Luxury watch creating company Hublot was founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980, when he combined gold and rubber for the first time in watchmaking history, to create the Hublot timepiece. This timepiece featured the black rubber strap and minimalist black dial that were to become the symbol of this brand of watches - this symbol became known as the "Fusion" concept; and the rubber strap, unheard of before this time, soon became standard on many sports pieces. The company's first chronograph was launched in 1986, and for their 20th anniversary they released The Art Collection. Jean-Claude Biver took over as CEO in May of 2004, leaving Crocco time to devote to his creative work and multiple charitable activities for underprivileged children. Biver returned the brand to it's founding principles and it's "The Art of Fusion" concept, with the "Big Bang" timepiece winning Best Design at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve, the very next year. Though a young brand, this company quickly became known as the the choice of European royalty; and continues to expand, with plans to continue to do so, in coming years.
The brand's Masterpiece collection traveled through Kuala Lumpur in 2011, as part of the Journey of Time exhibition. The collection was included in the exhibition due to the fact that it includes several innovative pieces, including the "Key of Time", which allows the wearer to speed up and slow down time; as well as the Alternative Pocketwatch, which is shaped like a bullet!
The Masterpiece collection also includes the Hublot LaFerrari – an amazing Tourbillon timepieces. Tourbillon means "whirlwind" but, in the watchmaking industry it refers to a complex feature that is present in some high-end timepieces; including some of those created by this company. It is considered to be one of the most challenging mechanisms to create, and has been the master complication in watch-making since 1801. A historic complication developed by Abraham-Louis Breguet in around 1795, the Tourbillon was designed to protect the tiny parts inside a pocketwatch that are vulnerable to being distorted and have accuracy fluctuations due to gravity - thereby improving their accuracy. It is an exquisite mechanism, both in function and aesthetically.
The one-of-a-kind Hublot (MP-05) LaFerrari - the fifth timepiece in their Masterpiece collection - has an incredible, record-breaking power reserve of 50 days! Limited to 100 pieces, and has 43 jewels and 384 components. The shape of the watch is similar to the outline of the sports car for which it is named, with a case back made of black PVD titanium. With an open dial and horizontally mounted tourbillons, it has a wonderfully original look - including hour, minute and second hands that are actually cylinders on either side of the face.