Hublot - your opinions

[eugenetan]

Hi guys,

Whenever I see a Hublot ad, I get rather pissed cos it seems to me they are a copy cat of AP. Am I right or wrong? Pls advise me as I admit I know little about Hublot, reason being i just don't quite like it.

No offence to any Hublot owners, just a personal view.

[Lartymarf]

I thought I was the only one who thought that. I don't know the hublot history and story, so maybe that's why. But, agree on your comment. Curious what others have to say.

[dddrees]

Hublot seems to be quite big in the Caribean. Saw quite a few while on a cruise. Figured I would look at them because I had never seen any of them in person anywhere else. I wasn't that impressed by the overall look and feel of the watch. I think they look a bit better in pictures than they do when you look at them up close and personal.


I'm not sure this thread really belongs here, but I don't think most of the comments will be that favorable in it's current location.

[cedric]

Couple of years ago, I had the same feeling that it is just a wannabe of AP. But in recent time, noticed that they have come of age, a number of very nice pieces. Of course, in terms of design, there are bound to be people who can't warm up to the Hublot design, same with those who can't accept the AP ROO (but is perfectly fine with RO).

[mb23]

I once thought along these same lines, but they have grown as a manufacture and will continue to grow. Let's not forget the Mr. Biver at one time was a part of Audemars and he is a marketing genious!

I must admit I owned one a recently and sold it, I would like to own one again. I will probably add one soon. They are really great in person and the finish and materials used are great!

They are here to stay, so i say buy with confidence (buy smart) as always!

[kilyung]

I don't disagree but they've been getting better. You can definitely see AP DNA. However they've been doing interesting things with materials... Magic Gold sounds too good to be true!

[FeelingTheBlues]

I'm not their biggest enthusiast and they do look like AP's but I wouldn't be upset because they're "just a copy". I think they can come up with interesting pieces.

[yachty 1]

Love them. Only can get better with time

[jk88]

Pusha T referenced one on a track recently: "Dope money, coke money, Hublot, my watch better..."

Perhaps they're catching on with the rap crowd?

[Kyu]

actually Hublot and AP both copied another Brand.

AP isn't the original design behind the big round Or hex bezel.
Hublot tried to be alittle bit more original but at the end resembles another brand.

I own both,
and love both, They have their own different characteristics

[nick c]

like cars every one copy each other design

[GerardoG]

I have mixed feelings on Hublot; let me explain. On one side, I do like their design, and also the mix of materials (and new products such as magic gold). As far as I remember, Hublot was a pioneer in ceramic and rubber parts, so the watch industry owes them for starting new trends.

On the other, I think they have become fashion statements. Look at their chronos. Nice designs (AP DNA as someone said before) but, look closer: on most of their chronos, there is NO tachy bezel/markings!

So, you have a product that is a first in special materials, with a nice design, which has become a fashion statement but even with a chrono feature you can NOT read fractions of a second (or measure speed for what chronos are most used for) and pay over $12K us for a stainless steel and rubber/ceramic.

Is it nice? Yes. But why pay 12 grand for a ss/ceramic with no tachy when you can buy a brand new SS Daytona?

...my 2 cents....

[eugenetan]

Interesting comments from everyone, thanks for sharing. Yes, i think as mb23 mentioned, its AP DNA quite likely came from Mr Biver. I do appreciate their contributions to the watch industry for trying new materials. But just felt they could try to create their own look or identity.

No doubt, Gerald Genta designed quite a number of reowned brands, but they still have their own characteristics and don't look like a copy of each other.

Well, there is no copyright to the design i guess, so noone's to blame. lol.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by eugenetan

Interesting comments from everyone, thanks for sharing. Yes, i think as mb23 mentioned, its AP DNA quite likely came from Mr Biver. I do appreciate their contributions to the watch industry for trying new materials. But just felt they could try to create their own look or identity.

No doubt, Gerald Genta designed quite a number of reowned brands, but they still have their own characteristics and don't look like a copy of each other.

Well, there is no copyright to the design i guess, so noone's to blame. lol.

Also, with regards to Genta - the APRO, IWC Inge, and PP Nautilus all look like Genta designs because they are. The Hublot watches look like Genta designs because... I can't say why, but I suspect they're going for success by association. Also, I think their model names are terrible.

[Kyu]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

I have mixed feelings on Hublot; let me explain. On one side, I do like their design, and also the mix of materials (and new products such as magic gold). As far as I remember, Hublot was a pioneer in ceramic and rubber parts, so the watch industry owes them for starting new trends.

On the other, I think they have become fashion statements. Look at their chronos. Nice designs (AP DNA as someone said before) but, look closer: on most of their chronos, there is NO tachy bezel/markings!

So, you have a product that is a first in special materials, with a nice design, which has become a fashion statement but even with a chrono feature you can NOT read fractions of a second (or measure speed for what chronos are most used for) and pay over $12K us for a stainless steel and rubber/ceramic.

Is it nice? Yes. But why pay 12 grand for a ss/ceramic with no tachy when you can buy a brand new SS Daytona?

...my 2 cents....

well my hublot big bangs have a date
my wg meteorite daytona doesnt
15k Hublot and a 33k Hublot both have dates but my 41k Daytona doesnt

And I think wearing watches now a days is more of a fashion than anything else.
other wise a 80 dollar Tech watch would be more than enough to do all the wrist tools necessary vs. luxury brands

heck.. my 1k tawatec is a better tool watch than my sub,
I just sport luxury watches because of luxury and fashion..

Yes i am a man and I do tend to care about my fashion time to time :)
I am not wearing a G-shock with a Canali suit to a shirt/tie dress party

and i wear Movados only to work because I think anything else is over dressed and too flashy
nothing against others who don't agree, I am still young and I believe it is appropriate not to be too flashy

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Kyu

well my hublot big bangs have a date
my wg meteorite daytona doesnt
15k Hublot and a 33k Hublot both have dates but my 41k Daytona doesnt

And I think wearing watches now a days is more of a fashion than anything else.
other wise a 80 dollar Tech watch would be more than enough to do all the wrist tools necessary vs. luxury brands

heck.. my 1k tawatec is a better tool watch than my sub,
I just sport luxury watches because of luxury and fashion..

Yes i am a man and I do tend to care about my fashion time to time :)
I am not wearing a G-shock with a Canali suit to a shirt/tie dress party

and i wear Movados only to work because I think anything else is over dressed and too flashy
nothing against others who don't agree, I am still young and I believe it is appropriate not to be too flashy

I agree. Yes, Hublot's do not have tachy, but dayt's do not have a date. My 2 cents: I do like the style. I do not know if I would buy one, but they look nice for sure!

[GerardoG]

BTW, would you mind posting a pic? RG and ceramic has always caught my eye, and some of the LE are VERY nice.

[Kyu]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

BTW, would you mind posting a pic? RG and ceramic has always caught my eye, and some of the LE are VERY nice.

roger that !
a pic of the stainless also
I'd get more pics off my phone but my touch screen isnt working, Dropped my iphone in the toliet for the 2nd time.
and it's finally given in, Cant slick "unlock" over
lol I'll possibly get more pics up after this weekend, Going to apple to see if I can exchange the phone

[GerardoG]

Thank you. Is that a 41mm?

[GerardoG]

Sorry for so many questions, but I saw a pic of a RG/ceramic with a black gummy strap w/red stitching; can this be bought @ AD? Would they fit a 41mm?

[Kyu]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Sorry for so many questions, but I saw a pic of a RG/ceramic with a black gummy strap w/red stitching; can this be bought @ AD? Would they fit a 41mm?

It's a 44mm
the white one in last pic you see is a 41mm I believe, it's My gf's. The 44 was too big on her.

and not a problem on questions, it's what we're all here for.
as for the question You saw a black gummy strap and it had red stitching ?
I've personally havn't had the privileged to see one like that yet,
Only their limited Editions Leather with Red stitching.

as for size fit, i know a 44mm to another 44mm is no problem.
I think the 41mm to another 44mm may be a problem, My gf's strap width is slightly less than my 44mm, but it connects via screw, if you're lucky you might be able to get away with it if the holes are in same area.

I know their Straps are interchangeable between the Aero Bang and King to big bang
So I'm pretty sure this won't be a problem as long as their Case sizes are the same

[Rashid.bk]

Hublot does not copy AP. Everything else has been stated.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Kyu

It's a 44mm
the white one in last pic you see is a 41mm I believe, it's My gf's. The 44 was too big on her.

and not a problem on questions, it's what we're all here for.
as for the question You saw a black gummy strap and it had red stitching ?
I've personally havn't had the privileged to see one like that yet,
Only their limited Editions Leather with Red stitching.

as for size fit, i know a 44mm to another 44mm is no problem.
I think the 41mm to another 44mm may be a problem, My gf's strap width is slightly less than my 44mm, but it connects via screw, if you're lucky you might be able to get away with it if the holes are in same area.

I know their Straps are interchangeable between the Aero Bang and King to big bang
So I'm pretty sure this won't be a problem as long as their Case sizes are the same

Thank you. I will stop by their shop in a couple of months.

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by Kyu

actually Hublot and AP both copied another Brand.

AP isn't the original design behind the big round Or hex bezel.
Hublot tried to be alittle bit more original but at the end resembles another brand.

I own both,
and love both, They have their own different characteristics

Who did they copy?

Regards,
Adam

[Blue Owl]

IMO, it's a similar situation with the design of Rolex Submariner and Seiko Marine Master. I never know who has the original design; all I know both are great watches.

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by mb23

I once thought along these same lines, but they have grown as a manufacture and will continue to grow. Let's not forget the Mr. Biver at one time was a part of Audemars and he is a marketing genious!

I must admit I owned one a recently and sold it, I would like to own one again. I will probably add one soon. They are really great in person and the finish and materials used are great!

They are here to stay, so i say buy with confidence (buy smart) as always!

Agreed!!!!

While I agree they are getting better with their sales/materials and movementsa and most of all marketing, the designs and le everything are becoming outrageous as are the prices..

I have 2 hublots and hardly wear them, I pick a Pam or ap any day over them for whatever reason, however when I do strap one on it rekindles something for the brand !!!

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by Blue Owl

IMO, it's a similar situation with the design of Rolex Submariner and Seiko Marine Master. I never know who has the original design; all I know both are great watches.

The Rolex came first. You're welcome.

So, who was making a hexagonal watch case with exposed screws before Genta created the Royal Oak? Anyone?

Regards,
Adam

[ChristianN]

I dont know the alleged original of the octagonal design, but keep in mind that Genta designed a *lot* of watches, far far far more then the three mentioned so far in this thread (including a Rolex).

As for hublot, they are growing on me. I like the look and the materials.

[Blue Owl]

Originally Posted by craniotes

The Rolex came first. You're welcome.

So, who was making a hexagonal watch case with exposed screws before Genta created the Royal Oak? Anyone?

Regards,
Adam

Thanks Adam.

[h999r]

Magic gold is the one that made me think about buying the watch, imagine that the watch cant be scratched , it would be awesome.
But then I think, at that kind of price, Id rather get AP.