A harmony of time and tune: The Hublot limited edition Spirit of Big Bang "Memento Mori"

In a remarkable fusion of music and luxury watchmaking, Hublot and the English electronic band Depeche Mode have reignited their collaborative spark with the introduction of a limited edition timepiece, the Spirit of Big Bang "Memento Mori." This partnership, with a history spanning over a decade, has been characterised by its commitment to philanthropy, with proceeds from watch sales bolstering environmental and humanitarian initiatives. The collaboration, which initially took shape 14 years ago, has been celebrated for encapsulating the spirit of Depeche Mode's discography in the design of its watches.

The latest chapter in this partnership coincides with the release of Depeche Mode's new album, marking the return of the "Spirit of Big Bang Memento Mori" to the limelight.

Aesthetics

The timepiece sets itself apart with a narrative depth, drawing from the band's resurgence following a hiatus and the commemoration of a band member's passing. This context adds a layer of significance to the "Memento Mori" album and by extension, to the watch, emphasizing the message of cherishing every moment.

The design of the watch maintains a thread of continuity with previous collaborations, featuring album-inspired themes on the dial. The latest model continues this tradition with a skull motif, complemented by black studs on the bezel, a recurring element from past editions like the Big Bang Depeche Mode chronograph. The watch's dial is creatively adorned with pyramid-shaped markers that mirror the hobnail pattern on the bezel, with the skull motif enhanced by mini beads that animate with wrist movement.

Hublot's pioneering all-black aesthetic, which gained prominence with the release of the Big Bang All Black in 2006, is exemplified in this edition through its all-black ceramic case. This choice of material ensures durability and scratch resistance, setting the watch apart in the realm of all-black timepieces. The ceramic case is intricately detailed, showcasing polished and sandblasted finishes, while the inclusion of a ceramic buckle.

Movement

The watch is powered by a movement from Zenith, the HUB1710, which is based on the reliable Zenith Elite 670. This collaboration within the LVMH group underscores the technical prowess and shared heritage of Hublot and Zenith, offering a robust movement that underpins a variety of luxury watches, including those by Urwerk.

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