Qatar Holds Special Place In Hublot's Global Strategy: Regional Director

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Victor Bolorunduro | The Peninsula

Doha: Qatar, and the Middle East in general, holds a special place in Hublot's global strategy, representing one of the brand's largest and most dynamic markets, David Tedeschi, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa, and Latin America at Hublot, has said.

Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the ongoing Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, Tedeschi said,“Qatar is among our top three markets in the region,” underscoring its significance within Hublot's portfolio.“Despite challenges faced by the luxury industry in 2024, Hublot remains optimistic about 2025, particularly given Qatar's stellar performance last year,” he said. According to him, what sets the Middle Eastern market apart is its diverse clientele, with women playing a pivotal role in driving sales.

David Tedeschi, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa, and Latin America at Hublot. Pics: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula

“Forty-five percent of our sales in the region are made to women. In Qatar specifically, this figure rises dramatically, accounting for over 70% of sales,” Tedeschi revealed, highlighting the strength of Hublot's appeal to female consumers-a rarity for a non-jewelry watch brand.

He added that this success was further amplified by collaborations like the limited-edition collection featuring Qatari natural pearls, developed alongside the Al Majed family. The collection, primarily targeting women, became a resounding hit, showcasing Hublot's ability to blend local heritage with modern design.

As Hublot marks the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang, the iconic timepiece continues to embody the brand's ethos of innovation, craftsmanship, and audacity. First introduced in 2005, the Big Bang revolutionized the watchmaking world and cemented Hublot's reputation as a trailblazer in the luxury segment.

Tedeschi shared exciting details about how Hublot plans to honor this milestone throughout 2025.“At the recent LVMH Watch Week in New York, the brand unveiled three new Big Bang Meccanico models equipped with an evolved movement housed in a sleeker 42mm case (down from the original 45mm). This technical advancement retains the impressive 10-day power reserve while offering enhanced wearability. However, these releases are just a preview of what's to come. During Watches & Wonders later this year, Hublot will roll out an entire collection dedicated exclusively to the Big Bang,” he said.

“It's going to be a big turn for the brand,” Tedeschi emphasized, teasing the launch of a comprehensive 20th-anniversary campaign that promises to make waves across the horological landscape.

When asked about the future trajectory of the Big Bang, Tedeschi reiterated the importance of elevating the collection through both design and technology.“We want to continue developing it and elevating it even further,” he said. For enthusiasts attending watch fairs or considering investments, Tedeschi offered sage advice:“Choose wisely a watch that you love, not a watch as an investment.”

He noted that the post-COVID surge in speculative buying has waned, with second-hand prices returning to normal levels. Instead of focusing solely on financial returns, collectors should prioritise the emotional connection they feel toward a timepiece.“The most important thing is the emotion that the watch gives you,” he concluded.

MENAFN02022025000063011010ID1109157242