Hublot Chronograph: A Collector's Unexpected Journey and Defense of the Brand

jenjames · 2021-06-07T18:28:37Z

Jenjames shares a surprising review of his Hublot chronograph, praising its flawless function and challenging negative brand perceptions. Discover insights on Hublot's strap system, sapphire cases, and market position.

jenjames

WPS member · Hublot forum

19 replies7720 views1 photos

Jenjames shares a compelling personal account of his Hublot chronograph, challenging common perceptions of the brand. His experience highlights the watch's exceptional timing and robust chronograph function, contrasting it with issues he encountered with other luxury chronographs. This candid review offers a fresh perspective on Hublot's quality and wearability, encouraging collectors to look beyond prevailing narratives.

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I own this watch for quite some time now.. it has been a marvellous piece and it kept exceptionally good timing.

This is the only chronograph function that I use to time myself doing odd chores.. such as how long I take to walk from the front door to my car porch.. minor things.. and the chronograph function flawlessly! Same cannot be said about AP Offshores and Daytona.. could be down to my bad luck that 3 of my Offshores and one of my Daytona have to go back to the services centre due to the big second hand goes off alignment after a few laps. I have phobia using any chronograph function hence I don’t buy a lot of chronograph watches. Even if I do, I do not like using them eg 5980/1R.

It is only because I have intention to send my Hublot back to the services centre for some good cleaning, I think to myself why not just use the chrono function and play with it even if it is break, the watch is going back to the factory soon anyway. To my surprise, it function beautifully and it is such a joy to use. It is a secret timing game between me and my Hublot.. I even time how long it takes for me to fill up my petrol 😅

This is my first Hublot and only Hublot at this moment. I ordered a two more both are in some coloured sapphire casing. I am yet to pick them up due to the covid lock down.

Previously I have read plenty of articles and seen plenty of meme knocking down Hublot as a brand. Hence my reservation from getting one myself.

This particular watch has truly broken the evil spells that media has cast on this brand. I find all these negativities are absolutely uncalled for.

The icing on the cake for this particular watch is the fit and finish is top notch. It wears beautifully and it is so comfortable! The design of the clasp is fantastic to use and the ease of changing out the straps with its “seat beat buckle design” is something currently AP and PP and Rolex can only dream of.

Last but not least.. this watch is seriously a show stopper. I am use to loud watches such as Daytona Leopard and MB&F machines and URWERKs.. I would say this watch command similar attention out in the public. I received plenty of compliments and asking for a closer look. Few of my friends who are fellow collectors have since changed their view on Hublot. Yes they have not bought any Hublot yet but at least no more negative comments from them.

Here I took a random shot, with the benefits of a very fine and sunny day and having some deep thoughts on why there are so much hate for this brand and most importantly why I didn’t buy one myself earlier? ... ...

🍻

James

Key Points from the Discussion

The Hublot strap attachment system is a revolutionary, simple, and effective design, allowing for easy and secure strap changes with a 'seat belt buckle design' that other major brands are only now beginning to emulate.
Hublot's aesthetic, technical prowess, and a certain quirkiness are key attractions, with much of the brand's modern success attributed to the vision and philosophy of Jean-Claude Biver.
A common critique of Hublot is its extensive use of limited editions and numerous models, which can lead to market saturation, though the craftsmanship of pieces handled in boutiques is often impressive.
While Hublot may not offer the same investment appreciation as brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or AP, its artistic approach, fresh designs, and brand image appeal to watch enthusiasts who prioritize unique aesthetics over investment value.
Jenjames is expanding his Hublot collection with two sapphire-cased models: the Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM and a 42mm Unico Yellow Sapphire, showcasing the brand's innovative material use.
Major brands like Cartier (with the Santos) and Audemars Piguet have recently introduced their own quick-change strap and bracelet systems, indicating a growing industry trend towards user-friendly adjustability, a feature Hublot has excelled at.

The Discussion

DouglasM

Jun 7, 2021

My main issue with Hublot is that they make limited editions for nearly everything and everyone on earth; seems they have way too many models out there and I'm tired of seeing them all. The ones I have handled in the Hublot boutique in Las Vegas were impressively made, though I didn't buy anything that day. Your sapphire case version is simply incredible, it's no surprise that you get so many people wanting to see and touch it. Very impressive engineering on that one. I would be happy if you cou

LiftAngle51

Jun 7, 2021

I know about the Hublot jealousy. The brand produce watches which have a price tag not everybody can put on a desk of a jewelry store, AD, etc. For investment many know Hublot is not like Rolex, Patek, and AP. For me it makes no different, but it is there. I look also at the opportunity to invest in watches and i want an increase in value. At the other hand, i am a WIS and want a Hublot. I want it badly. I like the artistic approach, the fresh looks, and the imago. Sure i use no chronographs, be

jenjames

Jun 8, 2021

.. however they are not the identical.. First is the Big Bang MP-11 SAXEM .. and the other is similar but it is a smaller size 42mm Unico Yellow Sapphire Photos credit to Hublot website.

jenjames

Jun 8, 2021

The strap however is a revolutionary simple yet effective design and it works a treat like no other. Simply insert to engage and press the “button” to release.. Once it is locked in, it is very secure, solid and sturdy. Absolutely no flexing no loose bits. The only downside is they can be quite expensive (I paid around USD1K for the crocodile strap) and due to ease of changing out the strap you tend to buy more and more! I currently has three (3) sets of straps readily to be interchanged. The st

quattro69

Jun 8, 2021

Hi James, consider me a fan. At one point I owned 3 and continue to want more. Yes, there is a lot of hate out there, but to be honest, I never really understood it. I enjoy Hublot mostly for its aesthetic, technical prowess and a little quirkiness. But I can also say that probably at least half of my love affair with Hublot is its modern day founder (or re-juvenator) Jean-Claude Biver. I was very privileged to meet Mr. Biver and he truly is an extraordinary leader and a very special human being

MichaelC

Jun 8, 2021

AP introduced their own quick change system this year.

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Hublot Chronograph: A Collector's Unexpected Journey and Defense of the Brand

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