Hublot’s in-store indulgent service that more watch brands should offer
Donald E. McNamara
3 min read
In the ultra-competitive world of fine watchmaking, each brand has its own niche.
Sometimes it’s a branded design, like the square cases from Bell & Ross or the large date windows from A. Lange & Söhne. Maybe it’s a performance consideration, like Grand Seiko’s unique Spring Drive movements or Piaget’s ultra-thin models.
Hublot’s niche, however, might just be variety. The iconoclastic and ultra-futuristic Swiss brand currently produces more than 500 different models in five extensive collections. From chronographs to art watches to smartwatches and everything in between, Hublot’s breadth of work is unlike any other watchmaker in the industry.
But that’s not all. Hublot is also an industry leader in bracelet personalization. Virtually all of their models are available with dozens of different strap options: since many other brands treat models with different straps as completely different references, you could argue that Hublot has literally thousands of different models.
Needless to say, the Hublot bracelet personalization service is something quite special; a breath of fresh air in what is sometimes a very stuffy industry – and an approach that more watch brands can learn a lot from.
We had the chance to discover the Hublot bracelet personalization service in person at their Sydney CBD Shop on King Street. The shop’s friendly staff had literally hundreds of straps in store ready to try on with their multitude of watches. From alligator leather to tough rubber or velcro-backed fabric, the kaleidoscope of different colors and strap options was breathtaking.
RELATED: Hublot 2021 Watches and Colorful Wonders Revealed
It also helps that many of Hublot’s most popular models, such as the Big Bang or the Spirit of Big Bang, feature a one-click strap quick-change system that makes experimenting with different strap options a breeze. of eye. It’s not just the straps you can change, you can even customize the buckle clasp, which features the same interchangeable system technology.
If you can’t go to the store, Hublot also offers a rather user-friendly tool online strap selector it also makes it easy to view the full range of straps on your watch of choice.
Why is this bracelet personalization service so special? Because variety is the spice of life. Watch enthusiasts have long appreciated how changing a watch strap is the most dramatic way to change its appearance: a new strap can make your watch feel like an entirely new timepiece. The fact that Hublot has so many in-house bracelet options is rather unique and offers yet another point of difference in the watchmaking arms race.
It also makes the whole process of buying a watch even more special. Selecting a strap is a really enjoyable part of the watch buying process that is often overlooked; just as important as choosing a watch itself. Again, that’s another point of difference – especially when it comes to the store experience.
Quick-change versions and more internal strap options seem to be the direction the watch industry is heading. Hublot’s offering stands out as a particularly luxurious, hassle-free and expansive offering that sets the tone for other high-end watchmakers.
