Hublot Fusion Explorer: Luxury Watches Meet Web 3.0

Always a pioneer, Swiss watchmaker Hublot and its dynamic CEO Jean-Claude Biver have brought watch displays into the 21st century.   On November 5, 2008 in Lausanne, an enthusiastic Biver presented the Fusion Explorer system, a unique high-tech timepiece display which permits enthusiasts to view a specific watch at a variety of angles, from anywhere in the world that they have Internet access.  

The key to this capability is a mechanized mini-camera, developed by the Dietlin Artisans and FiveCo companies. After logging on to the Hublot website, a user can access the powerful mobile camera for two minutes, enabling 360-degree views with a powerful zoom capability of up to 40-power.   Among other features, the system offers six programmable viewpoints, optional automatic navigation, geographical analysis of visitors, and independent LED lighting.

Regarding the features of the system, Xavier Dietlin, director of Dietlin Artisans said,  "The Raptor display window has enabled the watchmaking profession to lift the obstacle of the window in watch displays.  Fusion Explorer today enables the product to be shown from every angle, and to focus on the minutest details of the items. It is without a doubt a giant step forward in the demonstration of watchmaking savoir-faire."

A press release from Hublot states that the Fusion Explorer system marks the first time that Web 3.0 technology has been employed within the watch industry.  

"It’s a fantastic project, managed by true entrepreneurs," stated Jean-Claude Biver.  "It enables a much greater number of people to discover a unique product via the Internet along with the environment that goes with it. We thus move from the infinitely small to the infinitely large. The technology serves the watchmaker’s art, and enables each person, wherever they are, to share their mutual passion for the beauty of the watchmaker’s art."