Estyn Hulbert Jewelry

Many watch lovers believe that Hublot is worth it. Named after the French word for “porthole,” the Hublot, which debuted at the 1980 Baselworld watch and jewelry trade show, did indeed look like a porthole. What made the watch stand out, however, was its radical “fusion” approach to design — that is, the combination of a complex gold case with a band made from rubber. At the time, most high-end watches featured wristbands crafted from luxury materials, so the humble rubber material was a radical shift from fashion trends.

In 2004, watchmaker Jean-Claude Biver became CEO of the company, pushing the brand into the 21st century, including through major collaborations with athletes like sprinter Usain Bolt and artists like Shepard Fairey. In 2005, Hublot launched the Big Bang watch, a fresh statement on the brand’s inventive mixing of tradition and technology with options ranging from gold and a tire-tread-like rubber to a sapphire crystal casing. Other models include the Classic Fusion in 2008, which recalls the 1980s design, and the Manufacture Pieces (MP) collection, which features complex movements. The luxury Swiss watch company continues to innovate while staying true to its “art of fusion” roots.

However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Hublot is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection.

Find Hublot watches and other watches on 1stDibs.

No, Hublot is not always more expensive than Rolex. Both luxury Swiss watchmakers offer a wide range of models, including more accessibly priced entry-level models as well as more aspirationally priced high-end and limited edition timepieces. When shopping for a watch, you should think about what you’re looking for in this type of accessory. You may wish to consider the power reserve, materials, accuracy, craftsmanship, where it was manufactured and more. If it’s your first watch, you may wish to consider whether or not you’d prefer a pre-owned model. Buying a new, never-worn watch enables you to build a history with it that isn’t shared by anyone else, but the greatest advantage to buying a pre-owned watch is that it opens up a wider range of models to consider, including rare ones that have been discontinued. Explore a diverse assortment of watches on 1stDibs.