Hublot has announced that Jean-Claude Biver stepped down as CEO effective January 1. Hublot Managing Director Ricardo Guadalupe was named Biver’s successor. The transition has been planned for some time and is based on the significant accomplishments Guadalupe and Biver achieved together since 2005, and on the 20-year personal friendship the two men share.

Biver will continue to serve Hublot as the company’s Chairman of the Board, and he will continue to offer valuable business strategy and product development insights. As the official spokesperson of Hublot, Biver will also coordinate communications activities with the press and collectors, and with the trade and industry.

Biver said: “There is a time for learning, a time for doing, a time for handing over, and a time for moving on. I’ve happily made it safe and sound to the hand-over stage. With the gratification of being able to hand over to a friend and colleague of more than twenty years. And happiness at the prospect of remaining part of the team on matters relating to strategy, products and corporate relations.”

Below: Jean-Claude Biver (left) and Ricardo Guadalupe.

In November, shortly before the end of the NBA lockout, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade joined Hublot at the opening of the Swiss brand’s new boutique in Bal Harbor, Florida to introduce his own Hublot watch, the King Power Dwyane Wade, to the U.S. market. Wade is donating part of the proceeds from sales of the watch — a limited edition of 500 pieces — to his children’s charity, the Wade World Foundation.

Wade, a seven-time All-Star who has won both an NBA Championship and an Olympic gold medal, took a few moments to speak with WatchTime about his contributions to the new timepiece, his appreciation of watches as a fashion accessory, and his off-court competition with other watch-loving hoopsters.

WT: How long have you been into watches and what is it you look for in a watch?
DW: I’ve always been a fan, but I think when I was younger I didn’t really get into “timeless” pieces, I was looking more for bling. But as I got older I started to understand more how much these watches really mean, how if you buy the right ones they can appreciate in value. [Collecting quality watches] became a thing that I wanted to do and now the opportunity to have my own watch is something I can’t even describe; it’s surpasses my dreams. So, I’m having fun with it.

WT: When did you first discover the Hublot brand?
DW: Around 2008 it just kind of came up in conversations, about how Hublot was an up-and-coming brand, how it was starting to make a splash over here in the U.S. I took a look at some of the product, like the Big Bangs, and said, “Ooh, I like it!” Eventually we got to the point where my team took a meeting with [Hublot CEO] Jean-Claude Biver and his team, and it was as if we’d known each other for years and we had some of the same things we believe in, especially with our foundations. Obviously, Jean-Claude is the man who took Hublot to where it is, in the sense of re-creating the brand. So I have actually been a part of the company for a few years behind the scenes before I came out with my own watch.

WT: Did Hublot approach you about the idea of having a Dwyane Wade-branded watch?
DW: It was something that both sides agreed on immediately when our teams sat down together in Miami. Probably, the hardest thing was thinking up a name. Finally, after so many different ideas, we settled on “Hublot King Power by Dwyane Wade.” The excitement of having a watch named after you, that you helped create, is just amazing.

WT: You said you used to be into bling and you’ve kind of moved on from that. What is it that you look for in a watch now, and how did those preferences influence the design of this watch?
DW: I think for me, as someone who puts on a jersey and also as someone who dresses up in a suit a lot of the time, I wanted a watch that was versatile. I think of myself as a versatile player, versatile when it comes to my personality and in the things that I’ve been associated with. So I wanted a watch that I could wear with shorts and a t-shirt and also something that, as a businessman, I could put on every day to go to work and feel just as comfortable with it.

WT: This watch has some really cool details: it’s got your jersey number (3), a basketball pattern on the watch face and another a basketball-net pattern on the strap; how many of those design touches came from you?
DW: We wanted to put some Miami Heat, some basketball, and some Dwyane Wade into this watch, but we also wanted to keep it classy. So we just added little bits like on the strap, which you see has that pattern like a basketball net. On the watch itself, we decided to put my number on the dial and then someone came up with making the whole dial look like a basketball, and I was good with that. The one thing a lot of people will see for the first time on it is my new logo, the Dwyane Wade brand logo. This was the first place that it’s been used [on a product], and it’s inside the watch as well, so there are a lot of different components.

The Hublot King Power “D-Wade” features a 48-mm black micro-blasted ceramic case, and sports the color scheme of Wade’s team, the Miami Heat.

WT: Have you ever been to the Hublot factory in Switzerland, and did you see any of the design or the production process?
DW: The conversations actually started when I was visiting the Hublot boutiques, first in Miami then in places like New York and Paris. When I did get over to Switzerland I didn’t go to the factory, but it was a back and forth process, with me looking at different designs and discussing them. I’m looking forward to being even more involved in the next watch; at least, that’s the plan right now. I’m very interested in that watchmaking process.

WT: You’re regarded as one of the more stylish guys in the NBA. Do you put a lot of thought into pairing certain watches with certain outfits, or do you keep it kind of casual?
DW: I definitely put thought into it. I’m the kind of person who always needs to coordinate, but not “all the way” coordinate. So when I put on an outfit, I make sure that the watch that I wear — and I have quite a few Hublots, as well as some others of different sizes and colors, so I don’t have to wear mine every day — stands out in the right way. The watch is one of the last things I put on, and it can make or break the outfit. I want to make sure the outfit is completed.

WT: I know that your teammate LeBron James is an Audemars Piguet ambassador and there are other NBA players who are into watches, as well. Do you guys ever talk or compare watches in the locker room?
DW: Yeah, we do! A lot of guys are into watches, always talking about pieces from different brands. Obviously, with LeBron and I being the faces of two different brands, it’s almost like being competitors, in a sense. It’s good to have those conversations, because we have a chance to check out each other’s watches and see what other brands are up to. Sometimes you’ll get “Oh, man, my watch is better than yours,” and stuff like that, but mostly we just respect each other’s choices.

WT: Do other players come to you for watch advice?
DW: I don’t think so. If anything, they mostly want to look and see what’s on my wrist. We all do that. I’ll look at people who I respect, and who I know are fashionable, and check out what watch they’re wearing.

WT: Jean-Claude Biver is a huge soccer fan. Have you managed to convert him to a hoops fan?
DW: That’s going to take a lot of work! You should see how excited he gets when he talks about soccer and the watches that Hublot has done [with soccer players]. We’ve gotten him to watch a few games, come out to a few events. If you know him, you know it’s easy to get him excited, but soccer is still his number one sport.

WT: Thanks for your time and good luck with the season.
DW: Thanks… I appreciate it.

Wade wanted a watch that he could wear with both a business suit and workout clothes.

Hublot partnered with its living-legend ambassador Usain Bolt to celebrate its new Beverly Hills boutique and raise funds for a worthy cause through the “Hublot Race Challenge” and soiree. The Jamaican sprint star is not only an outstanding sportsman, but he shares Hublot’s dedication to the value of sharing to support those who are less fortunate.

Nicknamed “Lightning Bolt”, the 25 year-old Jamaican sprint star, world record holder and gold medal winner is involved in a number of children’s projects in Jamaica. On this occasion, he joined children from STAR Education, a non-profit leader in educational after school programming and community-based cultural enrichment projects, in a race to raise money for the Usain Bolt Foundation while increasing awareness about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating.

The “Hublot Race Challenge” took place at the grounds of the Greystone Mansion and was hosted by sports media personality Neil Everett. Every child finishing the race ahead of Usain Bolt raised $10,000 for the foundation. In addition, Hublot and Bolt announced a new program that will be created for STAR Education. The Hublot and STAR Games will launch their summer program in 2012 through track & field competitions to encourage an active lifestyle.

“For Hublot, it is hugely symbolic for a watchmaker to see his watch worn by the fastest man in the world! The concept of time is sacred, for him and for the brand… Hublot measures time, Usain Bolt always seems to outrun it!” said Hublot Managing Director Ricardo Guadalupe.

“Hublot’s constant efforts to share its success with the worldwide community have always inspired me”, said Usain Bolt. “I am proud to join them in spreading that message of love and to celebrate their new boutique”.

Greg Simonian, Hublot Beverly Hills Boutique, added: “Wherever you find Hublot, you see the company giving generously to worthy causes. It’s an honor to partner with Hublot in my home town, and support great charities like STAR Education, for many years to come.”

Following the race, a special evening took place at the exclusive Mr. C’s, where Hublot aficionados and Usain Bolt fans gathered to view the latest collection of Hublot watches and toasted to the new Beverly Hills boutique opening. Usain Bolt surprised the crowd with a special DJ performance.

Below, the kids get a head start, and win the race.

Hublot Managing Director Ricardo Guadalupe lines up next to Usain Bolt.

Usain Bolt DJs at Mr. C’s.

The Liberty Medal is given to men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure liberty to people around the globe. Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, Shimon Peres, Stephen Spielberg, Kofi Annan, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Bono. Hublot has partnered with The Constitution Center and the Liberty Medal to create a special limited edition timepiece to be presented to recipients of the award. Find the price and wallpaper inside.

Only 100 examples of the limited edition Liberty Bang will be produced. This 45 mm timepiece has a black ceramic case and bezel. Its black dial features inspirational words from the founding fathers about the Constitution. The phrases are inscribed in red, white and blue using an innovative laser technology.

“It is truly an honor to create a timeless piece representing the values of the Liberty Medal” said Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver. “Freedom and liberty are not gifts to be taken for granted, and we admire, and are inspired by those around us who spend their lives defending them.”

The limited edition Liberty Bang is priced at $11,900.

Technical specifications appear below the images, which may be enlarged with a click.

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

In association with the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Hublot unveils the first diver’s watch able to withstand the pressure exerted at a depth of 4,000 meters, or about 13,120 feet. Hublot describes it as a symbolic watch that pushes the limits of what is is rational and possible. The watch required 18 months of research, development and testing to complete. Find pricing and availability date inside.

For the first time, the famous Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, with the Institut Océanographique Fondation Albert 1st Prince de Monaco – names well known in the fields of marine studies, research and conservation – have agreed to be associated with a watch. The Oceanographic 4000 was unveiled on June 6 in the main aquarium in Monaco before HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot.

By choosing to support the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Hublot is not only honoring the history and heritage of the institution, but has also chosen to give its active support to the study and preservation of the oceans by making a financial contribution to the missions and scientific surveys conducted by the Institute.

The first official meeting of the partnership will be the “DEEP SEA Conference” to be held on October 13 at the Oceanographic Institute of Paris, where Hublot will be the main partner.

Hublot claims that almost all the features of the Oceanographic 4000 are exceptional in terms of design, development and manufacturing. Hublot tested the seal to 5000 meters in a Roxer tank. To ensure the watertightness of the watch and to resist this extreme pressure, the synthetic sapphire crystal is 6.5mm thick. The screw-down case back is made of grade 2 titanium.

The 48mm case is available in titanium, limited to 1000 pieces, or carbon fiber limited to 500 pieces. The elapsed-time reading method has been made as safe as possible, using an internal rotating flange which is unidirectional and rack-driven, with a dive time indicator that is placed as close as possible to the dial to minimize the risk of inadvertently altering the dive time. It also makes the dive time easier to read. In accordance with the standard, the Oceanographic 4000 has a minute scale on which the five-minute periods are clearly highlighted.

The watch is fitted with two screw-down crowns with O-ring seals.The flange crown which sets the dive time is at 2 o’clock for easy access and more comfortable use. It is unidirectional, again for safety reasons, with a bayonet fitting and protected by an oversize crown guard for extra safety and easy operation when handling diving equipment. The second crown, for winding and setting the time and date, is positioned at 4 o’clock to avoid obstruction.

Finally, the Oceanographic 4000 has a helium valve which allows gases that have infiltrated the watch during the descent to safely escape during the ascent. The valve fitted to the Oceanographic 4000 is made of stainless steel, positioned at 10 o’clock, visible from the left-hand side lug.

The watch comes with two tongue and buckle straps (“Town” & “Diver”). This type of fastening is more secure than a folding clasp for this type of use, and is easier to handle when using gloves. The buckle design is original, as is the method of attachment to the case. Small push buttons are built into each end of the case, allowing the strap to be changed instantly without the use of a screwdriver or other accessory. The “Town” strap is in black rubber. The “Diver” strap, a blend of rubber and nylon and longer than a standard strap and has been developed to be worn over a diving suit up to 8 mm thick.

The titanium version is priced at $19,900 and the carbon fiber version is priced at $25,900. Both models will be available around the end of the year.

Technical specifications appear below the images, which may be enlarged with a click.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Reference 731.NX.1190.RX, 731.QX.1140.RX

Series Limited to 1000 pieces for the titanium version
Numbered 01/1000 to 1000/1000

Limited to 500 pieces for the All Black version in black carbon fiber
Numbered 01/500 to 500/500

Case: “King Power” – 48 mm diameter
Micorblasted satin-finished titanium or matte carbon fiber
Bezel Microblasted satin-finished titanium or matte carbon fiber
6 black PVD H-shaped titanium screws
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
Lug: bezel Black composite resin
Lateral inserts Black composite resin
Case back: microblasted satin-finished titanium, or microblasted satin-finished titanium with black PVD
Crown: Titanium with black rubber insert or black PVD titanium with black rubber insert
Screws: Black PVD titanium

Water resistance: Certified to 400 ATM or 4,000 meters
Tested to 5,000 meters according to the NIHS standards

Dial: Matte black
Satin-finished appliques with green or black SuperLuminova
Hands Microblasted satin-finished with green or black SuperLuminova
Movement: Mechanical with automatic winding HUB1401
No. of components: 180
Jewels: 23
Bridges: Satin-finished, beveled & polished
Screws: Black PVD
Barrel: With reinforced spring
Escapement: Glucydur hairspring
Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

Straps: Available with two straps – black rubber and rubber and nylon
Closing system Tongue and buckle in titanium or black DVD titanium

Hublot has opened its first boutique in the Western United States in Beverly Hills, California. The boutique is located in the heart of the city’s most prestigious shopping district, on Brighton Way at Rodeo Drive. Experienced, multi-lingual staff members provide the highest level of customer service, and a VIP lounge within the boutique allows clients to shop in complete privacy.

Hublot’s watches incorporate unique materials, and they also play a prominent role in the boutique’s design. A façade of black stone, leather furnishings, glass and metal fixtures, and high-tech details imbue the Swiss-designed boutique with contemporary style.

The Beverly Hills boutique is operated in partnership with John and Greg Simonian, founder and president, respectively, of three Westime multi-brand watch boutiques in Southern California. “I have worked with Jean-Claude Biver for more than 20 years. I can attest that he is not only a visionary in this industry, but a dear friend,” says John Simonian. “I am proud to bring Hublot to one of the most glamorous cities in the world and confident in its success here.”

The boutique displays Hublot’s full range of watches, including the Big Bang, King Power and Tutti Frutti lines, plus popular limited editions and one-of-a-kind timepieces. The new boutique is also the only location to offer the King Power Beverly Hills, a limited edition of 50 pieces.

It’s only Wednesday and it has already been a busy week for Hublot. The brand’s new boutique at 692 Madison Ave. in Manhattan is open for business, and Dwayne Wade has joined the brand as an ambassador. The boutique sports a prestigious address, as the premises are part of a historic Madison house dating from the 19th Century, situated in a block encompassing grand luxury houses. See more inside.

The boutique occupies nearly 300 square meters, including a mezzanine with a confidential salon lounge. The space, designed by noted architect Peter Marino, compliments Hublot’s Paris Place Vendôme boutique, fusing materials such as bronze, natural buckskin and ebony to create a warm atmosphere.

Hublot is already present in the United States, with two boutiques in Miami – at Bal Harbour and Boca Raton. New boutiques will open soon in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas.

Inside the new Madison Avenue boutique.

Now that you know where to buy them, you also need to know that D-Wade is wearing them. Hublot has signed a partnership agreement with the NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, Olympic Gold Medalist, seven-time NBA All-Star who also raises funds for children’s charities. Wade joins the select group of Hublot ambassadors: Jet Li in martial arts and cinema, Diego Maradona and Manchester United in football, Maria Riesch, Bode Miller and Dario Cologna in skiing, Ayrton Senna’s family in Formula 1, and Facundo Pieres in polo.

“I am honored to join the esteemed list of Hublot ambassadors, an international collection of the best in sports,” said Wade. “Hublot and I share a common commitment to excellence, which I strive for on the court, and they express on countless wrists of the world’s most fashionable.”

“When I first met Dwyane, I was in awe of the energy and drive he exuded, not just because of his incredible presence and performance on the court, but also in the way he spoke of the Wade’s World Foundation and the goals he nurtures for supporting community-based organizations, promoting education, health and social skills for kids in at-risk situations. It’s when people reach beyond what a special talent helps them achieve that their true character is revealed. I’m particularly proud our paths met and it’s an honor to team up with Dwyane,” says Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot. “Working with Dwyane and his foundation also comes naturally to Hublot because we’re already partners with Bode Miller and his Turtle Ridge Foundation, with the Instituto Ayrton Senna as well as Unicef and the Manchester United Foundation. After all, sharing a passion for time is also about making time count,” Biver adds.

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At Baselworld 2011 Hublot will present three new watches. The first is the race-themed, 48mm, F1 King Power Tourbillon King Gold Ceramic. Hublot will also present the Big Bang Black Caviar (in ceramic, not diamonds, and not $1 million). Finally, for those seeking something a bit more conservative, Hublot will launch the Classic Fusion Opaline Dial.

The F1 King Power Tourbillon King Gold Ceramic is equipped with the tourbillon chronograph movement HUB7300 featuring a five-day power reserve, a special tourbillon cage and a balance with an F1 brake disc decoration along the same lines as the watch bezel, made from ceramic and with a circular satin finish mimicking F1 brake discs. This piece will be produced in a limited edition of 50 pieces,

The strap, stitched onto rubber, is made from Nomex, a synthetic fiber developed by Dupont with very low combustibility and its thermostability, making it perfect for the racing suits worn by F1 drivers. Water resistant to 100 meters.

Ceramic is an ideal material for a watch. It is 30% lighter than steel, 100% scratchproof, 100% anti-allergenic, and 100% rust-proof. The Big Bang Black Caviar’s exterior case components are made almost entirely from ceramic, including even the crown and dial – a first for Hublot. The design is inspired by the famous One Million $ Black Caviar.

The case, dial and bezel feature deep reliefs designed, cut, beveled and polished like the baguette black diamonds of its big sister. The case measures 41mm in diameter and is equipped with the automatic mechanical movement HUB1112.

The Black Caviar is mounted on a glossy black alligator strap stitched on black rubber to provide added comfort, flexibility and robustness. A 42-hour power reserve 100 meter water resistance complete the package.

Finally, Hublot will present for the first time a new Classic Fusion housing a silvered opaline dial. This Classic Fusion is available in 42 and 45mm diameters, and in two versions: zirconium and 5N red gold. The case exhibits polished and satin finishes. The movements are automatic mechanical calibers HUB 1112 and HUB 1110. Water resistance is 50 meters.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone suffered a black eye when he was attacked by four men outside his London office around 10:30 p.m. on November 25. His girlfriend was with him at the time. The robbers made off with jewelry – and Mr. Ecclestone’s Hublot – together valued at $314,000.

Following the attack, Ecclestone sent a picture of his face along with a short note to Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver. The message said: “See what people will do for a Hublot.” Since the two have a great sense of humor, they agreed to make an advert based on the photo and message.

This Hublot ad will be a strictly one-off shot, appearing in today’s Financial Times and International Herald Tribune. The ad shows the unretouched “mugged shot”, along with Bernie Ecclestone’s original commentary. The ad also notes that Hublot does not condone this method of acquiring one of their watches.

This past Tuesday night, a select group of WatchTime friends attended an invitation-only event with Hublot at the elegant Park Avenue Autumn restaurant in Manhattan. About 50 attendees enjoyed an evening of delicious food and wine, fabulous watches, and a chance to meet Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver, U.S. president Beatrice de Quervain, Hublot’s Mike Margolis, and WatchTime editors Joe Thompson, Mark Bernardo and Amy Bernstein.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and an opportunity to meet top Hublot executives, and to try on Hublot’s newest models and rare high complications. Following cocktails, dinner was served, and Mr. Biver gave an entertaining and informative presentation.

Each attendee made a generous contribution, the entire proceeds of which were donated to Smile Train, an organization providing free cleft surgery for poor children in developing countries.

And now, some images from the evening, which you may enlarge with a click.

The venue.

Attendees show off their Hublots…

Mr. Biver’s talk…

Meeting Hublot executives…

Mr. Biver with guests

Beatrice de Quervain (left), Mike Margolis (second from right), and guests.

L to R, Joe Thompson, Jean-Claude Biver, and Enrique Mendez

Joe and Mr. Biver