is made of veal leather and black rubber, with white stitching down its center as a salute to Dwayne’s game. Powered by Hublot’s HUB 4100 automatic chronograph movement, this watch will assuredly keep consistent and precise time.

Its limited edition status is no misnomer. Only 500 of these high-style watches are in circulation, many of which have already been sold.

The unveiling of the King Power was probably just as spectacular as the watch itself. The star-studded evening was set at Club 50 in Bal Harbor’s Vice Roy Hotel.

Wade rolled in with his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, at the start of the evening. He exhibited his flashy watch for the cameras while explaining that the “3″ etched onto the watch face represents both his number and the Holy Trinity.

When asked why he chose to design the King Power, Wade responded saying he wanted to make a watch that “looks good if I’m wearing shorts and a tee-shirt, and if I’m wearing a suit as well.”

The King Power.

Beatrice de Quervain, Hublot’s USA director, had nothing but positive remarks to say about Wade as she made her way down the red carpet at Club 50. “Dwayne Wade has the same values and objectives in life like we have as a brand,” said de Quervain. “It’s not only about the success, but about giving back.” De Quervain believes that the King Power fits right into the “mature luxury market” of Hublot.

Later in the evening DJ Khaled arrived looking rather casual in a black and red sweat suit to represent Wade’s team. He was spinning at the classy champagne affair for the majority of the evening.

Others in attendance were Hublot’s high class clientele and Bal Harbor socialites.

“The sky is the limit,” said de Quervain at the end of the evening. And the price certainly is as well. Hublot put a $27,500 price tag on Wade’s flashy new watch. For many, the King Power is certainly worth the cost.

Dwayne Wade at the Bal Harbor Hublot event.

Hublot's King Power Dwyane Wade Watch

Dwyane Wade, the seven time NBA all-star guard for the Miami Heat, joined Hublot for the grand opening of the new Hublot Bal Harbour Boutique. The occasion also marked the U. S. Debut of the new limited edition King Power Dwyane Wade watch, of which only 500 are to be issued. The gala event, which took place at Club 50 in Miami’s Viceroy Hotel, also boasted the attendance of numerous Hublot fancying celebrities including Gabrielle Union and DJ Khaled.

Hublot’s partnership with basketball star Dwyane Wade has opened up the brand’s appeal to a new market, since prior to Wade’s ambassadorship, Hublot’s major sporting association was yachting. “I’m excited to launch my new King Power Dwyane Wade Hublot watch,” said Wade. “Fashion is important to me and I have truly enjoyed collaborating on the design of my watch. The elements reflect my personal style and love of basketball.”

The boutique is a marvel of modernism and classic style, its construction a luxurious tribute to the brand’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy. Exemplifying this elegant aesthetic is the lounge area that has been incorporated into the boutique lobby, thereby providing guests with a relaxing atmosphere in which to view the timepieces. “The space truly reflects the brand’s DNA through its design and combination of innovation and tradition,” said Hublot Managing Director Ricardo Guadalupe. “But working with Dwyane Wade on the limited edition watch and the boutique’s opening is the crème de la crème. The partnership truly embodies Hublot’s vision of fusion.”

Basketball star and Hublot Ambassador, Dwyane Wade

The King Power Dwyane Wade watch features a 48mm black micro-blasted ceramic case with Wade’s number “3” on the watch face. The watch strap incorporates red and black netting, a subtle tribute to the game Wade nobly represents both in color (the watch has elements of black, white and red, the colors of the Miami Heat jersey) and form. While the design is a nod to the sport of basketball, it in no way permeates the aesthetic, which makes it ideal for a multitude of fashionable applications. Says Wade, “The people in Miami, they need to see this watch”

A portion of the sales of the watch are to be donated to Wade’s charity, Wade’s World Foundation, an organization that aids community initiatives in the promotion of education, athletics, healthy lifestyles and social skills to at-risk youth. According to Beatrice De Quervain, Hublot USA Director, “Dwyane is such a wonderful personality and such a great star. He has the same values and objectives in life that we have as a brand; that is not only about the success but that if you have a lot of success it is important to give back.”

Jean-Claude Biver and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo

This was announced during the traditional Mugello international circuit near Florence where Ferrari World Finals were winding down the season. Hublot executives are ‘excited to be the exclusive watchmaking partner for all Ferrari activities.’  This merger allows Hublot to hold the title of “Official Watch” and “Official Timekeeper” including partner in all Ferrari special events. It is also worth noting that Ferrari is a leading luxury provider in China, where Hublot currently has 3 boutiques and is planning the opening of 12 more by the end of 2012. Although this union has enabled Hublot to establish their brand with affluent Ferrari aficionados, their clientele are already accustomed to indulgence with the Hublot luxury watch line. And what better indulgence than a Hublot “Baby Million Big Bang” that sports 891 diamonds more than half of which are brilliantly cut bringing it to just under 21 carats of luxury all of which are carefully crafted on its white-gold bracelet, 44mm black dial. This fine self winding chronograph is a nice addition to any wrist behind the wheel of a Ferrari. It is modestly priced at 302k, although you can still opt in for a Hublot “Big Bang” that might be a bit more apropos behind the wheel of your Bugatti.

Hublot also continues to amaze the world with its recent technological breakthroughs when it unveiled its newest creation the “Magic Gold” on December 15th at its factory in Nyon, Switzerland. As anyone will attest, 24k gold is a popular material used on luxury watches with the only drawback being the softness of the metal picking up fine scratches. What makes the “Magic Gold” special is the incorporation of high-tech materials like carbide, enabling it to bind with the gold and make it scratch resistant. Biver also intimated of a “new line” that would incorporate this ‘new material’ to be released by March of next year.

Magic Gold

The certainty with Hublot is its continued desire to be the world’s most respected manufacturer of luxury. Additionally,  China has emerged as a firm competitor on the world markets and millions of Chinese are being exposed to this type of opulence for the first time, solidifying the Hublot brand as the leader of luxury items in the years to come.

The dramatic coloration of this piece makes it an instant classic - a must-have-grab. Hurry, because there are only 200 world-wide!

On December 16^th, Hublot, the name-brand Swiss watch makers, toured their latest collection – an exhibit called “The Art of Fusion” to Dalian, China. At this event honoring the unveiling of the newest item, the limited edition Jet Li watch, not only was the infamous action-star and martial artist present, but the managing director of the company, Mr. Ricardo Guadalupe, was also present.

The celebration featured an astounding presentation by one hundred practitioners of Tai Chi, an effort from the One Foundation, the enterprise that a large portion of the sales will go to, to share the culture of Chinese Tai Chi. Jet Li is the founder of the One Foundation, whose goal is to promote public service, philanthropy, and the protection of culture. Of the many foundations and ventures that Hublot funds, this is the first endeavor based in Asia since 2010 when Jet Li became the first brand ambassador into China.

For a brand like Hublot, whose designs have always been original and innovative, it is not surprising that they would take on the bold task of creating a watch as dynamic as Jet Li, whose many films and victories in in martial arts have made him one of the toughest, most high-kicking customers in modern film. Tai Chi as an art form represents harmony and balance in the universe, a philosophy that melds perfectly with Hublot’s stance on their watches and the unusual materials that they fuse to create their own kind of fashionable “balance.” Hublot claims that this correlation was intentional because that the ideas that Tai Chi supports about the origination of the universe and those that pertain to the Big Bang collection, are two peas in the proverbial pod.

The Jet Li limited edition watch will only have two hundred pieces created and sold globally, so if you are a fan of the action-star or simply the cause this watch will donate to, you will want to get your hands on it quickly. It will sport an open-work skeleton, like many Hublot watches, in black with a yin-yang on the back and an ornate Chinese screen decoration on the face plate. The case will be black ceramic with composite steel accents and hands and will feature the signature Aerobang Mechanical Self-Winding Chronograph, and a deployment buckle which is popular for fitting and keeping bands from catching skin or sensitive arm hairs.

Hublot representatives meet with Oscar Niemeyer to present him with the Aero Bang Niemeyer

Hublot is already beginning celebrations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. As the event’s Official Timekeeper, Hublot has begun its countdown by celebrating the capital city Brasilia and honoring the creator of the futuristic city, architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Niemeyer, will remarkably be celebrating his 104^th birthday at the end of this year.  To celebrate this momentous occasion, Hublot has created the “Aero Bang Niemeyer” which will be limited to 104 timepieces.

On November 29^th, 2011, Rick Delacroix, President of Hublot Latin America, presented Niemeyer with the watch at his home in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. The beautiful timepiece bears the famed architect’s name and the number 104.

The Aero Bang Niemeyer features a neat matt black skeleton dial, which enables one to truly appreciate the beauty fo the Chronograph caliber HUB4214. The green and yellow colors of Brasilia are embedded in the watch, applied to its hands and indexes. The 104 limited Aero Bang Niemeyer timepieces will be available in Brazil, solely from Grifith in Brasilia.

The Aero Bang Niemeyer, presented to Oscar Niemeyer in honor of his 104th birthday.

Oscar Neimeyer is one of the most legendary architects in the world, his architectural talents and capabilities have had enormous influences on Brasila, Rio and Sao Paulo, as well as on cities Europe and the US (he was involved in constructing the UN headquarters).  Niemeyer is known as a symbol of contemporary architecture of sensual curves and flexible forms, and even more importantly, as a great freedom lover.

His agreement to work with Hublot is an enormous feat for Hublot watches.

Joining forces with the band is Hublot, the Swiss producers of luxury watches for thirty years, the Geneva auction house Patrizzi & Co. and LiveAuctioneers.com, both professional and renowned auction companies whose involvement is sure to raise the success of the auction.

The Teenage Cancer Trust was established in 1997 and aims to assist teenagers and young adults suffering from cancer, leukemia and other related diseases by giving them access to special units which provide a more fun environment for the patient and has proven to improve the chances of recovery by about 15%.

Each of the watches won in the auction will come in specially designed presentation boxed, with more gifts than just a watch. Some of the extra perks include: A deluxe vinyl version of the album, a USB Key containing photos and a documentary about the making of the album and a signed photograph of the band members who were involved in the production of the album.

Bidding begins on 24^th of February.  And all proceeds will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust only two days later.

A worthy cause, with some very worthy prizes!

Based on these assurances Hublot keeps making high-end watches that few can afford but which seem to sell. One of these, called the Hublot Big Bang One Million $ Black Caviar Bang (pictured), won the 2009 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve prize for Jewelry watch of the Year. The watch took 2,000 hours to create and costs a million dollars due to the fact that it’s made from white gold and rare baguette cut black diamonds. Almost 550 diamonds, totaling 34.5 carats, cover the watch.

Perhaps sales of the one million dollar Black Caviar Big Bang are what is allowing Hublot to do the following: partner with Depeche Mode to create twelve special Big Bang watches that feature album covers from this band on the dial.

These limited edition timepieces will be auctioned exclusively at Hublot.ch starting February, 1, 2010. All proceeds from these sales will benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. A charity concept will take place as well on February 17 at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall.

Commenting on the cooperation with Hublot, Martin Gore from Depeche Mode claimed: “Being fans of Hublot watches, we are glad to work together with the company especially when the purpose is so important and noble. We were really honored to create these 12 timepieces together with Hublot and we appreciate very much the fact that money will go to the charity foundation for the young people suffering from cancer”.

Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver said the “brand felt proud and privileged to create twelve timepieces that reflect the fusion between the spirit and sound of the music of Depeche Mode and the vibrations of 450 years of Swiss watchmaking art.”