The store’s interior design is modelled after the Omotesando concept to enhance client experience.
Hublot celebrates grand opening of TRX boutique and football spirit
SWISS luxury watch brand Hublot, renowned for its innovative watches, recently celebrated the grand opening of its third boutique at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was a notable affair, attended by key figures such as Hublot chief executive officer Ricardo Guadalupe and former French football legend David Trezeguet.
This celebration highlighted the brand’s commitment to its clients and its iconic blend of tradition, innovation and craftsmanship.
Keeping TRX of time
The brand’s grand opening ceremony at The Exchange TRX was a star-studded event, with several key figures from Hublot and its partners, including Hublot Asia Pacific president Miwa Sakai, The Hour Glass group general manager Norman Ho, The Hour Glass Malaysia general manager Teh Soon Kheng and The Exchange TRX project director and Malaysia retail head Mitch Wilson and The Exchange TRX general manager Trevor Hill.
The event was further elevated by the attendance of Malaysian football club Johor Darul Ta’zim, the brand’s local partner since 2019.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of its new boutique but it also recognised its ties with the world of sports and specifically, football.
Trezeguet, who was Hublot’s Friend of the Brand and a FIFA World Cup 1998 and UEFA EURO 2000 champion, signed the Treze Goal ball as he received a tour of the new store and its offerings.
Teh emphasised the significance of the boutique’s design, stating, “For the first time, we have the honour of hosting an official Friend of the Brand of Hublot in Malaysia to officiate a Hublot boutique, and we’re pleased it is none other than David Trezeguet.
“It is especially fitting that the grand opening coincides with the ongoing Hublot Loves Football Pop Up event here at TRX in celebration of the ongoing UEFA EURO 2024 tournament, with Hublot as the official watch.”
(From left) The Hour Glass group general manager Norman Ho, Hublot Asia Pacific president Miwa Sakai, Hublot Friend of the Brand David Trezeguet, Hublot chief executive officer Ricardo Guadalupe, The Hour Glass Malaysia general manager Teh Soon Kheng, The Exchange TRX project director and head of retail (Malaysia) Mitch Wilson together with The Exchange TRX general manager Trevor Hill at the store’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
Unique viewing experience
The new boutique introduced Hublot’s latest innovative concept, inspired and pioneered by the Hublot Omotesando Boutique in Tokyo. It is the third worldwide to adopt this concept.
It allows customers to interact with the watches on the free access table, providing an immersive experience.
Guadalupe expressed his excitement about the new boutique, stating, “Tun Razak Exchange district is poised to be the country’s new international business and financial district.”
He emphasised Malaysia as a key market globally for the brand.
This hands-on approach translates to a more intimate and experiential browsing experience, encouraging clients to explore the brand’s exquisitely crafted watches at their own pace.
The 92sq m boutique features an interior accented with light oak, concrete and vivid pop art, reflecting its ‘The Art of Fusion’ philosophy.
This juxtaposing of materials deviates from the conventional glass-and-metal aesthetic prevalent in its other stores, creating a welcoming environment.
Additionally, highlights include a VIP lounge and a curated bar further enhance the boutique’s uniqueness, offering an exceptional visit for serious watch enthusiasts and new clients alike.
Beyond keeping time
Founded in 1980 in Nyon, Switzerland, Hublot is known for blending tradition with innovation.
The brand’s disruptive approach began with the combination of gold and rubber in its first watch, inspired by a ship’s porthole, which has become its aesthetic and technical signature.
The brand’s identity was further solidified in 2005 with the launch of the Big Bang collection, showcasing its skill in manufacturing its movement, bold design and fusion of materials.
This approach has led to the creation of other innovative collections such as Classic Fusion, Spirit of Big Bang and Square Bang, all drawing on craftsmanship mastery and cutting-edge materials.
The brand’s passion for innovation extends beyond the realm of horology into the vibrant world of sports, particularly football with its Hublot Loves Football campaign, representing an innovative spirit.
The slogan has become synonymous with the world’s biggest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup, Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA EURO.
These partnerships, along with the brand’s collaborations in art, design, music, sport, fine dining and sailing highlight its multifaceted nature.
Guadalupe also elaborated on the watch’s flagship movement, the Unico, and its significance to the brand, “Our goal is to be part of the reference brands of the Swiss Watch Industry, so we have to do things differently.
“That’s why our main message ‘The Art of Fusion’ is to make watches that connect tradition and innovation.”
He added, “Additionally, having our own movement, like the Unico, is crucial. The idea was to elevate ourselves to the level of traditional brands.”
Guadalupe shares that Hublot’s Unico movement exemplifies the fusion of tradition and innovation, setting the brand apart in the Swiss watch industry.
Combining sport and watches
Hublot has been both the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup official timekeepers, as well as the Official Watch of UEFA since 2008.
These partnerships highlight its commitment to precision, excellence and the spirit of competition—qualities that are intrinsic to both the world of luxury watchmaking and the universal sport of football.
The brand’s involvement in football is exemplified by its role as the Official Watch of UEFA Euro, where it has provided referees with accurate and stylish timepieces on the field.
This partnership continues with its official timekeeping duties for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024.
In conjunction with major football tournaments, the brand continually innovates its watches to enhance the experience for fans and players alike.
This year, to celebrate its partnership with the UEFA Euro 2024, a limited edition run of the Big Bang E Gen3 will incorporate the latest technology to allow wearers to keep track of tournament games results and check player stats in real-time.
This integration of modern smartwatch features with the traditional craftsmanship of Hublot provides football fans with unparalleled convenience and connectivity.
Its dedication to football is not just about timekeeping but about celebrating the love for the game.
By merging the art of watchmaking with the passion and energy of football, it has created a unique and enduring partnership that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
The brand continues to blend tradition, innovation, and a passion for excellence, strengthening its global community with every milestone.
