attends Big Bang Depeche Mode 'The Singles' Limited Edition launch on January 26, 2018 in Milan, Italy.
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There’s a new line of Depeche Mode luxury timepieces

Whenever I head out for some international travel, I always linger in the duty-free stores that sell fine watches. Although I’ve never been one for jewelry, I am a fan of fine timepieces. Over the decades, I’ve managed to acquire models by Breitling, Movado, Bell&Ross, Mido, Raymond Weil, Baume and Mercier and a few others. But what I really want is a Hublot.

Hublot watches are big with the 1 percenters, royalty and movie stars like Sly Stallone, which is to say that they’re extremely expensive. The company also issues limited edition models that increase in value over time. This is one of those occasions.

Last Friday (January 26), Hublot’s CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, announced the release of 55 Depeche Mode watches, one for each of the band’s 55 singles, starting with “Dreaming of Me” from 1981 to 2017’s “Cover Me.” Proceeds will go to Depeche Mode’s charity: water (yes, that’s how you spell it.)

On the dial of each watch is a disc that hints at the image of the artwork from which the single was taken. On the back is the entire cover of the album as well as the charity: water logo. Straps are unique to each model, complete with “rock-and-roll-inspired rubber studs.”

One more thing: each watch comes with a Roland JP-08 synth, a limited-edition keyboard designed to recreate the sounds of the Roland Jupiter 8, a synth used on so many Depeche Mode hits. And to carry your new keyboard, German luxury luggage manufacturer RIMOWA created a cabin-size Topas Stealth suitcase in anodized black aluminum. It holds the watch, the synthesizer, the corresponding vinyl single and certificate of authenticity.

How much? If you have to ask…

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

 

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38032 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “There’s a new line of Depeche Mode luxury timepieces

  • DM have done this a few times. I remember the first I heard of this, probably five years ago now, I inquired with one of the authorized Hublot dealers here in Alberta. To their credit, they did call back with information. As cool as the watch was/is, I just don’t think a watch should be more expensive than my new truck. How about partnering with a company to make something the bulk of their fans could afford? Watches for the masses?

    Reply

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