Depeche Mode (left: Dave Gahan and Martin Gore) are pioneers of the synth-pop genre, profoundly shaping the landscape of electronic music
To commemorate Depeche Mode’s influence on popular culture, their latest (and 15th) album and global tour, Memento Mori, Hublot introduces the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode timepiece. Fourteen years have passed since Hublot and Depeche Mode initially collaborated, and they are dedicated to raising awareness and funds for various environmental and humanitarian causes. Throughout this partnership, reaffirmed with each subsequent tour by the band, over US$2.3 million ($3 million) has been contributed to organisations like the Teenage Cancer Trust and global non-profit charity: water.
In March last year, Depeche Mode — formed in Basildon, Essex, in 1980 — returned to the stage with a new album and a global tour. Continuing their longstanding partnership with the band, known for selling over 100 million albums, Hublot supports fundraising and awareness campaigns for the Conservation Collective.
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Established by Ben Goldsmith in 2020, the Conservation Collective aims to enhance local environmental initiatives by creating new avenues for philanthropic funding. However, environmental philanthropy faces two main challenges: Persuading individuals to support urgent issues and ensuring funds reach impactful projects.
In 2023, the band and Hublot joined forces to fund grassroots projects combating plastic pollution. This support enabled seven impactful initiatives across seven countries. With three more funding rounds ahead, the collaboration seeks to amplify positive change. These projects concentrate on combating plastic pollution through community-led waste management, plastic-free campaigns, and clean-up drives.
Hublot and Depeche Mode reunited in Berlin, marking 11 years since their first joint event in the German capital, to introduce a new limited-edition timepiece: The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode.
Reflecting the tonneau shape of the Spirit of Big Bang collection, the watch adopts Hublot’s renowned All-Black aesthetic. Crafted in collaboration with Depeche Mode, the design combines a skull motif — prominently featured in the band’s comeback video — with an hourglass, symbolising the constant passage of time.
See also: Hublot CEO Julien Tornare on settling into his role at the ‘young’ brand, and how he’s moving things along
The big bang
At the centre of the dial is a captivating arrangement of small black ceramic spheres, moving dynamically with the wearer’s wrist motion, symbolising the concept of Memento Mori.
This design element, rooted in the Latin phrase “remember you must die,” prompts reflection on life’s impermanence. Positioned at 6 o’clock, the dial proudly showcases the initials DM, the band’s logo. Pyramid-shaped studs serve as indices on the dial, mirroring the motif found on the black ceramic bezel.
With a diameter of 42 mm, the barrel-shaped case of the timepiece is crafted from sand-blasted and polished black ceramic, exuding a refined yet bold aesthetic. Inside, it accommodates a self-winding HUB1710_SD calibre movement boasting a 50-hour power reserve. Adding versatility to its allure, each Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode watch is accompanied by two easily interchangeable straps facilitated by the patented One Click system.
The first strap, made from recycled materials and Velcro, perfectly complements Conservation Collective’s efforts to tackle plastic pollution. The second strap, crafted from black rubber, features a black titanium folding clasp adorned with pyramid-shaped studs matching those on the bezel and dial, giving off a cool “rock” vibe.
This limited edition of 100 pieces comes in a special box, with a 10” vinyl single of Depeche Mode’s Wagging Tongue, available only in this package. Importantly, the vinyl single is produced using eco-friendly methods, including green energy and recycled PVC, in line with the sustainability values shared by Hublot and Depeche Mode.
For more information: http://hublot.depechemode.com/
