Born into the family behind the Binda Group watchmaking company, Italian watchmaker Carlo Crocco (b. 1944) decided to leave the dynasty to create his own company called MDM Genève in 1976. He spent the next few years developing his bold debut product: the Hublot watch.
Named for 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.
The rubber wristband wasn’t just made from any old rubber. Crocco reportedly spent $1 million developing the material to create the perfect blend of durability and style. The result was a watch that felt sportier than its competition but had all the technical makings of a luxury timepiece. Crocco’s risk paid off, with A-list clients from Prince Albert of Monaco to Jay-Z strapping Hublots to their wrists (the latter collaborated with the brand to produce two watches in 2013).
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, all the while staying true to its “art of fusion” roots.
Find a collection of Hublot watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Ladies Hublot MDM 28mm Stainless Steel & Gold Tone Bezel Wrist Watch Ref. 1391.2
By Hublot
Located in New York, NY
Reference Number: 1391.2 Brand: Hublot Material: Stainless Steel & Gold Tone Condition: Pre-Owned Case: 32mm Thickness: 7mm Weight: 37,5gr Bracelet: Rubber Movement: Quartz Comes wi...
Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
David Yurman Chain Collection 18K Gold Silver Two Tone 10MM Oval Link Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: David Yurman Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Length: 7.25 inches Width: 10.00 mm Weight: 26.33 grams Ladies DAVID YURMAN 18K Yellow Gold and sil...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Gucci 100M Steel Rectangular Custom Diamond G-Bezel Black Dial Unisex Watch
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Auth Gucci stainless Steel diamond “G” Bezel watch Gucci Silver Stainless Steel Black Dial 3600 Swiss Water Resistant Wrist Watch. Pre-Owned Case Diameter: 32mm stainless steel 3...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Bvlgari Parentesi 18K Gold Stainless Steel Link Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Bvlgari Parentesi Link Bracelet, The two-tone is created by 18K Yellow gold link and Steel. It is Highly polished gold with a satin finish steel link making this bracele...
18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Bulgari 'Parentesi' Cuff in 18 Karat Gold & Stainless Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted by the famed Italian maker Bulgari this flexible cuff bracelet is in a pattern called 'Parentesi'. The flexible cuff is crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and stainless steel,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,100 / item
W 0.16 in L 7.5 in
Italian Two-Tone Paperclip Station Alternating Link 14K Bracelet, 4mm 7.5 Inch
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
Two-tone gold syncs up perfectly with any vibe! This 14 karat gold station bracelet was made in Italy and features bold paperclip links stationed along a cable link chain. This is a ...
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Alveare Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bracelet is comprised of segmented yellow gold and stainless steel links Designed as the signature Alveare motif - fitted gold arrow motifs Alternating in pattern with fluted stainle...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Baume And Mercier Ladies Hampton Diamond Wrist Watch 30mm Mother of Pearl Dial
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: MAIN stone: FULL CUT ROUND DIAMOND DIAMOND: 14 PIECES CARAT TOTAL WEIGHT: approx 0.25 CTW COLOR/clarity: F/VS DIAL: Mother of Pearl brand: BA...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$17,750
W 2.25 in L 5.75 in
Bulgari 1980's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hematite Steel Vintage Doppio Cuore Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bulgari 1980s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Doppio Cuore Bracelet Designed as a segmented geometric links displaying the signature "Doppio Cuore" heart motif Comprised...
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$11,000Sale Price|23% Off
18K Yellow Gold & Natural Diamond IWC Ladies Watch
By IWC
Located in Lexington, KY
This elegant ladies' timepiece was made by the renowned International Watch Co. (IWC) in striking 18k yellow and white gold with bright white natural diamonds. This watch is a striki...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari 18k Gold Steel Link Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bulgari Oro Acciaio bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold and steel, reflecting the bold, industrial design language associated with the house in the late 1970s to early 1980s....
18k Gold, Steel
Omega De Ville Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 48 Diamonds
By Omega
Located in Berlin, DE
Exclusive women's watch by Omega. 18k yellow gold and diamonds. Beautiful Omega De Ville ladies' watch, 18k yellow gold case and strap. Bracelet...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Maxi One Stainless Steel and Gold-Plated Cuff Bracelet
Located in Lugano, TI
Balanced between the exotic and the industrial, the Maxi One stainless steel and gold plated bracelet is strikingly elegant. The hardness of s...
Gold Plate, Steel, Stainless Steel