Hublot is bringing a rare treat to Canadian luxury watch enthusiasts with an exclusive exhibition of its newly launched Big Bang timepieces. The watches, introduced in April 2025 at the renowned Watches and Wonders event in Geneva, will be on display only at Hublot’s boutique in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre from May 30 to June 5, 2025.
This traveling showcase is part of the global celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang collection, a landmark moment for one of the brand’s most iconic series.
“We are thrilled to celebrate 20 years of such an iconic collection, and to have it here in Toronto is truly exciting,” said Jhonnattan Meneses, Assistant Boutique Director of Hublot at Yorkdale.
Yorkdale Boutique Chosen for Canadian Showcase
Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre was selected as the exclusive Canadian location to host this traveling collection, reflecting the mall’s strong performance in the luxury retail segment. Hublot has seen success at its Yorkdale boutique, which opened in September 2019 as the brand’s first corporately-owned Canadian location.
Strategically situated in the heart of Yorkdale’s luxury wing—alongside Qeelin, TAG Heuer, and Jaeger-LeCoultre—the Hublot store has become a key destination for high-end watch collectors and fashion-forward clientele alike.
Yorkdale itself has earned a reputation as Canada’s top luxury shopping centre, featuring over 270 retailers and welcoming more international brands than any other mall in the country. Its upscale 65,000-square-foot expansion, which will include flagship stores for Dior and Saint Laurent, has solidified its position as a magnet for luxury consumers.
The Big Bang Legacy: Two Decades of Fusion and Innovation
First launched in 2005 under the leadership of then-CEO Jean-Claude Biver, the Big Bang chronograph introduced a new era of luxury watch design. The model exemplified Hublot’s Art of Fusion philosophy—seamlessly blending traditional Swiss craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials such as ceramic, carbon fiber, and rubber.
Over the years, the Big Bang collection has become synonymous with bold design and technical innovation. Its influence has been so significant that the Big Bang is now considered a pillar of Hublot’s identity and success.
This year’s 20th-anniversary editions continue that tradition, with new designs and limited-run models that underscore Hublot’s drive to push the boundaries of horology.
Watches Debuted at ‘Watches and Wonders’ in Switzerland
The Big Bang anniversary pieces that will be displayed at Yorkdale were unveiled last month at Watches and Wonders 2025, the preeminent annual gathering of the global watchmaking industry in Geneva.
At the event, Hublot revealed a range of new models showcasing complex materials and in-house movements, including refinements of its celebrated Unico and Meca-10 calibres. Among the key highlights are anniversary editions featuring sapphire, Magic Gold, and other proprietary materials that highlight Hublot’s continued investment in R&D.
The Yorkdale showcase will give Canadian watch collectors and fans a rare opportunity to experience these pieces up close.
Vancouver Location Also Marks Strong Brand Presence
In addition to Toronto, Hublot maintains a significant presence in Vancouver, where it operates a prominent boutique on Alberni Street. This two-level, 2,800-square-foot store opened in 2017 within The Carlyle retail complex, originally through a local franchise arrangement. It has since transitioned to a corporate store under LVMH ownership, aligning with Hublot’s global branding strategy.
Located in Vancouver’s ‘Luxury Zone’, the boutique neighbours prestigious brands such as De Beers, Prada, Moncler, and Saint Laurent. Alberni Street continues to thrive as the city’s premier luxury retail corridor, attracting high-spending tourists and local clientele alike.
Hublot’s Global Strategy: Canada as a Key Market
Hublot’s dual presence in Toronto and Vancouver reflects its focus on penetrating Canada’s most affluent and trend-conscious markets. By establishing flagship boutiques in both cities, the brand has effectively positioned itself to serve a growing base of discerning watch buyers.
Globally, Hublot has maintained a dynamic pace of innovation and expansion. Under Julien Tornare, who became CEO in 2024, the brand is pursuing a strategy of streamlining product launches and focusing on meaningful milestones—such as the Big Bang anniversary—to elevate its profile.
Tornare’s leadership is seen as a strategic move to maintain Hublot’s cachet in a saturated luxury market while avoiding overexposure from excessive limited editions.
Hublot’s History: From Bold Beginnings to Global Powerhouse
Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot broke conventions from the outset with its signature combination of gold cases and rubber straps—an industry first. Despite initial skepticism, this unorthodox pairing caught on, paving the way for Hublot’s future as an innovator.
The brand’s turning point came in 2004 with the appointment of Jean-Claude Biver. The following year’s launch of the Big Bang was a breakthrough moment, earning accolades and skyrocketing sales.
In 2008, luxury conglomerate LVMH acquired Hublot, solidifying its global stature. Since then, the brand has continued to develop proprietary innovations such as:
- Magic Gold: A scratch-resistant alloy co-developed with EPFL.
- In-House Movements: Including the automatic Unico chronograph and Meca-10.
- Exotic Materials: Extensive use of sapphire, titanium, carbon fiber, and ceramic.
Sports, Culture, and Design: Expanding the Brand
Beyond horology, Hublot has become a cultural force through its partnerships and high-profile ambassadors. It has served as the official timekeeper of major events like the FIFA World Cup, and maintains partnerships with clubs such as AFC Ajax and Juventus.
These partnerships underscore Hublot’s approach to integrating lifestyle and luxury—a strategy that resonates with modern consumers seeking more than just a timepiece.
