My new Hublot

Don't feel you need to defend your purchase, and your write-up is spending energy defending the brand and not your watch in particular! Anyone who writes off a brand entirely, and won't even consider things on a piece-by-piece basis is willfully ignorant or too lazy IMO.

The beauty of this hobby is that it's all about self expressionism, and our choices represent our interest and ideals regarding watches. Hublot isn't exploiting any children in sweatshops (to our knowledge ofc), or exploiting international IP laws, so I see nothing wrong here 👍

Carbon fiber is interesting, but 4000m?! Da-yum!

It really is too bad the post came off that way. I was trying to debunk some myths about the brand as I feel like the meme culture has pushed it to a place where people actually hate it for poor reasons that they havn't even researched.

Unfortuantely it seems that people are taking it as if I am insecure about the purchase. I am not, however it would be nice for another collector who enjoys the style to stumble upon the post about why I belive people are wrong about it. This is just my opinion ofc but I figured most people wouldnt enjoy it due to thier mind made up about the brand.

Thanks for the feedback.

I enjoyed your write-up regardless. That's why we're here: to talk watches, look at watches, and hear other peoples' stories and interests in them 👍

Whenever I see Hublot I only see mis-alligned screws.

I love the grey plastic of my casio, it perfectly matches my Citroën C4 Spacetourer 😅

@Beanna

@TickyBurden

Original post-

Hello everyone. I just acquired a Hublot. Here is my Hublot King Power Oceanographic 4000.

Before you cringe at my choice of timepiece, allow me to elaborate the reasoning behind it as I know that in the world of horology, few brands are as divisive as Hublot. 

To point out the obvious, Hublot is known for its distinctive design and high price tags, Hublot watches have a knack for polarizing watch enthusiasts. While some view them as status symbols and unique statement pieces, others consider them overpriced and lacking in true horological innovation. As someone who was intrigued with Hublot for many years, I wanted to ponder these controversies through my own findings rather than echo the popular opinions.

My Fascination with Hublot

The allure of Hublot for me, is its ability to stand out without resorting to ostentatious displays of wealth. I am sure we would all be able to point out a Big bang from ten yards away(it didn’t even need to be iced out with diamonds!) and due to this fact, the brand gained celebrity endorsements, with basketball legend Dwayne Wade famously sporting a Hublot timepiece. To me, this was impactful. Seeing him wear one sparked my fascination and eventual dive into the world of watch collecting years ago. 

At the time of first encountering Hublot, I was working an entry-level job and realized that owning one of these luxury timepieces was financially out of reach. Consequently, I explored other brands and discovered U-BOAT, a brand known for its rugged and industrial watch designs. The entry point was palatable and it was my first real foray into watches. It really fed my desire for the unique as you all know the designs of Italo Fontana are also polarizing in a similar sense. 

The Grail Pursuit Begins

Years passed, and my passion for watches continued to grow. As I embarked on the quest for the ultimate timepiece, I revisited the idea of owning a Hublot. However, this journey unveiled a surprising truth: Hublot was one of the most despised brands in the watch community. The amount of actual virtriol and hate this brand carried actually backed me off from shopping for them. Take Nico for example, his channel is fun and informative. It would be sad if I ever ran across him wearing a Hublot as he takes his hatred of the brand seriously to the point where he will not be in a picture if you have one on. 

Besides not sitting with the cool kids(I never did anyway), I figured I would unpack the criticism fairly. 

Movements: A significant point of contention among critics is the use of Sellita and ETA movements, typically found in watches within the $500 to $1,000 range. Hublot, however, takes these movements and enhances them in-house to create HUB movements. This practice, while similar to other respected brands like IWC and Panerai, raised questions about the perceived value of Hublot watches.

Style: A matter of personal preference, the distinct design of Hublot watches may not resonate with everyone. Despite being objectively inferior to classics like the Rolex Submariner, I truly appreciate Hublot's unique and audacious approach to design. Like I said, you can pick it out of a crowd.

Royal Oak Resemblance: Accusations of Hublot copying the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak design have circulated for years. However, the Porthole design, from which Hublot's name is derived, should not be exclusive to the Royal Oak. This controversy highlights the fine line between homage and imitation in the watch industry but a line many other companies walk. Tudor versus Rolex comes to mind. Or really any other diver for that matter. 

Fit and Finish: Critics argue that Hublot watches don't justify their high price tags in terms of build quality. Yet, personal experience counters this claim, many owners finding their Hublot to be substantial and of good quality. But what about the misaligned screws on the Bezel? As it turns out, the AP employs fixed nuts that are securely in place and don't rotate. So of course they won't be misaligned! The actual screws that fasten into the bezel of the AP are visible on the caseback side of the watch. In contrast, Hublot opts to display the actual screws themselves on the front of the bezel.

Now, one might argue that this choice is indicative of laziness in manufacturing. However, it's equally plausible to view it as a deliberate design choice. As with many aspects of watch design, opinions on this matter may vary, and each perspective should add depth to the conversation rather than take a superior stance or even demean collectors. 

Marketing: Some have criticized Hublot's marketing tactics as exclusive and pretentious. However, in comparison to brands like Rolex and Richard Mille, Hublot's practices may not be as unique as they appear.

My Quest for Uniqueness

In the end, my choice to acquire a Hublot came down to a desire for uniqueness. The world of luxury watches often celebrates conformity, but for those who appreciate individuality, Hublot's distinctive designs offer an alternative.

My conclusion

I've realized that I've penned quite a lengthy piece here, and it's possible that I'm inadvertently finding ways to rationalize and defend my purchase. However, my perspective is rooted in the belief that these timepieces, while undeniably luxurious, are somewhat obsolete when it comes to their primary function. Even if your watch boasts rare materials and features like a tourbillon, the fundamental reality remains unchanged – a humble Casio can keep more accurate time.

Ultimately, the essence of this hobby lies not solely in the practicality of a watch but in the joy it brings and the personal journey it entails. Collecting timepieces becomes a cherished pursuit when we find those special pieces that resonate with us, making us feel unique and appreciative of the artistry that goes into crafting these intricate instruments. So yes, for some, that feeling can be had with a Hublot on your wrist. 

-JD

@Beanna

@TickyBurden

Original post-

Hello everyone. I just acquired a Hublot. Here is my Hublot King Power Oceanographic 4000.

Before you cringe at my choice of timepiece, allow me to elaborate the reasoning behind it as I know that in the world of horology, few brands are as divisive as Hublot. 

To point out the obvious, Hublot is known for its distinctive design and high price tags, Hublot watches have a knack for polarizing watch enthusiasts. While some view them as status symbols and unique statement pieces, others consider them overpriced and lacking in true horological innovation. As someone who was intrigued with Hublot for many years, I wanted to ponder these controversies through my own findings rather than echo the popular opinions.

My Fascination with Hublot

The allure of Hublot for me, is its ability to stand out without resorting to ostentatious displays of wealth. I am sure we would all be able to point out a Big bang from ten yards away(it didn’t even need to be iced out with diamonds!) and due to this fact, the brand gained celebrity endorsements, with basketball legend Dwayne Wade famously sporting a Hublot timepiece. To me, this was impactful. Seeing him wear one sparked my fascination and eventual dive into the world of watch collecting years ago. 

At the time of first encountering Hublot, I was working an entry-level job and realized that owning one of these luxury timepieces was financially out of reach. Consequently, I explored other brands and discovered U-BOAT, a brand known for its rugged and industrial watch designs. The entry point was palatable and it was my first real foray into watches. It really fed my desire for the unique as you all know the designs of Italo Fontana are also polarizing in a similar sense. 

The Grail Pursuit Begins

Years passed, and my passion for watches continued to grow. As I embarked on the quest for the ultimate timepiece, I revisited the idea of owning a Hublot. However, this journey unveiled a surprising truth: Hublot was one of the most despised brands in the watch community. The amount of actual virtriol and hate this brand carried actually backed me off from shopping for them. Take Nico for example, his channel is fun and informative. It would be sad if I ever ran across him wearing a Hublot as he takes his hatred of the brand seriously to the point where he will not be in a picture if you have one on. 

Besides not sitting with the cool kids(I never did anyway), I figured I would unpack the criticism fairly. 

Movements: A significant point of contention among critics is the use of Sellita and ETA movements, typically found in watches within the $500 to $1,000 range. Hublot, however, takes these movements and enhances them in-house to create HUB movements. This practice, while similar to other respected brands like IWC and Panerai, raised questions about the perceived value of Hublot watches.

Style: A matter of personal preference, the distinct design of Hublot watches may not resonate with everyone. Despite being objectively inferior to classics like the Rolex Submariner, I truly appreciate Hublot's unique and audacious approach to design. Like I said, you can pick it out of a crowd.

Royal Oak Resemblance: Accusations of Hublot copying the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak design have circulated for years. However, the Porthole design, from which Hublot's name is derived, should not be exclusive to the Royal Oak. This controversy highlights the fine line between homage and imitation in the watch industry but a line many other companies walk. Tudor versus Rolex comes to mind. Or really any other diver for that matter. 

Fit and Finish: Critics argue that Hublot watches don't justify their high price tags in terms of build quality. Yet, personal experience counters this claim, many owners finding their Hublot to be substantial and of good quality. But what about the misaligned screws on the Bezel? As it turns out, the AP employs fixed nuts that are securely in place and don't rotate. So of course they won't be misaligned! The actual screws that fasten into the bezel of the AP are visible on the caseback side of the watch. In contrast, Hublot opts to display the actual screws themselves on the front of the bezel.

Now, one might argue that this choice is indicative of laziness in manufacturing. However, it's equally plausible to view it as a deliberate design choice. As with many aspects of watch design, opinions on this matter may vary, and each perspective should add depth to the conversation rather than take a superior stance or even demean collectors. 

Marketing: Some have criticized Hublot's marketing tactics as exclusive and pretentious. However, in comparison to brands like Rolex and Richard Mille, Hublot's practices may not be as unique as they appear.

My Quest for Uniqueness

In the end, my choice to acquire a Hublot came down to a desire for uniqueness. The world of luxury watches often celebrates conformity, but for those who appreciate individuality, Hublot's distinctive designs offer an alternative.

My conclusion

I've realized that I've penned quite a lengthy piece here, and it's possible that I'm inadvertently finding ways to rationalize and defend my purchase. However, my perspective is rooted in the belief that these timepieces, while undeniably luxurious, are somewhat obsolete when it comes to their primary function. Even if your watch boasts rare materials and features like a tourbillon, the fundamental reality remains unchanged – a humble Casio can keep more accurate time.

Ultimately, the essence of this hobby lies not solely in the practicality of a watch but in the joy it brings and the personal journey it entails. Collecting timepieces becomes a cherished pursuit when we find those special pieces that resonate with us, making us feel unique and appreciative of the artistry that goes into crafting these intricate instruments. So yes, for some, that feeling can be had with a Hublot on your wrist. 

-JD

Your money your taste. I personally do not dislike Hublot just the value for money is meh.

I like it, Hublot makes some cool stuff... Check out the Hublot Golf watch, that thing is awesome

The Spirit of Big Bang is a guilty pleasure watch for me. My tastes and my collection have mostly gone in the opposite direction, but it remains a soft spot for me. Congratulations on your new watch! Wear it in good health!

PS I hope you and your Hublot always feel welcome on watch crunch.

I enjoyed reading this, I more often than not come across the brand getting derided, it’s refreshing to hear from the other perspective. Thanks for sharing!

Just thought I'd add this video to the conversation,:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cwz534yM2se/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==