Hublot Spirit of Big Bang SORAI Grey Ceramic

Hublot has once again combined its craftsmanship with a cause, unveiling the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI, a timepiece that fuses precision horology with environmental conservation. The luxury Swiss watchmaker, renowned for its innovative designs, presents this limited-edition collection in collaboration with SORAI (Save Our Rhinos Africa and India), founded by former international cricketer Kevin Pietersen.

In an era where luxury brands are expected to lead with purpose, Hublot pushes boundaries by integrating activism into its artistry. The Spirit of Big Bang SORAI, limited to just 30 pieces, champions a cause that goes beyond its sleek ceramic case and tourbillon mechanics. With its striking grey tones inspired by the rhino’s rugged skin, this model stands as a reminder of the ongoing fight against poaching and habitat destruction.

Hublot’s partnership with SORAI began in 2018, and this release marks their fourth collaboration. The conservation organisation, founded by Pietersen, works tirelessly to safeguard rhino populations across Africa and India, battling poaching and raising awareness about the illegal trade of rhino horn. In this newest iteration of their partnership, part of the proceeds from each sale will be directly channelled into SORAI’s conservation efforts.

Though global conservation efforts have made progress, with the populations of Indian and black rhinos gradually increasing thanks to initiatives like those supported by SORAI, the battle is far from over. With fewer than 28,000 rhinos left in the whole world, down from half a million at the start of the 20th century, the species still faces a grave existential threat. Poaching and habitat destruction continue to decimate rhino populations, particularly the critically endangered black, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. Yet, by joining forces through initiatives like United for Change, Hublot and SORAI show how luxury can be a vehicle for meaningful, tangible action.

Kevin Pietersen, whose passion for wildlife conservation led to the creation of SORAI, expressed his gratitude for Hublot’s continued support. “The challenge wildlife conservation teams face on the ground is sadly still hugely challenging and often incredibly dangerous. It’s a battle out there as conservationists and park rangers tackle poachers and combat the illegal trade of rhino horn. We have to go on working together to educate people about how important the rhino is to the environment and to make sure they know that rhino horn has no medicinal value – no more than fingernails.”

The Spirit of Big Bang SORAI is the embodiment of this shared commitment. Crafted in micro-blasted and polished “warm grey” ceramic, the watch’s 42mm tonneau-shaped case reflects the natural hues of rhino skin, an aesthetic first introduced in the 2023 Big Bang Unico SORAI edition. The timepiece is powered by Hublot’s HUB6020 Manufacture calibre, a hand-wound, skeletonised tourbillon with a five-day power reserve. The asymmetrical dial layout, housed between two sapphire crystals, features a time display at 3 o’clock and a power reserve indicator between 8 and 9 o’clock.

In addition to its technical excellence, the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI is as much a statement piece as it is a functional tool. Each watch is fitted with a grey fabric strap and a second strap made from black rubber, showcasing a striking grey and beige camouflage pattern—an evocative nod to the rugged environments in which rhinos are found.

SORAI, established by Pietersen in 2018, is driven by the belief that collaboration across industries can bring about lasting change. The organisation funds initiatives such as Care for Wild in South Africa, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned or injured rhinos. The watch’s release underlines the importance of businesses aligning with such causes, amplifying the message of conservation through global platforms like Hublot’s.

As Hublot’s fourth collaboration with SORAI, the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI marks a pivotal point in the watchmaker’s conservation journey. Each of the 30 handcrafted pieces serves as a reminder of the critical situation faced by wildlife today, urging its wearers to be part of the solution. The limited-edition watches will feature a unique serial number (CSX2000-2009) and MSO from Shelby American.