Undeniably Rolex and Hublot have both created some legendary wristwatches over the years. But which brand is better, Rolex or Hublot? Rolex is certainly the brand you would opt for if you want people to notice what you’re wearing on your wrist as soon as you enter a room. On the other hand, Hublot may not be as recognizable but they are certainly appreciated amongst connoisseurs and experienced watch collectors that know a lot about watches. Because Rolex doesn’t make quartz watches, the price difference between an entry-level Rolex watch and one of Hublot’s most affordable quartz watches is justified to an extent. Another reason why Rolex watches are more collectible is down to the brand’s history. Rolex is associated with creating the first automatic waterproof and dustproof watch, as well as the first diver’s watch with 100-meter water resistance. But let’s take a look at how Hublot compares to Rolex in this article which looks at history, collections, and prices.

Rolex was founded in 1905 by a young man who went by the name of Hand Wilsdorf. He had the vision to create sophisticated, stylish wristwatches that delivered on accuracy. It wasn’t long before the first Rolex watch was certified and tested for durability and accuracy. The first waterproof watch was created in 1926 – the Oyster watch. Its construction would go on to form the backbone to almost every other Rolex watch that followed.

Hublot is considered an incredibly young brand compared to Rolex having been founded in 1980. It began earning stripes straight away however, with industry-leading techniques and innovative materials. Under a new CEO, Hublot shook up the watch world with the first Big Bang watch in 2005. Comfortable defying the norm, few watch brands in the world dare to push boundaries as much as Hublot have and continue to do so.

Big Bang

The Big Bang collection by Hublot is renowned for its unusual materials and bold attention-demanding designs. The watches are propelled by expertly developed in-house made movements and some of the top-end models feature tourbillons for enhanced performance. The collection is quite a technical one. Not only do the watches boast materials like Magic gold, carbon and sapphire, but they are also equipped with features like a GMT, flyback chronograph and Perpetual calendar, as well as limited-edition models. Hublot Big Bang watches are bold, showcasing 45mm cases and an imposing aesthetic. There are smaller models available however in a 38, 39, 42 or 44mm.

Classic Fusion

Continuing to carry the porthole-inspired design through, the Classic Fusion watch collection by Hublot is a refined series of timepieces. Some of the top models feature a tourbillon and minute repetition whilst other luxury sports watches from the innovative line offer an impressive 8-day power reserve. If you’re looking to add a chronograph to your collection, there are case sizes of 42mm and 45mm to choose from, whereas the simple three-handed designs measure 38mm, 42mm and 45mm leaving the ladies' designs with diamond-studded bezels measuring 33mm and 35mm.

Spirit Of Big Bang

The only place to find a tonneau-shaped case in Hublot’s portfolio is the Spirit Of Big Bang collection. It is home to titanium, ceramic, Magic Gold and King Gold cases. These robust designs protect a chronograph caliber that was modified from the El Primero movement. There are Hublot watches from this family complete with moon-phase displays and skeletonized dials for admiring the performance of the movement through the dial side of the watch.

Daytona

Hublot has created specialist watches for diving like the King Power Diver with incredible 4000-meter water resistance, yet nothing quite beats the iconic look of the Submariner. It launched in 1953 and was the first diver’s watch to offer 100-meter water resistance. Today the Submariner is equipped with 300-meter water resistance and features the classic Oyster case with a screw-down crown, screw-down case and a monobloc middle case crafted from Rolex’s expertly crafted 904L-grade stainless steel.

Submariner

Continuing to carry the porthole-inspired design through, the Classic Fusion watch collection by Hublot is a refined series of timepieces. Some of the top models feature a tourbillon and minute repetition whilst other luxury sports watches from the innovative line offer an impressive 8-day power reserve. If you’re looking to add a chronograph to your collection, there are case sizes of 42mm and 45mm to choose from, whereas the simple three-handed designs measure 38mm, 42mm and 45mm leaving the ladies' designs with diamond-studded bezels measuring 33mm and 35mm.

Rolex GMT-Master II

Hublot made the Big Bang Unico GMT with a ceramic, titanium, carbon and King Gold case, but the Rolex GMT-Master boasts a cosmopolitan style with its choice of Everose, white gold, and bi-color options. The Pepsi dial versions of the line are some of the most sought-after timepieces from Rolex – the contrasting colors identifying the difference between day and night, whilst a GMT hand and 24-hour scale on the bezel will enable you to keep on track of local and home time if you frequently travel for business or pleasure.

There’s not such a huge gap between the starting price for a Hublot Compared to a Rolex. Both begin at around 5000 USD to 6000 USD. The most affordable Rolex watches are the Oyster Perpetual 39mm models and the Explorer, closely followed by the Air-King. You can, however, pay around 20,000 to 30,000 USD for a model like the Rolex Day-Date and the Daytona depending on the model in question. Hublot’s most expensive watches are the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater which costs around $200 000 and the MP-05 LaFerrari Sapphire which costs around $500 000.

Hublot has a reputation for creating very trendy, ergonomic watches that will appeal to young collectors. Alternatively, a Rolex watch looks considerably classic when sat on the wrist. Rubber straps are a frequent finish on a Hublot timepiece, whereas Rolex creates most of its models with a bracelet and offers very few alternatives on a rubber band, hence why Hublot watches are popular with sporty individuals. It all boils down to whether Hublot’s innovative and experimental approach to watchmaking takes your fancy or not. The company generates watches made from materials that aren’t frequently found on traditional watches. Or will you enjoy the instant recognition you’ll get from wearing a watch made by the world’s most famous watch brand? Rolex watches are more expensive than Hublot watches but if you’re planning to make good use out of the watch by wearing it every day, your money will be well invested in a Rolex watch.

For more information about Rolex check here, and for Hublot check here.

To find out more about which Rolex hold their value you can read more of our guides where we cover all Rolex Nicknames or our classic guide to the Day Date models and our comparision with their sister brand: Rolex vs Tudor.

Subscribe our newsletter for more news related content and find our quick comparitive guides to help you decide which watch you should buy next:

Breitling vs Rolex

Cartier vs Rolex

Audemars Piguet vs Rolex

Tag Hurer vs Rolex