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Hublot Classic MDM Geneve Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé, 1980s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Hublot Classic MDM Geneve Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé, 1980s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Hublot (maker)
Date
1980s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
18K Yellow-Gold
Dimensions
Diameter 29 mm
Stock no.
CUR501
Credit line
Dealer listing, Watches of Knightsbridge (CUR501)
Catalogue title (original)
Hublot Classic MDM Geneve Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London (stock number CUR501), this is a wristwatch by Hublot, made in Switzerland, dated 1980s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18K Yellow-Gold. Recorded dimensions: Diameter 29 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Watches of Knightsbridge

1980s ladies Hublot Classic MDM Geneve in yellow gold with factory pavé diamond dial and bezel, reference 139.10.6 This distinctive and now iconic model is part of the original Hublot collection produced whilst under the leadership of Carlo Crocco. During the late 1970s the Italian Entrepreneur moved to Switzerland to setup the company MDM Geneve and in 1980 launched the watch Hublot (meaning “Porthole” in French). Having successfully sold Hublot to LVMH Group in 2008, Carlo Crocco has commitments in the humanitarian field with his foundation MDM (Main Dans La Main – Hand in Hand) helps disadvantaged children around the world. This example remains in excellent condition.

Specifications — Watches of Knightsbridge

Reference: 139.10.6; Metal: 18K Yellow-Gold; Movement: Quartz; Case diameter: 29mm; Bracelet/strap: Original Hublot Leather Strap & Yellow Gold Pin Buckle

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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