Hublot, the Swiss watchmaker renowned for its avant-garde designs and unconventional material choices, has once again teamed up with the iconic British music group Depeche Mode to create a limited-edition timepiece: the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode. This release marks the fourth collaboration between the two entities, each one a testament to their shared values of innovation, artistic expression, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode is more than just a watch; it's a statement piece that embodies the ethos of both
Hublot and Depeche Mode. Drawing inspiration from the band's latest album, Memento Mori, which translates to "remember you must die," the watch is a stark reminder of the preciousness of time and the importance of living in the present moment.
Courtesy of Hublot
The partnership between Hublot and Depeche Mode dates back to 2010, when they first joined forces to raise awareness and funds for environmental and humanitarian causes. Their initial collaboration resulted in a limited-edition Big Bang timepiece, and subsequent partnerships have supported organizations such as The Teenage Cancer Trust and charity: water.
The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode stays true to the collaborative spirit of its predecessors. The 42mm black ceramic case, a Hublot signature, features a sandblasted and polished finish that exudes a subtle texture and understated luxury. The iconic tonneau shape is adorned with pyramid-shaped studs, a motif echoed on the black ceramic bezel, adding a touch of rock-and-roll edge.
At the heart of the watch lies the black-plated sapphire dial, the centerpiece of the design. It features a skull motif embellished with an hourglass, symbolizing the fleeting nature of time. This powerful imagery is central to the Memento Mori concept and serves as a constant reminder to cherish every moment of existence.
Courtesy of Hublot
Adding another layer of meaning, the dial is filled with small black ceramic spheres that symbolically flow back and forth with the movement of the wrist. This subtle detail reinforces the watch's core message of impermanence, prompting the wearer to contemplate the passage of time.
The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode is not only rich in symbolism but also a marvel of technical prowess. It houses the self-winding HUB1710_SD caliber movement, boasting a 50-hour power reserve, ensuring consistent and reliable timekeeping. With its focus on environmental responsibility, Hublot and Depeche Mode have partnered with the Conservation Collective to extend their dedication to making a positive impact.
Limited to just 100 pieces, the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode is a true collector's item. Each timepiece comes presented in a special box containing a unique surprise: a 10" vinyl single of Depeche Mode's Wagging Tongue, produced using green energy and recycled PVC, making this release not only environmentally conscious but also a celebration of the band's enduring legacy.
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode is more than just a watch; it's a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a symbol of shared values. It's a timepiece that is sure to resonate with Depeche Mode fans and watch enthusiasts alike, serving as a timeless reminder to cherish every moment and make the most of the present.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode isn't just about striking visuals – its heartbeat is a technical powerhouse. Nestled within the black ceramic case lies the caliber HUB1710_SD, a meticulously crafted self-winding movement. This movement is not just a functional masterpiece but also a visual one, with intricate components visible through the sapphire caseback.
With a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 alternations per hour), the HUB1710_SD delivers smooth and accurate timekeeping. It also boasts an impressive 50-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch keeps ticking even when not being worn. This reliability makes it both practical and convenient, qualities that align with the modern lifestyle embraced by both Hublot and Depeche Mode fans.
Hublot has long been revered for its innovative use of materials. The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode carries on this tradition with pride. The 42mm case and bezel are crafted from black ceramic, a material beloved for its scratch-resistance and lightweight feel.
Courtesy of Hublot
Ceramic undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process. Initially, a fine powder is compressed under high pressure and then sintered – essentially baked – at extremely high temperatures to achieve its remarkable durability. With its sandblasted and polished finish, the ceramic surfaces offer subtle textural variation, giving the watch depth and personality.
The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode features an array of design elements that embody the band's signature aesthetic. The dial's centerpiece is the stylized skull and hourglass motif. While visually arresting, it serves as a solemn reminder of our mortality – the very essence of the Memento Mori concept. Surrounding the skull are the pyramid-shaped studs, adding dimension and textural contrast. These studs extend to the bezel, seamlessly uniting the elements of the watch.
The hands and markers are bold and assertive, ensuring excellent legibility, an essential aspect of any practical timepiece. To highlight the collaboration, the "DM" logo, representing Depeche Mode, sits above the date window at 6 o'clock. These details work together to create a design language that speaks to both fans of the band and aficionados of fine watchmaking.
Functionality shouldn't come at the expense of customization. Hublot understands this well, and that's why the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode comes with two interchangeable straps. Using Hublot's ingenious One-Click system, switching straps is a breeze, allowing the wearer to effortlessly adapt the watch to suit their style or occasion.
The first strap is crafted with recycled materials, echoing Hublot and Depeche Mode's commitment to environmental responsibility. It features a Velcro closure, adding a touch of modern practicality. The second strap stays true to classic watchmaking principles. This black rubber strap with pyramid-shaped studs and a black titanium folding clasp further infuses the watch with boldness and a rock-and-roll sensibility.
It's more than just a timepiece; this collaboration is about a lasting partnership rooted in a shared belief that doing good feels good. That's why Hublot and Depeche Mode continue to support meaningful causes. Each of these limited-edition Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode timepieces sold helps them partner with the Conservation Collective, a global charity focused on environmental restoration efforts.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode is a testament to the potential of creative collaborations and a dedication to positive impact. It challenges the conventions of traditional watchmaking and embraces artistic expression in a thought-provoking and meaningful way.
Through its bold design, meticulous craftsmanship, and environmental commitment, the watch transcends its role as a timekeeping instrument. It becomes a wearable reminder to live in the now, to cherish the precious moments, and to leave the world better than we found it. In a world driven by fast fashion and instant gratification, the spirit of Memento Mori infused into this timepiece provides a stark and welcome dose of perspective.