SpotlightEmbrace The 80s Goth Aesthetic With Hublot’s Spirit Of Big Bang Depeche Mode Limited Edition

Anyone who’s familiar with the ‘80s electro-rock scene would definitely have Depeche Mode on their playlist. The British rock band with the original line up of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher, and Vince Clarke, ruled the music scene at a time when synthwave and alternate rock were becoming popular sub-genres of music as people were more open to experimenting and breaking away from the traditional mould. This was evident in the groovy beats of their foot-tapping numbers such as Enjoy the Silence, Personal Jesus, Strangelove among others that have spanned generations and are still popular with melophiles all across the globe. Based on this, Hublot first partnered with them 14 years ago to raise public awareness and funds for several environmental and humanitarian causes. Since then, this association has continued and resulted in fruitful results such as raising over USD 2.3mn for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

And last year in March, the band announced their comeback with the release of Memento Mori—their 15th studio album, along with an intensive world tour. The aim is also to raise funds are generate awareness for Conservation Collective—a global charity that brings together a network of regional philanthropic foundations working to protect, conserve, and restore natural environments. This also includes creating proper local channels for waste management and plastic recycling. For this Hublot and Depche Mode have combined forces to release a new limited-edition watch—the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode. It stands out for its classic tonneau shape, executed in an all-black aesthetic, thanks to a polished black ceramic case and finishing. This timekeeper exudes a major goth aesthetic with its skull motif—also seen in the video that announces the band’s comeback—with an hourglass to symbolise the passage of time and the timelessness of their music. At the centre of the dial, one finds small black ceramic particles that flow seamlessly with the movements of the wrist—a playful element that symbolises the fluid nature of time. This also encapsulates the concept of ‘Memento Mori’—a Latin phrase, meaning ‘remember you must die’, also focusing on life’s transient nature. The band’s logo ‘DM’ also features at six o’clock whereas the indices take the form of pyramid-shaped studs—a design motif, which is also replicated on the black ceramic bezel.

“For almost 14 years now, Hublot has been working alongside Depeche Mode to protect humankind and our environment. Memento Mori makes us conscious of the passing of time. This is something that we, as watchmakers, are naturally aware of. This is a serious issue, but one that we approach with joy and energy inspired by the music of Depeche Mode,” says CEO Ricardo Guadalupe in an official brand release.

The watch exudes a major goth aesthetic with its skull motif—also seen in the video that announces Depeche Mode's comeback—with an hourglass to symbolise the passage of time

At the centre of the dial, one finds small black ceramic particles that flow seamlessly with the movements of the wrist—a playful element that symbolises the fluid nature of time

The watch is well-proportioned and comes in a 42mm barrel-shaped case, made of sand-blasted and polished black ceramic, which is water-resistant to 100m. At the heart lies the in-house automatic HUB1710 calibre with a 50-hour power reserve. Replete with 27 jewels, it beats at a frequency of 28,800vph to function smoothly while offering optimum precision and accuracy.

The watch is well-proportioned and comes in a 42mm barrel-shaped case, made of sand-blasted and polished black ceramic, which is water-resistant to 100m. At the heart lies the in-house automatic HUB1710 calibre with a 50-hour power reserve

Available in a limited-edition of 100 pieces only, each Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode watch comes with two straps, which are easily interchangeable thanks to the patented ‘One Click’ system. The first one is manufactured using recycled materials and Velcro—keeping up with Conservation Collective’s plastic pollution initiatives. The second strap is in black rubber fitted with a black titanium folding clasp. It is adorned with the pyramid-shaped studs (also found on the bezel and dial), which complement the punk or rock aesthetic of the eclectic 80s.