Hublot Revisits Crocco’s Original Fusion Design
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Hublot has returned to its original design with a new interpretation of Carlo Crocco’s first watch, according to Time+Tide. The news comes from an interview with Crocco dated 18.10.26 and written by Pietro Pilla. The new interpretation involves the combination of precious gold and an inexpensive rubber strap that MDM Hublot introduced.
The Original Fusion
Time+Tide reports that the rubber strap became synonymous with Hublot’s philosophy of fusion. Crocco described Hublot as emerging from an attempt to develop a product with a certain originality while retaining everything that was classical about the Swiss watch industry. He added that the idea was to introduce a different touch of design without abandoning the traditional character of Swiss watches.
Development of the original Hublot considered comfort, elegance and practicality, according to Time+Tide. The black rubber strap made possible an extremely elegant and extremely practical watch. The watches sold to many doctors, and the same qualities applied to sportsmen. A Hublot could be worn with a tuxedo and then taken into the sea for a swim.
Forty-six years later, Time+Tide notes, Hublot still returns to the same product and the same inspiration.
From Advertising To Royal Wrists
Hublot’s earliest advertising featured a sailing boat reflecting the watch’s porthole-inspired design. King Constantine of Greece saw the advertisement in Time Magazine, visited a jeweller and ordered two watches: one for himself and another for King Juan Carlos of Spain. Customers also included the King of Sweden, Albert, Stéphanie and Caroline of Monaco, essentially the entire Monaco family, according to Time+Tide. Armani bought one watch, and Magistretti bought one watch.
Crocco was euphoric once kings started buying the watches. After that success, Hublot went into production and created subsidiaries around the world.
Industry Reaction And Biver
The older generation in the industry did not really understand the rubber, while younger people proved considerably more receptive. Time+Tide reports that Cartier’s director at the time said, “This is a fantastic idea. We should have done it.” In the years since, Time+Tide adds, everybody uses rubber straps, and Rolex uses rubber straps.
Jean-Claude Biver arrived in 2004 and theorised, or formalised, the idea of fusion as applicable to many other materials, according to Time+Tide.
Returning To The DNA
Crocco said Hublot revisiting its first design means they understand the importance of returning to the DNA of the brand and carrying it forward in order to preserve its personality, according to Time+Tide. For readers who want to test their eye for watch details, the game at Watchdle is available.
FAQ
When did Carlo Crocco begin developing the concept for Hublot?
Time+Tide states that Crocco began developing the concept in 1976. He founded MDM Hublot in 1980.
Who was part of the original Hublot team?
The team included a designer, someone in marketing, several collaborators and a Swiss case manufacturer. Crocco’s objective was to create both a brand and a watch that could last for a very long time.
How did the Basel presentation unfold?
The first two days brought absolute silence, and nobody came. From the third day onwards, everyone was talking about the watches because they were genuinely the new and original product of the fair.
