Established in 1980 by Italian businessman Carlo Crocco, Hublot launched their first timepiece in Baselworld of the same year. By 2004, watch executive Jean-Claude Biver who spearheaded the revival of Blancpain became its CEO and began systematic reforms by adopting techniques of haute horologerie utilizing modern materials such gold, carbon, tantalum and ceramic. Its flagship model, the Big Bang chronograph introduced in 2005, became an acclaimed hit and was later awarded the “Best Design” Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Awards that year.