Manufacturer: Hublot Year: Circa 2010 Case No: 848'891 further stamped Unique Piece 171 Model Name: Big Bang "Depeche Mode Material: Titanium and Ceramic Calibre: Automatic, cal. HUB4100, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Titanium pin buckle Dimensions: 44mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Hublot Certificate of Authenticity, undated Hublotista card, card reader, hang tag, fitted presentation box, Depeche mode remastered vinyl "Construction time again", UBS key, signed photograph, illustration and presentation plaque and CD in commemoration of the performance by Depeche Mode in 2010 in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Catalogue Essay
The present unique titanium and ceramic Hublot Big Bang x Depeche Mode is one out of twelve examples made in 2010 to commemorate the famous English electronic music band formed in Essex during the 1980s, with each watch displaying a different dial motif.
Showcased at the center of the dial, each of the twelve wristwatches illustrates a specific album cover with a relative unique image on the sapphire crystal caseback that symbolically represents the meaning behind the album.
This example features the album cover of ”Construction Time Again” released on the 22nd of August 1983. For any true connoisseur and devoted fan of the band, this album is of relevance as it was the first record done after the official entry of Alan Wilder, musician and composer for the band from 1982 to 1995. This album also includes the famous hit “Everything counts”, a single that peaked the international music charts for many years.
In order to make space for the Depeche Mode album cover art, Hublot removed the subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o'clock allowing for enhanced visibility and space, without removing too much functionality. Trying to remain as loyal and accurate as possible to the original album cover, Hublot designers matched the stitches of the watch strap to the prominent colors of the album’s cover art.
The present wristwatch is in overall excellent condition. The black titanium/ceramic case elegantly contrasts with the sky-blue album cover from the Depeche Mode, its rugged sporty case makes it the perfect wristwatch for the active collector and recurrent concert frequenter.
Its enigmatic symbol present on the sapphire crystal caseback, varies according to the different albums, making it an interesting conversation starter.
Hublot was founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980 and named after the French word for "porthole," which resembles their iconic bezel design. Hublot's first watch followed three years of research and was the first wristwatch to be fitted with a natural rubber strap. The brand's most recognizable watch today is the 'Big Bang', which was first launched in 2005 upon the arrival of CEO and shareholder Jean-Claude Biver. Other noteworthy models are the 'Classic Fusion' and 'King Power'.