In the battle against extinction, time is everything and every second counts.
SORAI – Save Our Rhinos Africa India is an organisation founded by Hublot ambassador and former international cricket star Kevin Pietersen. His work helps keep rhinos threatened with extinction safe from poachers. In 2023, Hublot is continuing its support of this great organisation and cause with the introduction of its third Big Bang SORAI limited edition.
As with the two previous limited editions, part of the proceeds from the sale of the 100 Big Bang Unico SORAI will be donated to the organisation. The colours chosen for the third limited edition are those of sunset, recalling the heightened danger faced by rhinos as night falls. Here, in this case, the sun is a symbol of hope and of a new dawn.
The reference to time being associated with a cause that battles the extinction of a species is one that is highly relevant and poignant.
“Our planet is home to five species of rhinoceros. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, of these five species, the Black, Javan and Sumatran rhino are now considered “critically endangered”, the White rhino are “nearly threatened”, and the Indian rhino is “vulnerable”. I am appalled by the brutality they face. There is an urgent need for action, and Hublot’s support for this is crucial. By reducing the time it takes to act, we can protect as many rhinos as possible.”
Kevin Pietersen – Founder Of SORAI
Big Bang Unico SORAI
Sculpted from polished and microblasted rhino-grey ceramic specially developed for this limited edition, the Big Bang Unico SORAI features an open-worked dial featuring the glowing colours of sunset when the sky catches fire. The contrast of the colours throughout the dial against the grey matte finished case is quite striking, and when this watch is paired with the black, orange and purple camouflage strap, it really brings these colours to life.
And as with everything that Hublot does, it does with a very specific purpose in mind, and this is evident with the latest Big Bang SORAI edition. One small, but important detail, that could be missed at first glance is the addition of the orange coloured Rhino in the subdial at 9 O’Clock. This is a nice touch and one that is subtle, but always there to remind the wearer why this watch, and cause is so important.
Another subtle touch is how they have designed the colours on the dial with meaning – given nightfall is the time when poachers swing into action, cloaked in darkness and more difficult to track, they’ve paired these colours with that of daybreak: yellow, orange, purple and pink to represent the hope brought by dawn, of a new day and a chance at change. The sentiment is perfect for this watch, and visually just works!
Inside the 44 mm diameter case of the Big Bang Unico SORAI, it beats the Unico self-winding Manufacture movement with a 72-hour power reserve. Thanks to the patented One Click interchangeable strap system, the Big Bang Unico SORAI can be worn with a grey fabric and Velcro version or a black, purple and orange camouflage design reflecting the hues of sunset and sunrise, both of which are included with the purchase of the watch.
About SORAI
One of the “BIG FIVE” and the second largest mammal after the elephant, the rhino has seen its numbers drop by 90% over the last ten years. On average, three wild rhinos are killed every day, leaving fewer than 30,000 rhinos currently alive across the world. And while trade in rhino horn has been banned internationally since 1977 by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), poachers continue to hunt and kill rhinos for their horns, whose price is worth more per kilo than gold.
SORAI is a socially conscious enterprise that collaborates with the world’s most progressive brands and their audiences to support the conservation of this key endangered species.
Founded in 2018 by former international cricketer and conservationist Kevin Pietersen, SORAI has supported grassroots organisations that rescue abandoned, injured, and orphaned endangered species and rehabilitate them where possible. Alongside its network of global partners, SORAI is also committed to bringing attention to the plight of these animals through award-winning television and digital content.
Together with their partners, SORAI works to connect with communities around the world to raise awareness of the importance of these animals and their value for future generations The SORAI emblem is a symbol of change. It informs and empowers; it unites people through conservation.
Proceeds from the sale of the Big Bang Unico SORAI will go directly to projects supported by SORAI to equip helicopters with cameras, raise awareness in schools about the consequences of poaching and provide backup to rangers on the ground. These strategies are implemented where the need is biggest and most pressing: South Africa. South Africa is home to more than 80% of the world’s total population of rhinos, with the majority of poaching taking place in Kruger National Park, as it has the largest population of wild white rhinos left on earth.
Reference: 421.FX.8099.NR.SOA23
Specification:
- Case: 44 mm, 14.5mm in thickness
- Case Material: Micro-blasted and polished grey ceramic
- Dial: Matte grey skeleton with “Rhinoceros” applique at 09:00
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 100 metres with screw-down crown
- Movement: MHUB1280 UNICO 2 Manufacture self-winding chronograph flyback movement with column wheel
- Power reserve: 72 Hours
- Bracelet: Grey fabric strap with micro-blasted black ceramic buckle. Additional black rubber with black, orange and purple camouflage decor. Black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant buckle clasp
