Carlo Crocco (07 October 1944 – present) is an Italian watchmaker and entrepreneur known as the founder of “Hublot”, a luxury Swiss watch brand that revolutionized the industry with its innovative fusion of materials and design. Born into a family with deep roots in horology, Crocco was drawn to watchmaking from an early age. His family had established itself in the industry through the Binda Group, an influential company behind several successful timepiece brands. However, Crocco was determined to carve his own path rather than continue in the family business.
In the 1970s, Crocco began envisioning a watch that would seamlessly blend elegance with sportiness, a timepiece that could be worn on any occasion. His idea centered around integrating unconventional materials into luxury watchmaking, particularly the use of rubber straps—something unheard of in the high-end segment at the time. Determined to bring his vision to life, Crocco left Italy for Switzerland, where he established his own independent brand, MDM Genève, in 1980. The brand’s first creation, named “Hublot” after the French word for “porthole,” reflected its distinctive design philosophy, with a minimalist round case and a unique rubber strap.
When the “Hublot” watch debuted at the Baselworld watch fair in 1980, it was met with both intrigue and skepticism. The concept of pairing gold cases with rubber straps challenged the rigid norms of traditional Swiss watchmaking, where leather or metal bracelets were the standard. However, despite the initial reluctance of industry insiders, “Hublot” quickly gained traction among discerning customers who appreciated its boldness and modern appeal. The watch resonated particularly well with members of European royalty and sports figures, further elevating its exclusivity and desirability.
Crocco’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation laid the foundation for Hublot’s identity. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the brand steadily gained recognition, with Crocco personally overseeing designs and production. His commitment to quality and innovation helped establish “Hublot” as a niche luxury brand with a loyal clientele. However, by the early 2000s, Crocco sought to expand the brand’s reach and introduce a more aggressive growth strategy. This led to the appointment of Jean-Claude Biver as CEO in 2004, a move that would dramatically transform Hublot’s trajectory.
Under Biver’s leadership, with Crocco still at the helm as founder, Hublot introduced the now-iconic Big Bang collection in 2005, a watch that encapsulated the brand’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy. The collection combined gold, ceramic, Kevlar, titanium, and rubber in a strikingly bold design, setting new trends in luxury watchmaking. The Big Bang’s success propelled “Hublot” into the mainstream luxury market, and in 2008, Crocco sold the company to “LVMH”, the world’s leading luxury conglomerate. While stepping back from daily operations, Crocco remained involved in the brand’s development while also dedicating himself to philanthropic endeavors through the MDM Foundation, which supports humanitarian and environmental causes.
Carlo Crocco’s impact on the watch industry remains profound. His pioneering use of unconventional materials reshaped luxury watchmaking, influencing countless brands to embrace innovation beyond traditional craftsmanship. Today, “Hublot” continues to embody Crocco’s original vision, seamlessly blending heritage with modernity, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary horology.
