Carbon Cases

Hublot is a luxury watch company known for innovation and quality. It was founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980, which was the same year the brand quickly rose to fame. Crocco earned the distinction of being the first watchmaker in history to create a gold watch with a natural black rubber bracelet. This “fusion” piece became extremely popular and was highly celebrated. Unconventional innovations have been woven into Hublot’s DNA over the years.

The company is now a subsidiary of the French luxury group LVMH. Although the headquarters will remain in Nyon, Switzlerand, the company is moving its case-making facility from Switzerland to New YorkHowever, Hublot’s commitment to quality watch-making techniques will remain the same. Another unique timepiece innovation from Hublot’s designers is its famous carbon fiber watch case:

The Complexity Of Hublot’s Carbon Fiber Cases

To better understand how these cases are made, it is important to know their complex construction. There are many components, and the process that colors them with texalium is a separate complexity. The case-making process is centered on the type of material used to make a case. In this instance, it is carbon fiber. The cases must be molded, heated carefully and treated. All of this takes place in steps that involve their own processes.

Starting With Sheet Material

The process for making case components starts with choosing a material such as texalium or carbon fiber. These materials come in sheet form. To make a component, several sheets are required. Carbon fiber sheets come in a thickness of about 0.2 mm. For a piece of a case, Hublot’s watchmakers use about 10 sheets for a 2 mm thickness. Other components may require less thickness. The layers are then superimposed over one another.

 

About IBG Worldwide

IBG Worldwide is a video platform dedicated to demonstrating how the finest timepieces are made. It hosts documentaries that educate collectors in the many techniques used in the creation of sophisticated mechanical watches.