The art of gemstone crafting – the element that makes Hublot so captivating.

Considered the bridge of interaction between the user and the watch, the case plays a crucial role in protecting the mechanical movement or dial from external impacts and ensuring optimal water resistance, while also maintaining high aesthetic appeal within its extremely small surface area. The process of finishing a watch case requires a great deal of skill, expertise, and cutting-edge techniques. Beyond polishing, milling, sandblasting, or satin brushing, gemstone setting is also a superb art form that speaks volumes about the value of a watch and the talent of the artisans of a brand.

As a renowned watchmaker known for mastering materials and colors, Hublot uses only the highest quality natural gemstones that are rigorously inspected by the brand itself. Whether diamond, ruby, sapphire, or colored sapphire, each gemstone must meet criteria such as cut precision, clarity, color, and size after cutting and polishing.

The gemstones are meticulously hand-set by skilled craftsmen onto the watch case, strap, or entire dial with the utmost precision. Thanks to tests conducted using specialized tools, including some specially designed by the brand, all the stones used in Hublot watches are guaranteed to be of the highest quality and sophistication.

One of Hublot's most impressive jewel-encrusted watches is the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moonphase Titanium Pavé – a remarkable creation featuring a grade 5 titanium case and bezel set with a total of 366 diamonds (2.51 ct), along with an artistic moon phase function and a date indicator positioned at 6 o'clock on the dial. The gem-setting process on the new Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moonphase Titanium Pavé utilizes expert knowledge to maximize the brilliance of the gemstones. This allows for creativity, opening up new possibilities and creating a pure, exquisite beauty.

Hidden behind the watch's luxurious exterior is the Hublot-developed automatic movement HUB 1131, comprising 25 jewels and oscillating at a frequency of 4Hz. It features a day-month indicator displayed in a small window at the 12 o'clock position, and the brand logo positioned at the 8 o'clock position – a distinctive feature unique to this watch line.

Hublot's diverse collection of jeweled watches also includes the renowned Big Bang Integrated collection, with the 43mm Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon High Jewellery model boasting an 18k white gold case, crown, and bracelet set with 454 baguette-cut diamonds (30 ct total). The dial alone is adorned with 30 baguette-cut diamonds (1.0 ct) – emphasizing the "High Jewellery" aspect of its name.

Complementing the sophisticated appearance of the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon High Jewellery 43mm is the HUB6035 automatic tourbillon movement with a 50-hour power reserve, featuring minimalist details to create a weightless, floating sensation right on the dial.

Following the diamonds, the "rainbow" appears on the King Gold base of the Big Bang Integrated King Gold Rainbow edition, crafted from 174 baguette-cut colored gemstones including rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, blue topaz, tsavorites, yellow sapphires, and orange sapphires to create a stunning appearance resembling a rainbow. The seamless color transition following the seven-color rainbow motif throughout the design is the result of a rigorous selection and refinement process with a sophisticated arrangement of the colored gemstones.

The Big Bang Integrated King Gold Rainbow features a 42mm King Gold case and is powered by the Hublot-designed and manufactured Hublot HUB 1280 automatic movement with a flyback chronograph mechanism, a 42-hour power reserve, and 43 jewels.

Similar to the Big Bang Integrated King Gold Rainbow, the Big Bang One Click King Gold Full Pavé 39mm also fully showcases Hublot's masterful gemstone craftsmanship and finishing techniques. Hundreds of diamonds of varying sizes are meticulously set on the case, dial, bezel, and lugs crafted from the exclusive King Gold material, giving the timepiece a glamorous appearance like a piece of jewelry – a superb fusion of Haute Horlogerie and exquisite luxury jewelry making.

For Hublot, a watch is not just a timepiece; it's an item that reflects personal lifestyle. Therefore, when combined with the exclusive One-Click function and the HUB 1710 automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 50 hours, the Big Bang One Click King Gold Full Pavé 39mm instantly transforms into a stunning fashion accessory that dramatically changes its appearance on the elegant wrists of sophisticated ladies.

Following versions crafted from modern materials such as King Gold, Grade 5 Titanium, and High-tech Ceramic, Hublot has added a feminine touch to the Square Bang Unico line with the launch of the Square Bang Unico High Jewellery 42mm at the recent Watches & Wonders 2023 event.

With the phrase "High Jewellery" in its name, this new creation proudly presents itself with a 42mm King Gold case set with 96 precious baguette-cut diamonds. Notably, the minimalist skeleton dial is also adorned with 79 diamonds in prominent positions such as the hour markers, the edge of the chronograph counter, and surrounding the dial. Hidden within the square, sandwich-shaped case, reminiscent of a luxurious piece of jewelry, the Square Bang Unico High Jewellery 42mm houses the automatic HUB 1280 movement with a 72-hour power reserve.

The careful selection and masterful craftsmanship of gemstones are two core elements that allow Hublot to create the dazzling Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Pavé 42mm, a creation representing the harmonious blend of heritage and innovative spirit.

In this version, Hublot has skillfully applied grade 5 titanium and meticulously set diamonds to create an overall luxurious, modern, and captivating look. Thanks to rigorous gemstone quality control and specialized methods, the Swiss watchmaker ensures that all of the brand's gemstone-studded watches sparkle with exceptional brilliance. Not only is it captivating due to its elegant design, but the timepiece also boasts precise timekeeping down to the second thanks to its HUB 4700 automatic chronograph movement with a power reserve of up to 50 hours.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao