In the watch world, where bigger is better, it's nice to see something downsized for a change. Hublot, who has been one of the brands leading the ‘big’ charge, is introducing a new, smaller size Big Bang, one that supports the charity work of the Smiling Children Foundation.
Hublot supports the projects of the Foundation, whose objective is to help young girls and women in Morocco and Afghanistan. At a special press conference in January of this year, Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, along with Cherie Blair, and Yann Borgstedt, Founder of Smiling Children, introduced the new Big Bang, a special 38mm diameter design with a white dial, a purple second hand and 126 diamonds around the bezel. Part of the proceeds of the sales of this new Smiling Children Big Bang will be donated to the Foundation.
Hublot and Biver have a soft spot for children and have shown their support for many different charities that work with children, including its own MDM (‘Hand in Hand’) Foundation.
“For us, the relationship is important,” Biver says. “There are certain things we are more sensitive to, and children are one of them.”
By associating with the Smiling Children Foundation, Hublot wants to contribute to restoring justice for girls in countries where attending school is difficult. More broadly, Biver wants to take part in the fight against child labour and support school reintegration. “In real terms, each watch sold will make it possible to finance one girl’s schooling for a whole year,“Biver explains.”If one category is protected, it should be kids. They are being exploited. It seems logical that the weak should be protected."




SMILING CHILDREN BIG BANG and BIG BANG ORANGE CARAT


The future for Hublot
In corporate news, Hublot has purchased land in Nyon, Switzerland and will be breaking ground soon on their new factory. They expect to make 60,000 movements when the operation is in full swing, 25,000 of which they plan to sell to other companies.
Biver doesn’t expect for Hublot to do everything in-house. “If I can do something in-house better than with an outside vendor, I will do it myself,” he says.
Hublot has been growing by leaps and bounds, transforming from a sleepy brand into a very successful high-end company. “Who would have thought Hublot would be in this position,” Biver says, smiling.
Hublot is also the official timekeeper of the Euro 2008, which is going to be a major event in Switzerland and Austria. Look for lots of things from Hublot this coming watch year.


Source: Europa Star April-May 2008 Magazine Issue