The New Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode
In the world of luxury watches, collaborations between brands and celebrities are nothing new. But every now and then, a partnership comes along that not only produces a stunning timepiece but also has a deeper meaning and purpose behind it. HUBLOT presents its new New Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode watch loaded with a good dose of rock. This is exactly the case with the latest collaboration between Swiss watchmaker Hublot and British band Depeche Mode.
In March 2023, Depeche Mode announced their grand comeback with the release of Memento Mori, their 15th studio album, which would be accompanied by a world tour. The album, which was highly anticipated by fans after the band’s four-year hiatus, delves into the concept of living fully in the present and embracing all aspects of life, including death. It invites listeners to reflect on the value of time and reminds us that every moment should be cherished.
In keeping with this theme, Hublot and Depeche Mode joined forces to create the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode watch. The watch pays tribute to the band’s latest album and tour, incorporating elements that embody the concept of Memento Mori.
The design, created in collaboration with Depeche Mode, features a skull motif – a symbol that can be seen in the video announcing the band’s return – superimposed on an hourglass. This symbolizes the passage of time and serves as a reminder to live life to the fullest.
But the collaboration between Hublot and Depeche Mode goes beyond just creating a beautiful timepiece. As a part of their partnership, the two have also pledged to raise funds and awareness for the Conservation Collective, a global charity that works to protect and restore natural environments.
Thanks to funding from Depeche Mode and Hublot, the first round of projects in the fight against plastic pollution – a cause that aligns with the band’s commitment to sustainability – was launched in 2023. Seven high-impact initiatives in seven different countries were supported, with plans for three more rounds of funding to drive even greater change.
To launch the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode watch, the two partners came together once again in Berlin, eleven years after their first joint event in the German capital. The timepiece, which is a limited edition release, features Hublot’s iconic All-Black aesthetic in the form of the Spirit of Big Bang’s distinctive tonneau shape.
The center of the dial is adorned with small black ceramic spheres that symbolically flow back and forth as the wearer moves their wrist, representing the concept of Memento Mori. This Latin expression, which translates to ‘remember that you will die,’ aims to encourage reflection on the transience of life and the importance of making the most of every moment.
Next to the dial, you can see the initials DM, the logo of the British band, at 6 o’clock. The indexes take on the shape of pyramidal studs, a motif that also appears on the black ceramic bezel. Each of the 100 pieces of this limited edition comes presented in a special box with a wonderful surprise: a 10-inch vinyl single of Wagging Tongue by Depeche Mode, only available as part of this package, and which is also energetically produced green and recycled PVC.
Speaking about the collaboration, Matthias Bitzer, Director of Sales at Hublot Germany, said, ‘We are delighted to launch the new Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode in collaboration with Depeche Mode. This timepiece celebrates the band’s artistic vision while also supporting an important cause close to their hearts. We hope that this watch will not only be a treasured item for collectors but also serve as a reminder to live life to the fullest.’
The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode is not just a watch, but a statement piece that represents the values and beliefs of both Hublot and Depeche Mode. It’s a beautiful creation that serves as a reminder to seize every moment and make a positive impact on the world.