INTERVIEW WITH HUBLOT CEO MR RICARDO GUADALUPE 

Q1: Ricardo, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today, for those that do not know you, can you provide a bit of your background history?

RG: I am the CEO of Hublot since 2021.

I started working in the watchmaking industry in 1988, as a Project manager at Bulgari watches, it was my first job! 
Then, I had the lucky opportunity to meet Mr. Jean-Claude Biver at Blancpain where I first became product manager, then evolved as a marketing and sales director.

Q2: Have you always had a passion for timepieces and watchmaking?

RG: I always had interests in watchmaking as I was born and raised in Switzerland which is the industry’s home country, and I like the link between products and business, so it was quite an evidence to pursue my career in watches.

Q3: How did it feel to be asked to join Hublot and did you know then that it could and would be the world name that it is today?

RG: It felt great to have a new experience in a brand that is much more open to creativity and diversification. Hublot was a sleeping princess back then in 2004 when Mr. Jean-Claude Biver and I joined the Manufacture, and we are really satisfied that our creativity and ideas are now applied.

Q4: Hublot has always been a creative and innovative brand, what is it like to see new watch concepts come to life?

RG: Indeed, it is a continuous process of innovation, and it is great to see that our philosophy and concept endure over time thanks to our conduct researches and new products.



Q5: I know Hublot has a collaboration with Ferrari and have produce some stunning timepieces, can you tell us how this collaboration came to be and how Hublot and Ferrari think of new and exciting timepieces?

RG: Our 9 years collaboration with Ferrari came to an end. We are looking for other ways of communication more linked to ecology and sustainability. 

Q6: The Art of Fusion combines the best craftsmanship and technology to showcase and produce watches that would have never been possible before, how proud are you that Hublot is leading the field in this sector?

RG: Indeed, innovation and creativity are really important for Hublot, and to be able to come up with never-seen-before products is such a satisfaction. Our clients are expecting us to be First, Unique and Different, which is our motto.
We owe this leadership thanks to our R&D department as well as thanks to our engineers that create new manufacture movements, real talented people I have to say.

Q7: My two favourite watches from Hublot are the 45mm Blue Fusion Classic and The Spirit of Big Bang, if you had to pick two watches from the Hublot family what would they be?

RG: I would say the Big Bang All Black 2006 which is a very important piece for Hublot, it represents the perfect invisible visibility, and it was a huge success when we first launched it, it is still one of my favourite.

In more recent models, the Big Bang Integral Ceramic, as it perfectly illustrates our DNA which is The Art of Fusion.

Q8: This is a long question, so apologies in advance, Hublot recently came out with the Big Bang e, in fact this watch represented Hublot at the UEFA Euro 2020 with its design. Can you explain why Hublot joined the “connected watch” scene, how you have managed to maintain Hublot’s unique design presence with this watch and ultimately, why was the Big Bang e the perfect choice to represent Hublot at the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament?

RG: This concept of a connected watch for the referees was brought to life in 2018.
It was a specific need expressed by FIFA, for the first time, the referees wore the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia^TM with its smart technology imagined by Hublot. 

Wanting a customised watch for the referees, FIFA asked Hublot to conceive the perfect watch to accompany them on the pitches during the matches. Moreover, it was not possible to have all the necessary information on a mechanical watch, that is why we did a connected one. Nevertheless, it has all the attributes of the iconic Big Bang. Its emblematic architecture cut out of the lightness of titanium, its bezel decorated with 6 H-shaped screws, its Kevlar insert. Even the display on its analogue mode dial could pass for the same aesthetic as that of the automatic models. It is certainly a connected watch, but it is first and foremost a Hublot watch!

We continued on the same concept but with a re-mastered design of the Big Bang e for the UEFA EURO 2020^TM.

Q9: I see Hublot as the “risk takers” in the luxury watch industry. Can you tell us about 1 risk that really paid off for Hublot and one that did not hit the spot?

RG:  I would say when we first collaborated with football. We were the first luxury brand to sponsor this sport that would be considered less “elitist” and luxurious than other ones such as golf or polo for example. But it was ,and still is today, very positive for Hublot, as it allows us to grow our brand awareness and be present during football events that are viewed on a very large scale worldwide.

Q10: For those who are thinking about buying a Hublot, but haven’t yet, what would you say to them?

RG: I would tell them that if they are looking for a unique watch, they should without any doubt invest in a Hublot.

Q11: Hublot’s marketing has always been bold and hard hitting, do you think this approach makes Hublot unique when compared to more traditional brands?

RG: Of course! As for our products, we want to be First Unique and Different also in our marketing strategy. That is why as previously mentioned, we chose to come up with our first partnership in football in 2006, which no other traditional brands came with before.

Q12: Finally, for those entrepreneurs out there that love watchmaking and have big ideas for the luxury watch industry, can you give them any advice?

RG: I would tell them to be passionate! With passion, you can do everything and you will do great.

Ricardo, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to The Gentleman Magazine.

To find out more about Hublot and their collections I highly recommend visiting their website: www.hublot.com

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