Unexpected amalgamations of materials have long been key design codes of a Hublot watch, which utilise innovative components for functional results. Their so-called Magic Gold, for example – an 18k scratch-proof gold alloy – has surprised in the past when combined with rubber for a sportier timepiece. Ultra-tough ceramic and fully transparent synthetic sapphire look sleek and are more than strong enough to protect a watch's exposed movement within.
Their boutiques around the world incorporate this same balance of design and functionality, with the opening of the sixth in Tokyo – it follows Paris, Geneva, New York, London and Hong Kong – also marking Hublot’s largest retail space.
The 56m high store on the city’s Chuo-dori Street encapsulates these juxtapositions in both the interior and exterior. The three floors within are dominated by a staircase of laser-cut mirrored stainless steel; interior accents of ebony, leather and crystal make for a warmly textured welcome. Despite the large space, Hublot cultivates a feeling of intimacy: floors in black lava stone and marble are a contemporary foil for graphite-coloured leather and alcantara furnishings. ‘We worked with various high-tech materials and colours, as well as playing with mirrors inside the boutique,’ says Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe. ‘This mix of materials, shapes and colours allowed us to break up the different perspectives, on the ground and in the height.’
It is a design tick also embraced in the exterior of the building. Guadalupe adds: ‘We used glass panels, inside of which we inserted crystals so that we can play with the day and the night light. During the day the facade is sparkling, and during the night light is reflected.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
3 Chome-5-9 Ginza
Chuo City
Tokyo 104-0061
Japan
-
The bespoke Jaguar E-Type GTO melds elements from every era of the classic sports carECD Automotive Design’s one-off commission caters to a client who wanted to combine the greatest hits of Jaguar’s E-Type along with modern conveniences and more power
-
Casa Sanlorenzo debuts in Venice as a new hub for contemporary artThe luxury yachting leader unveils a stunning new space in a palazzo restored by Piero Lissoni – where art, innovation, and sustainability come together
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on lifeThanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being rebonr as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Hublot presents new limited edition Big Bang Unico Essential GreyHublot’s monochromatic new Big Bang model is available exclusively through hublot.com
-
Samuel Ross unveils his Hublot Big Bang watch designSamuel Ross brings a polished titanium case and orange rubber strap to the Hublot Big Bang watch
-
Playful design meets chic heritage in the Hermès Kelly watchThe new Kelly watch from Hermès rethinks the original 1975 timepiece
-
Discover the tonal new hues of the classic Nomos Club Campus watchThe Nomos classic wristwatch Club Campus now comes in two new collegiate colours. The perfect graduation gift from the Glashütte manufacture
-
Bulgari unveils the thinnest mechanical watch in the worldThe new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra watch is a record-breaking feat of engineering
-
Breitling and Triumph unite on a racy new watch and motorcycle1960s design codes are infused with a contemporary edge in the collaboration between Breitling and Triumph
-
Gerald Genta’s mischievous Mickey Mouse watch design is rethought for a new eraThe Gerald Genta Retrograde with Smiling Disney Mickey Mouse watch pays tribute to Genta’s humorous design codes
-
Shinola honours Georgia O’Keeffe with a new watchShinola Birdy watch stays faithful to the minimalist codes of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, My Last Door
