Previously we saw a brief report of the new Hublot Boutique in Malaysia click here

A few days before the event, a mystery box was received  -  the source was not a mystery as it was marked 'Hublot'  -  but the contents were.

Was it a credit card? Or a redeemable gift card for a watch?

It turned out to be a fancy id card for entry ot the press conference, opening ceremony and dinner. A contingent from Singapore joined the celebrations.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 5 June 2008 – Luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot SA and The Hour Glass officially opened their premier boutique in Kuala Lumpur at the Starhill Gallery, marking a number of firsts:  Hublot’s first stand-alone boutique in South-East Asia; as a boutique that is managed by The Hour Glass, it is also a first boutique collaboration.

Occupying over 1200 sq ft of luxury retail space in the Starhill Gallery, the new Hublot boutique is located right in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur’s fine retail belt.  Fashioned in the same style as Hublot's international boutiques and in trademark monochromatic colours – of black, white and silver, the boutique tries to project "cool contemporary minimalist luxe" – that's what the press release said. There was an all-black bar counter, chandelier and secluded VIP lounge to set the tone for customers who feel comfortable with a total luxurious retail experience.

At the press conference, most of the discussion revolved around the questions:

Why Malaysia? Why 'The Hour Glass' as joint boutique management? Why Starhill Gallery?
• What about the recent takeover by LVMH?

Mr Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot SA said, “In the Swiss watch industry, Asia is one of the most important markets.  In recent years, Hublot has grown exponentially, phenomenal really, internationally as well as in the region.  It is only natural that we seek to strengthen our presence in a stronghold such as Malaysia, which is in the heart of South-east Asia.  With The Hour Glass as our partner, with its top-notch reputation and strong retail experience, it is a match made in heaven.  Most importantly, as long term partners, they fully understand the philosophy of Hublot, what it stands for, what we are trying to achieve and the timelessness of its appeal.  

Dr Kenny Chan, Managing Director of The Hour Glass, added “We have been partners with Hublot SA from the very beginning, when it was first founded by Mr Crocco to its present day, powered by its CEO, Mr Biver.  We have followed the growth and success of Hublot with the same enthusiasm that we have watched our own retailing business grow through the years.  I am proud that not only have we weathered through the many challenges of the watch industry and economic cycles, today, we are stronger than ever and this boutique only cements what is a mutually trusting relationship and friendship that Hublot SA and The Hour Glass has built through the decades.  I look forward to more new exciting projects”.

As expected for such an event, everybody involved at the press conference had nothing but praise for each other and the acquisition by LVMH "had no impact on Hublot". To illustrate this point, Mr Biver recalled that during the due diligence period, he was asked what he would change if after the takeover, he was provided with unlimited resources. He replied, "Nothing!" - because he would change nothing about the strategic direction of Hublot. This statement was puzzling because we were left wondering what the benefit of LVMH was. It could not have been marketing resources because Hublot cannot make more watches than marketing can sell......

The Official Boutique Opening ceremony was attended by Mr Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot SA, Mr Ricardo Guadalupe, Managing Director of Hublot SA, Dr Kenny Chan, Managing Director of The Hour Glass and Mr Michael Tay, Executive Director of The Hour Glass.  Joining the occasion was Mr Philippe Pascal, President and CEO of LVMH Watch & Jewellery business division, Hublot’s parent company.  Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh of YTL Group (Starhill Gallery), one of Malysia's richest businessman, was also in attendance.

L - R: Dr Kenny Chan (The Hour Glass), Mr Philippe Pascal (LVMH Watch & Jewellery), Mr Jean-Claude Biver (Hublot), Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh (Starhill Gallery), Mr Ricardo Guadalupe (Hublot ), Mr Michael Tay (The Hour Glass). 

They were talking about football - Euro 2008 that Hublot sponsored.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

No fair!  No peeking!

Hublot models

More Hublot models

Ricardo and J-C flanking His Excellency, Dr. Urs Stemmler, Ambassador of Switzerland to Malaysia