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Hugo Boss Watches Review – High Fashion or Overpriced?

Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by swisswatchreview

 

High Fashion or Overpriced? A Review of Hugo Boss Watches

Hugo Boss is a reputable name in the fashion world. This company got its start in Germany, but it is a worldwide phenomenon for its luxury clothing and accessories. While everyone expects Hugo Boss to carry fashionable clothing, some of its other products are less known. If you are considering investing in Hugo Boss watches, here are the factors you need to consider.

The History of Hugo Boss Watches

Hugo Boss got its start in the 1920s. The early years were rocky. With economic turmoil in the 1930s, the company filed for bankruptcy. After that, Hugo Boss supplied clothing for the Nazi army. This was profitable, but obviously it had negative long-term repercussions and problematic moral considerations. The company was punished after World War II, and the company officially apologized for its Nazi connections in 2011.Despite this controversial start, the company retained its family ownership and continued to evolve. By the 1960s and 1970s, Hugo Boss found new growth by making men’s dress suits. With burgeoning popularity, the brand began to expand. In the 1980s, Hugo Boss developed fragrances and sunglasses. Then, in 1996, Hugo Boss released its first line of watches.

This early watch production was completed under a contract by Tempus Concept. While there was some modest success, the brand sought to renovate its watch production for superior sales.

A Transition Period of Watchmaking

In order to redefine its niche with watches, Hugo Boss entered a new contract for watch production in 2004. At this time, the company’s watch license was taken over by MGI Luxury Group. As an established production group, MGI Luxury is more commonly known as Movado. When the license was transitioned, Hugo Boss took time to redesign its watch concept. The news of Hugo Boss watches was announced at BaselWorld 2006. With this transition, Hugo Boss was able to expand its watch production dramatically. Prior to the transition, Hugo Boss produced around 100,000 watches annually. These watches were available in 40 countries. After Movado took over, production increased to 300,000 watches per year. Better still, watches were available in 55 countries.

Because style has always been paramount to the brand, the new watch production was focused on creating distinctive looks. This is still the model used by Hugo Boss for its watch lines to this day.

Watches for a Fashion Statement

Hugo Boss is a fashion brand. Therefore, it is no surprise that its watches are known more for their style than anything else. They are designed for business and leisure, and many are versatile enough to be worn in both contexts. Some of the bolder pieces are considered statement watches. The minimalistic design is anchored by the Boss logo, which makes these watches have the same appeal as jewelry. In fact, likening these watches to jewelry is not a bad way to go. The women’s watches in particular are adorned with flourishes you might expect from a bracelet or necklace. One model is encrusted with Swarovski crystals and a yellow gold dial. Another striking selection is plated with carnation gold and a mesh bracelet. Clearly, these pieces are meant to make a stylistic statement, and they can be worn to complement many fashion ensembles.

The men’s line takes a more masculine approach and features more squared shapes and clean lines. One excellent example is a model with black-plated stainless steel. To add visual interest to the piece, this model has a multi-eye mechanism with three unique subdials. The watch is actually see-through with a cut-out element that highlights the inner gears. Hugo Boss watches also come in chronograph models. The Ocean Edition Chrono is styled like a dive watch, and while it has water resistance to 100 meters, its rotating bezel and glowing blue paint details truly set it apart.

Range of Product Options

Hugo Boss watches come in a range of styles and lines. Between the company’s selection of men’s and women’s watches, there are more than 80 watches currently available. To aid with marketing efforts, Hugo Boss offers several collections, which are showcased as distinctive brands within the Hugo Boss name. Each brand collection is designed around a unique theme. For example, Boss Black offers classic style and pure fashion. Boss Orange, on the other hand, takes a more vintage approach to design. Hugo is the haute couture collection, and Boss Green is geared toward athletics and golf.

Boss Black was the first brand to be released. Orange was released a year after, and Hugo premiered in 2009. This use of branding helped target distribution outlets, and it allowed Hugo Boss to coordinate its watch collection with its other clothing and accessory lines.

Understanding the Price Point – Expensive or not?

Hugo Boss is a luxury fashion brand. Therefore, it is a bit surprising to learn that its watches are made with an eye to affordability. In fact, the cost-saving measures were a large reason Hugo Boss switched over to Movado for its production. Movado has a sizable presence, and its manufacturing is thoroughly established in China. Although Hugo Boss does not disclose where its watches are manufactured, Movado is known for its facilities in China. Chinese production sometimes gets a bad reputation, but Movado is a respected company that is known for decent quality.

These lower production costs are not always passed on to the consumer. In fact, these fashion watches will still cost a pretty penny. The increase in cost is mostly for name recognition. In other words, consumers are going to pay more for the Hugo Boss brand rather than the inherent value of the watch itself.

Are Hugo Boss watches good quality ?

The discussion of quality is where many people will draw the line on Hugo Boss. For the fashion-minded, Hugo Boss watches will surely meet all the necessary requirements. However, if you are interested in a quality timepiece with good construction and movement, then there is still a bit more to talk about with this watch brand. Simply put, Hugo Boss watches are not all that impressive in terms of quality construction. The quartz movements in the brand’s watches are decidedly lower end. The mechanics of these watches are not comparable to those produced by serious watchmakers. The nuances of watchmaking are lost in the stylistic elements.

Do Hugo Boss watches hold their value?

No. Hugo Boss watches like other mass produced fashion watches do not hold their value. Special edition fashion watches that are produced in limited quantities might hold their value but Hugo Boss rarely make these.

In other words, these watches look very nice, but they are simply subpar in terms of horology. There is minimal craftsmanship involved in the design and production of these watches. This is because Hugo Boss is a fashion brand, and its interest in watches is purely incidental. These are fashion accessories more than they are timepieces.

It is worth noting that Hugo Boss watches do have good warranties. Service and repair options are also quite robust. These factors do not change the actual quality of the watch, but they do enhance the buyer’s consumer experience on the whole.

The Verdict on Hugo Boss Watches

Your decision on Hugo Boss watches will depend largely on your priorities. If you are invested in quality watchmaking, then other brands will deliver far better. However, for an attractive watch that appeals to high fashion, you can do worse than Hugo Boss. The key is to remember that Hugo Boss watches are fashion accessories before you make your purchase.
Now take a look at some popular models:

BOSS Orange Men’s 1513228 PARIS Analog Display Quartz Black Watch

The one thing that stands out with the Boss Orange Hugo Boss watch is the fact that it’s capable of being worn on different occasions. This is very rewarding to the owner since they don’t have to worry about having multiple watches. The casual watch with an analog display with a black leather band gives it a sophisticated look. When worn with formal clothes, it still fits the style perfectly. A 47mm wide and 13 mm thick stainless steel is used on the casing to increase durability. The interior is also well built to boost the functionality, and it’s also water-resistant. It offers a water resistance of up to 30 meters.

Hugo Boss Jet Silver / Brown Leather Analog Quartz Chronograph Men’s Watch

The brown leather band makes it very diverse when it comes to dressing up or down for different events. It’s made with a 53mm display and attracts a lot of attention through the silver background. The hands plus hour markings and the case are designed with a beautiful silver finish. The silver fits perfectly with the leather band that has a glossy finish. Users are not left confused when it comes to matching an outfit with Hugo Boss watches. It includes a stainless steel casing with mineral glass to offer full protection. That feature makes it water-resistant, and it can resist scratches.

HUGO by Hugo Boss Men’s Stainless Steel Quartz Watch with Leather Calfskin Strap

Hugo invent

This watch has a spectacular design, and it looks stunning. Designed with glass that makes it hard to get scratched, the Hugo #Invent is the right choice for bold and strong-willed men. The color combinations are unique and make wearers of the watch stand out. The most noticeable thing is the textured dial and red hand and logo.

This is the watch that every confident gentleman who knows what he wants should have in his collection. The design and functionality are a combination of features that show boldness and superiority.

BOSS Men’s Year-Round 1513331 Quartz Watch

boss day date

This watch is one of the most affordable Hugo Boss watches. Large(44mm) classic design influenced by pilot watches with Arabic numerals, 3 hands and day date function. Blue dial and light brown leather strap. Water resistant 5ATM