00/24 WatchWorld

The Swiss watch brand Hublot can currently boast a boutique opening almost every 15 days, and these continue to be at the most prestigious locations across the globe. To mark the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi on the Yas Marina circuit – Hublot is the Official Watch of Formula 1™ - Abu Dhabi's second Hublot boutique was opened on 3rd November 2012. A traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, attended by Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot, and the Seddiqi family, long-standing partners and friends of the brand in the UAE.

From 6 to 8 September 2012, the town of Montreux in Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva became the capital of motor sport, bringing together 100 exceptional legendary cars especially for a historic rally and an exhibition unique worldwide. These cars were on loan from the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, the jewel of which was the Alfa P3 one-seater, which won 46 races between 1932 and 1935.

Three existential symbols: the horse, man’s finest conquest; the ball, man’s first natural toy; and a game, children’s favorite pastime. Few sports combine as many essential symbols of our existence. A steadfast supporter of the Gstaad Polo Gold Cup for five years now, Hublot is happy to be once again associated with this magnificent tournament to be held from August 16 to 19 in a stunning setting in the heart of our Swiss Alps.

A first in the world of luxury watchmaking: Just slide the mouse to get a 360° tour of the Swiss manufacture, each watch workshop and all of the brand's boutiques across the world. The website is no longer just a shop window. It allows users to discover this complete universe and its products, and offers them the opportunity to create a direct commercial environment with a single aim: to build a closer customer relationship.

When I interviewed him back in June (see December’s forthcoming edition of 00/24 WatchWorld), Hublot boss Jean Claude Biver referred to what he called the “Ferrari effect” – namely, the way an ultra-exclusive luxury brand could promote itself through the mass-market. Ferrari’s global popularity, he says, was his inspiration for getting involved with populist events like Formula 1 and the World Cup.

Bernie Ecclestone was mugged in London on November 25th, 2010, and his Hublot watch was stolen from his wrist. He sent a picture along with a short note to Jean-Claude Biver (Hublot CEO) the same day. Since the two have a certain sense of humor, they agreed to make an advert. It was featured in Financial Time on Nov. 26th.

Jean-Claude Biver of Hublot is a clever man. As mentioned earlier in another blog entry, he´s here, there and everywhere. This time he was just outside his office in sunny Nyon, when the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, did a charity run for his foundationwhich supports a number of projects in Jamaica focusing on education, health and development.