Does Hublot or AP deserve more hate?
Came across the following video re. Hublot vs. AP:
https://youtube.com/shorts/V3Wq1M6k3tQ?si=ZKG_FJacTl398jsn
What's your view on that? Some pros and cons comments I've heard about the two brands:
Hublot:
Pros:
they are actually not that bad and they are innovative with the use of various (new materials)
At least the screws on the Big Bang bezel have actual purpose
Cons:
their watches are disgusting
Simply stole the RO design for the Big Bang models
AP:
Pros:
The RO (or Gerald Genta) actually started the integrated bracelet sports watch trend which many of the brands out there are still trying to copy
Proper heritage
Cons:
wtf are those Spiderman /Black Panther ROs
The corrupted distribution channels in the last and now the bundle purchase game you need to play with the boutique (e.g. have yo get a rather unpopular Code 11.59 together with an RO)
Poor customer service (see video by Sunny Wang): https://youtu.be/3lr-XvIpJ54?si=D8ZZ-Ua9rExJVevf
Who deserves more hate? Let me know what you think.
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I’d happily wear a watch from either brand I don’t think either brand deserves the hate
I respect both, but I dislike tasteless releases by both as well.
Dislike both, almost as much as I hate that gobby Dutch Irishman. Think I'd last two minutes in his company before I belted him. I could wear a Hublot for a fraction longer....😱🤣
AP pros: were relevant when Jimmy Carter was President, thanks to guy who died a dozen years ago!
What have you done lately?
I like that Hublot allows you to have a nouveau riche d-bag watch at a fairly affordable price.
A And B 💯,vintage ap not Royal oaks 🔥other than that 👎
I’m shocked so many people chose AP. First, although it’s not my cup of tea, the royal oak is better than any watch Hublot makes. Second, their Code collection of watches is cool. It features chronographs, perpetual calendars, and simple time-only watches. Hublot’s catalog is basically a drawer full of G shocks. Third, AP’s vintage collection has some STUNNING watches
I don't watch these videos. I'm a fan of the 11:59 and registered interest. I'd buy one simply on its own appeal.
AP still makes some watches that aren’t the Royal Oak. Though it seems like the elegance days of AP are gone.
I don’t hate either brand, however I haven’t seen a single Hublot thus far that I’d wear.
I’m shocked so many people chose AP. First, although it’s not my cup of tea, the royal oak is better than any watch Hublot makes. Second, their Code collection of watches is cool. It features chronographs, perpetual calendars, and simple time-only watches. Hublot’s catalog is basically a drawer full of G shocks. Third, AP’s vintage collection has some STUNNING watches
I presume majority of the hate towards AP is due to the unsuccessful attempt to acquire the hyped up ROs. I agree that some of the Code models are cool, and I'm definitely a fan of the vintage models.
AP still makes some watches that aren’t the Royal Oak. Though it seems like the elegance days of AP are gone.
I don’t hate either brand, however I haven’t seen a single Hublot thus far that I’d wear.
Let's see if the elegant days of AP would return when the new CEO takes over.
Im not a fan of either just because of the designs so I dont like getting into discussions about what is better. I just want to say both brands are legitimate watch manufacturers with an own brand identity. Its just not for me.
not a fan of the latest ap collab, i feel like there isnt classy theme with spiderman, black phanter, etc. im gonna stick with regular ap, and for hublot the basic classic fushion isnt too bad
I don’t hate. Period.
the code 11.59 proves ap isn’t a one trick pony
I Say ridicule them both and let the site moderator sort them out!
I dislike Hublot far far far more. But as you mentioned, AP is just a one trick pony…
Waiting to see if AP decides to innovate with a new watch family under the leadership of Ilaria Resta.
I think some of the fellow WCs here quite rightly mentioned that AP does in fact offer more than just the RO, i.e. the Code series and other models. It's perhaps the scarcity of the hyped up ROs that is causing the dislike and got them deemed as a one trick pony.
I respect both, but I dislike tasteless releases by both as well.
I don't hate either. Would be great to hear what you think have been the tasteless designs from these two?
I’d happily wear a watch from either brand I don’t think either brand deserves the hate
Same here, I definitely won't mind wearing their watches.
not a fan of the latest ap collab, i feel like there isnt classy theme with spiderman, black phanter, etc. im gonna stick with regular ap, and for hublot the basic classic fushion isnt too bad
I think we are on the same page here. Design-wise the Classic Fusion is the one from Hublot that I would go for. However I do find it slightly hard to justify the retail price.
Can't afford either or justify either so it doesn't concern me 🤷🏽♂️
But I wouldn't mind a non-garish AP
I don't hate either. Would be great to hear what you think have been the tasteless designs from these two?
For AP, it's their gimmicky releases: Spiderman, Music Edition, ALYX... (Travis Scott is kinda neat, though)
For Hublot, it's the cluttered dials (not all of them, but most of them) and gem-set cases and bracelets.
As an owner of 2 Hublots (classic fusion and Big Bang) and 2 APs (RO and Code11.59) here are my thoughts
Jean-Claude Biver worked for both AP and Hublot, while he was the CEO of Hublot he took the design of RO and created Hublot watches and first in the industry to use rubber strap on them. Thats why they look similar, same way every brands based their integrated bracelet from RO.
Hublot is expensive. Maybe overpriced. But the quality of their watches are amazing. So what if some of their movements are ETA or sallitta. Many in-house movements can't compete with those power horses.
It's fun to say that AP is a one trick pony. They have more than 1 model, there are RO/offshore/concept/code. Of course they look similar they are made by the same company. What about Rolex? All of their models are based on OP, they don't all look the same? I see the same design on Sub/GMT/Yacht master/Daytona/sea-dweller/deep sea and Explorer/OP/airking.
I bought my RO before Code11.59, walked in without any purchasing history put my name down and waited for the call, the AD in Geneva never once ask me to buy the Code first.
The screws on RO are real and functional.
Their concept and collabs are ugly AF.
Hublot will never become AP and AP will never become a new Hublot. They are in difference league.
I always receive best customer services from both AP and Hublot. One YouTuber’s experience doesn’t represent their customer services. (At least for me)
Anyway. I am just a random avatar on the internet 😂
Interesting points shared there. Especially the one about "one trick pony"/Rolex design.
I think some of the fellow WCs here quite rightly mentioned that AP does in fact offer more than just the RO, i.e. the Code series and other models. It's perhaps the scarcity of the hyped up ROs that is causing the dislike and got them deemed as a one trick pony.
AP only offers two collections (or families) of watches.
Code 11.59 series
Royal Oak series
When any one person (or company) is considered a one trick pony, it means that you only have one thing, skill or virtue that people pay attention to. In the case of AP, it’s the Royal Oak.
Hublot is the punching bag of the industry. Deservingly so. They made so many variations of Big Bang models that they seem not so special anymore. Although I do like when they do artist editions
Hublot is the punching bag of the industry. Deservingly so. They made so many variations of Big Bang models that they seem not so special anymore. Although I do like when they do artist editions
I get your point about their releases, especially the number of "limited editions" which in reality is not "limited" at all.
To a certain extent I think their "punching bag" role might be due to their marketing campaign that is not so well received.
While both brands make some very nice watches, they also make some incredibly tacky looking ones.
They are often like "Invicta for the uber rich."
Their lack of consistency for good taste is what earns them scorn. Of course, when it comes to high priced poor taste, then absolutely no one can top Richard Mille. Would that brand even exist if it wasn't for celebrities, rappers, athletes and thugs?
While both brands make some very nice watches, they also make some incredibly tacky looking ones.
They are often like "Invicta for the uber rich."
Their lack of consistency for good taste is what earns them scorn. Of course, when it comes to high priced poor taste, then absolutely no one can top Richard Mille. Would that brand even exist if it wasn't for celebrities, rappers, athletes and thugs?
Agreed.
I was chasing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak few years back as I appreciated the design and the heritage. During the period of waiting, I learnt that Audemars Piguet watches' finishing is now handled by machines instead of by hands as they were used to, which has slightly discouraged me from the pursuit as I confess that I tend to care about these "trivial" matters. I have yet to have any luck acquiring the Royal Oak to date but I've been content acquiring other watches from other brands as well as have enjoyed learning other brands' not-so- boasted history, i.e. integrated bracelets luxury sports watch reignited mechanical watches from quartz crisis but other brands have their interesting stories too.
As for Richard Mille - I just don't quite understand this brand well enough to understand their price point.
Richard Mille watches have outstanding craftsmanship, and are made from high grade materials. They really are exquisite timepieces that cost a fortune, but unfortunately they are ugly and garish. They seem to be designed for teenagers who happen to have a quarter of a million dollars lying around doing nothing.
Of course, taste is subjective. Some people might love these bizarre watches, but I wouldn't want one even if it cost $100, Which might be why they are so popular among people who only care about broadcasting their wealth, and not their taste. So I will never understand the attraction either. But I suppose every watch isn't the best choice for everyone.
Richard Mille watches have outstanding craftsmanship, and are made from high grade materials. They really are exquisite timepieces that cost a fortune, but unfortunately they are ugly and garish. They seem to be designed for teenagers who happen to have a quarter of a million dollars lying around doing nothing.
Of course, taste is subjective. Some people might love these bizarre watches, but I wouldn't want one even if it cost $100, Which might be why they are so popular among people who only care about broadcasting their wealth, and not their taste. So I will never understand the attraction either. But I suppose every watch isn't the best choice for everyone.
You've quite literally just shared all the thoughts I have in my head about Richard Mille, except that I'd probably give it a go if they cost about $100.
I’ve hated Hublot for as long as I can remember. I agree with Nico Leonard’s sentiment that Hublot is for people with more money than sense. They charge $7-8K for their entry level watch with a selita movement? I know they make more technically impressive watches with exotic materials but I honestly hate their designs and find their watches very ugly. BUT if someone likes Hublot, who am I to stop them from buying one right? This is a hobby after all so to each his own. For me, I absolutely detest Hublot as a brand and all their watches