In the watch world, Hublot has cultivated a reputation for being unapologetically innovative and audaciously bold. For the past 45 years, this Swiss luxury watchmaker has dared to push the boundaries of the industry in ways that have challenged long-held timepiece norms. This is the company that fused gold and rubber, made carbon fibre a cool case alternative, and injected vibrant colours into the luxury watch conversation with its visceral ceramic shades.
For close to two decades, David Tedeschi, Hublot’s Managing Director for Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, has been part of this disruptive and dynamic watch brand, helping shape its story. With an upbringing steeped in Swiss watchmaking and a career that has seamlessly blended technical mastery with commercial acumen, David is the embodiment of Hublot’s fusion philosophy.
“My father brought me into this world,” David reveals. “He was an interior architect before transitioning into the watch and jewellery industry. Growing up, I remember I’d spend my Saturdays in his store in Geneva, mesmerised by the intricate mechanics of timepieces. I was fascinated by how such small components could power an entire watch.”
This early exposure to watchmaking laid the foundation for a career that would see David move from the technical side to luxury horology’s commercial and storytelling aspects.
“Understanding what you’re selling makes it much easier to sell,” he confirms with a laugh. “When you have a deep knowledge of movement craftsmanship, you can better appreciate innovation and anticipate where the industry is heading. That’s what gives you an advantage.”
Leading Hublot’s strategy across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America requires a keen understanding of vastly different markets. “The Middle East favours more classic watches, and there is a strong demand for our Classic Fusion collection, while Latin America leans towards the Big Bang,” David notes. “So our marketing and sales strategies have to be tailored accordingly. In Latin America, we invest more in events and social engagement, whereas in the Middle East, visibility is key. That’s why we focus on media presence and key locations, like our flagship stores in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates – two of our highest-performing boutiques globally.”
The brand’s Middle Eastern clientele, he says, is sophisticated and brand-loyal. “They know what they want, and they appreciate craftsmanship. Our strong regional presence is a testament to that.”
This year, Hublot celebrates the 20th anniversary of its most iconic watch, the Big Bang. “We’re launching three new versions, including the Big Bang MECA-10 in a 42mm case for the first time. To achieve this, we had to completely redesign the movement from the previous 45mm version,” David reveals. “Hublot is known for its disruptive design, but we also want to solidify our legitimacy in movement craftsmanship. People often associate us with bold aesthetics, but what’s inside the watch matters just as much.”
Material innovation is another pillar of Hublot’s identity, particularly in ceramics. “Hublot didn’t invent ceramic watches, but we are leading the industry in developing new ceramic colours,” David says. “This year, we’re introducing new limited-edition hues to the Spirit of Big Bang collection, which is rapidly gaining traction.”
David is clear-eyed about what it takes to stay ahead in the luxury watch industry. “You need a disruptive mindset. That’s what Jean-Claude Biver instilled in Hublot when he led the brand,” he notes. “I remember when he told our team he wanted ‘unscratchable gold’. Everyone thought it was impossible. But, after years of R&D with the Polytechnical School of Lausanne, we created Magic Gold – an innovation that remains exclusive to Hublot to this day. That’s the power of thinking beyond limits.”
Looking ahead, Hublot is focusing on advancing its mechanical movements. “We’ve made a name for ourselves with materials, but now we want to be recognised for our horological engineering as well. We have some major innovations in the pipeline that will redefine the mechanics of timepieces,” David notes. “Our MP-05 LaFerrari, with the longest power reserve in a mechanical watch, was just the beginning.”
When asked about his favourite watch, David doesn’t hesitate. “The King Power Unico All Black,” he says. “That model no longer exists, but it holds a special place in my heart. It was the first watch to feature our Unico movement, and I was part of the team that brought it to life. The all-black concept was revolutionary, and it embodies what Hublot stands for – making people see timepieces in a completely new way.”
