Hublot and Depeche Mode to release a collector’s edition series of 55 unique Big Bang watches to benefit charity: water, inspired by each of the band’s 55 singles
One of the most influential, beloved and best-selling musical acts of all time, Depeche Mode have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have played to more than 30 million fans since their formation in 1981. And, in their 37-year career, Depeche Mode have released an incredible 55 singles, from “Dreaming of Me” in 1981 to last year’s release of “Cover Me”. In tribute to this incredible achievement, the Swiss watchmaker Hublot introduces a collection of 55 unique pieces of its Big Bang Unico model, all to benefit Hublot and Depeche Mode’s charity partner charity: water.
“We are greatly honoured and moved by Hublot’s support of charity: water with this new collection of watches commemorating all of our singles.” Martin Gore, Depeche Mode
“Depeche Mode are iconic in the history of contemporary music. We identify with their passion, stronger now than ever, and with their constantly growing creativity. We are lucky enough to share many values with them, including the commitment to the activities of the charity: water NGO. This new and unique collection of 55 different pieces plays tribute to their incredible career while aptly celebrating our common ground. A new collector’s edition grew out of this!”
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot
The limited-edition series was announced on Friday 26 January at the Hublot boutique in Milan, Italy by Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot watches, and Martin Gore of Depeche Mode. A total of 55 watches, one for each single, will be produced as unique pieces, all based on the iconic Hublot Big Bang model.
Each of the watches features, on its dial, a disc that partially shows the image of the record cover it represents, which is reminiscent of the very first model produced by the partnership between Hublot and Depeche Mode. The back of each watch features the entire cover of the single as well as the charity: water logo. These two elements are imprinted on the sapphire of the glass opening onto the famous automatic UNICO movement. Produced by the Hublot manufacture, it provides a power reserve of 72 hours. Each piece will be fitted with a strap in a colour specific to each model, completed with cuff straps in the same hue, and rock-and-rollinspired rubber studs. This accessory is perforated on its back, so as to showcase the glass on the back of the watch and its movement.
A final detail making the Big Bang Depeche Mode “The Singles” collection even more exclusive: a Roland JP-08 synthesiser will accompany each timepiece. The Roland JP-08 is a limited-edition synth module from the Roland Boutique series, paying homage to and recreating the sounds of the legendary Roland Jupiter 8 synth, used by Depeche Mode throughout the years. Legendary luggage manufacturer RIMOWA has created a cabin size Topas Stealth suitcase in anodized black aluminium to showcase this unique collection. This sleek custom-made case will protect each package – the unique timepiece, synthesiser, corresponding vinyl single and certificate of authenticity signed by the band. The rock star kit is thus complete!
Charity: water, based in New York City, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries worldwide. Depeche Mode and Hublot have actively supported charity: water since 2013, with their first partnership bringing safe, clean water to over 30,000 people in Nepal and Ethiopia. The current partnership aims to have an even greater impact, bringing clean water to an additional 50,000 people. It is estimated that 663 million people (or 1 in 10 people) in the world lack access to safe drinking water. This lack of safe water spreads disease, compromises safety, makes education elusive, and impedes the economic empowerment of citizens of developing nations.
Net proceeds from the sale of the 55 unique pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Depeche Mode “The Singles” Limited Edition will be go to charity: water, as part of the larger charity initiative between Depeche Mode, Hublot and charity: water. Hublot and Depeche Mode will officially present charity: water with a cheque for all funds raised during the partnership.
Big Bang Depeche Mode “The Singles” Limited Edition
References: 411.CX.1101 to 1155.VR.DPM187—every piece is unique
Diameter: 45 mm
Thickness: 16.30 mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM (100 m)
Case: Knurled and polished black ceramic
Bezel: Knurled and polished black ceramic
Bezel lug: Black composite resin with 6 H-shaped black-plated titanium screws
Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
Case back: Polished black ceramic with sapphire glass
Photo of the single cover and charity: water logo
Crown and push-pieces Knurled and black-plated titanium
Dial: Matt black skeleton
Black-plated studded indexes
Printed detail of single cover
Movement: Calibre HUB1242, UNICO manufacture
Flyback self-winding movement chronograph and column wheel
Date: Aperture at 3 o’clock
Number of components: 330 (38 rubies)
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 A/h)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Strap: Black rubber and coloured calf cuff straps with black-plated studs
Black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant buckle clasp
