Luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot proudly continues its partnership with SORAI – Save Our Rhinos Africa and India, an initiative founded by former international cricketer and Hublot ambassador Kevin Pietersen. Hublot champions the belief that collective action is vital for effecting meaningful change to conserve and protect our planet for future generations.
The plight of the rhinoceros remains dire, with extinction threatening the stability of five keystone species crucial to our ecosystem. In response, Hublot has introduced the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI, a limited-edition collection featuring just 30 pieces of the iconic tonneau-shaped hand-wound tourbillon. This release marks the fourth collaboration between Hublot and SORAI, with proceeds from sales dedicated to supporting SORAI’s vital mission.
The Ongoing Crisis and Positive Developments
Despite the significant strides made by SORAI and its partners in raising awareness and protecting rhinos, the crisis persists. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the population of rhinos has plummeted from around 500,000 at the start of the 20th century to merely 27,000 today. The dual threats of poaching and habitat loss pose existential challenges not only to rhinos but also to other vital wildlife species. Currently, the black, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos are classified as critically endangered.
Nevertheless, the efforts of conservation programmes supported by SORAI provide hope. For instance, the population of Indian rhinos has surged from approximately 200 at the dawn of the 20th century to around 4,000 today. Furthermore, black rhinos have doubled in number over the past 20 years. Hublot is proud to back SORAI as it empowers conservation agencies to continue this vital work and foster positive change.
A Vision for Conservation
Founded in 2018 by Kevin Pietersen, SORAI is a socially conscious enterprise dedicated to uniting communities, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure the survival and flourishing of Africa and India’s keystone species. One notable project supported by SORAI is Care for Wild in South Africa, a grassroots organisation that rescues and rehabilitates abandoned, injured, or orphaned endangered species, particularly rhinos.
The poaching of rhinos primarily stems from the high value of their horns, which are often mistakenly believed to possess medicinal or spiritual properties, despite being composed of keratin—the same protein that forms human hair and nails. Poaching is a multifaceted issue exacerbated by poverty and international criminal networks, and SORAI’s vision includes backing pioneering anti-poaching education and enforcement programmes. While there are no quick solutions to these problems, SORAI is committed to long-term efforts, supported by partnerships with companies like Hublot.
The Spirit of Big Bang SORAI
The Spirit of Big Bang SORAI, the first of its kind within this series, features a 42mm case crafted from a unique micro-blasted and polished “warm grey” ceramic, echoing the distinctive colour of rhino skin, first introduced in the Big Bang Unico SORAI 2023. The watch is presented on a grey fabric strap, with an additional black rubber strap showcasing a striking grey and beige camouflage pattern.
Powering the timepiece is the HUB6020 Manufacture calibre, a hand-wound, skeletonised tourbillon with a remarkable five-day power reserve. This sophisticated mechanism offers an asymmetrical display nestled between two sapphire crystals, artfully balancing a time display at 3 o’clock and a power reserve indicator positioned between 8 and 9 o’clock. The Spirit of Big Bang SORAI is limited to just 30 pieces, making it a true collector’s item.
Inspiring Change Through Conversation
Hublot aims to leverage its global platform and the launch of this new timepiece to ignite essential discussions surrounding rhino conservation and environmental issues. By being United for Change, Hublot believes in the potential to inspire a new generation of conservationists. Through collective action, the brand envisions forging a path toward a more sustainable future for our planet.
