Hublot

Hublot Watches: Big Bang, Classic Fusion and the Art of Fusion

Watches from this brand are instantly recognizable by their contrasts. Matte ceramic sits alongside polished metal, a soft rubber strap holds a sharp-edged case, and visible screws frame the dial. The brand has developed this signature step by step since the 1980s, creating an unmistakable sports watch silhouette with the Big Bang. Anyone looking for a Hublot watch is usually seeking more than just a timepiece—namely, a design statement with a Swiss movement. On this page, you will discover where the unusual name comes from, what lies behind “Art of Fusion,” how the Big Bang and Classic Fusion differ, and which details give you peace of mind when buying a pre-owned watch.

Hublot Genève: How a Porthole Became a Watch Brand

The name reveals the origin of the idea: “Hublot” is the French word for porthole and is pronounced without a hard “h,” sounding roughly like “üblo.” Founder Carlo Crocco showcased the brand’s first watches at the Basel Watch Fair in 1980. Their screwed-down, round bezels recalled the portholes of a ship’s cabin, and instead of leather, they featured natural rubber—unusual for a luxury watch at the time. The brand took its next major step under Jean-Claude Biver, who took over in 2004; the Big Bang arrived a year later. In 2008, the company became part of the luxury goods group LVMH and is headquartered in Nyon on Lake Geneva. Many dials feature the inscription “Hublot Genève,” while English-language catalogs simply refer to the models as “Hublot Watches.” The original concept from the brand’s early days remains to this day: a material that would normally not belong in haute horlogerie is given a permanent place within it.

The Hublot Watch and Its Signature “Art of Fusion”

The term is based on a simple question: What happens when materials from completely different worlds are combined? The Big Bang answered it in 2005 with a multi-layered case in which ceramic, steel, and rubber are stacked like a sandwich. Six H-shaped screws hold the bezel in place, a signature of the collection to this day. The manufacture also develops its own alloys. King Gold is a proprietary rose gold alloy with platinum, which Hublot describes as redder than classic rose gold; Magic Gold combines 18-karat gold with ceramic and is presented by the brand as scratch-resistant gold. Carbon, titanium, and colored ceramic complete the range. For you as a buyer, this means that two watches with the same model name can differ significantly based on material alone, both in weight and appearance. That is why the “Case Material” field in the specifications is the first line you should read in every listing.

Hublot Big Bang and Classic Fusion: Two Model Families, Two Personalities

The Big Bang is the brand’s flagship: a bold case, a wide bezel, and often a chronograph. The Big Bang Unico added an in-house movement to the range—a flyback chronograph with a column wheel that you can see through the dial. The Aero Bang offers a view through a skeletonized dial, while special editions such as the Big Bang Sang Bleu were created in collaboration with tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi, whose geometric shapes define the dial. The Classic Fusion takes a more understated approach. The brand introduced it in 2008 as a modern reinterpretation of its first models from the 1980s: a flatter case, a satin-finished bezel, and a cleaner dial. It is available as a simple three-hand watch and as a chronograph, for example in the Black Magic and Racing Grey versions. As a third family, the Spirit of Big Bang complements the Hublot range with its tonneau-shaped case. If you are torn between the families, the decision usually comes down to personality: bold and sporty or understated and elegant.

Hublot Watches for Men: Which Case Size Is Right for You

A large part of the collection is designed for men’s wrists. The classic Big Bang measures 44 millimeters, the Unico is also available in 45 millimeters, and even the more understated Classic Fusion is often worn as a 42-millimeter chronograph. Because the wide bezel frames the dial, a Hublot watch for men often appears more substantial on the wrist than its diameter suggests. It can be helpful to compare it with a watch you already own: if you usually wear 40-millimeter watches, a Big Bang will feel noticeably more prominent. The rubber strap attaches directly to the case and fits snugly around the wrist; this also makes the larger sizes suitable for everyday wear. If your wrist is rather narrow but you love the Big Bang look, it is worth considering variants around 41 millimeters. With men’s watches of this size, the most important factor is how well the case and arm fit together.

Hublot Watches for Women: Compact Sizes, Color, and Mother-of-Pearl

For many women, the compact cases are the perfect entry point. The Classic Fusion is available in 33 and 38 millimeters, with some models featuring a quartz movement that keeps the watch slim and allows it to continue running even if it sits in a drawer for a few days. In the Big Bang family, the colorful Tutti Frutti brings 41 millimeters of color to the wrist, combined with a mother-of-pearl dial. Many women also deliberately choose the larger sizes, precisely because the contrast between a slender wrist and a striking watch is so appealing. You do not therefore have to define a Hublot watch for women by its size. What matters more is which side of the brand appeals to you: understated black ceramic, light-colored rubber, or a stone-set bezel. Where a gender is indicated in the specifications, this can give you an initial idea; ultimately, your impression on the wrist will make the difference.

Buying a Pre-Owned Hublot: Condition, Papers, and Service

Many watches from the brand change hands as pre-owned pieces, and with so many material variations, accuracy is essential. In the specifications, you will usually find the reference, condition, case material, size, strap, and movement. Condition ratings range from “worn” to “perfect condition,” but the contents of the delivery are worth a second look: “Box and papers from the manufacturer” is different from “Box and certificate of authenticity.” Some watches may also have documented service listed in the title. The rubber strap deserves particular attention, as it is considered a wear part and loses elasticity over the years; the photos show you how it looks. And if you would like to trade in your current watch before buying your next one, you can offer it to Marc Gebauer for purchase.

Buying Hublot from Marc Gebauer: Comparison, Inquiry, and Storage

Marc Gebauer Lifestyle GmbH is an independent dealer of luxury watches and has no business relationship with Hublot. We use brand, model, and reference designations exclusively to clearly identify the watches on offer.

Every listing here is marked “verified authenticity,” and in addition to the usual payment methods, cryptocurrency is also available; Club members can also enjoy their exclusive benefits. If your desired version, such as a Big Bang in King Gold, does not appear in the overview, describe it to the team in a few sentences. When comparing, it is worth taking a look at other sports watches with their own distinctive character: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for its integrated strap, Franck Muller for its curved tonneau shapes, and Breitling for chronographs with their own design language. For storage, the accessories include watch cases that prevent ceramic and rubber from rubbing against each other.

Take your time reviewing the specifications of your favorites, starting with the material and then the contents of the delivery. If both are right, your next watch is just a few clicks away, and the Marc Gebauer team is here to help with any questions.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

How much does a Hublot watch cost?

There is no fixed price, because four things determine the price: model family, case material, movement, and condition. A Classic Fusion with a quartz movement is in a different class than a Big Bang Unico in King Gold, and manufacturer papers also have an impact. You can see how much a specific watch costs in its listing.

What does Hublot mean in German?

"Hublot" is French and means "porthole". The name refers to the screwed-on, round bezel of the first models, which resembled a ship's window. It is pronounced without the H and with a silent t, so something like "üblo".

Who owns Hublot?

Hublot is a Swiss watch manufacturer based in Nyon and has belonged to the French luxury goods group LVMH since 2008. The brand was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, and it experienced its breakthrough in 2005 with the Big Bang under Jean-Claude Biver.

How can you recognize a genuine Hublot?

The reference, model, and case material must match each other, and the workmanship of the bezel, screws, and dial should be flawless. Manufacturer papers or a certificate of authenticity are further clues. The safest way is to buy from a dealer who inspects every watch beforehand: At Marc Gebauer, every listing is marked as having had its authenticity verified.

Are there Hublot watches for women?

Yes. In addition to the large sports models, there are compact cases, such as the Classic Fusion with 33 or 38 millimeters or colorful Big Bang variants around 41 millimeters. Many women still deliberately choose the classic men's sizes because the look depends precisely on that.

Can I sell my Hublot to Marc Gebauer?

You can offer it through the buyback service. A short video on the buyback page explains the process, after which you describe your watch in the buyback form. Have the reference, condition, and scope of delivery ready, then the team can quickly assess your offer.

Is Marc Gebauer an authorized Hublot dealer?

No. Marc Gebauer Lifestyle GmbH is an independent dealer of luxury watches and has no business relationship with Hublot. The brand and reference designations are used exclusively to describe the watches offered.