David Bowie 'Hours' promotional digital watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1999
This digital talking watch was produced by Virgin Records in 1999 to promote David Bowie’s album 'Hours'. The watch features a transparent, rubberized plastic strap and a square-shaped case.
Internally, it is powered by a standard digital watch mechanism consisting of a battery and circuit board. The piece is accompanied by an oval, translucent hard plastic storage case with a hinged lid and an internal support section. The watch strap is decorated with blue printed text, including the 'db' logo. The lid of the case features a barcode design that incorporates the words 'DAVID BOWIE HOURS'. Rex Ray is credited as the designer of this promotional object.
It is currently held under the accession number LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.2867:1-2024 as part of the V&A Americas Foundation collection.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Digital talking watch
- Maker
- Virgin Records
- Designer
- Rex Ray
- Materials
- Rubberized plastic, metal, and glass
- Inscriptions
- DB HOURS DAVID BOWIE 3554
- Maker / attribution
- Virgin Records
Design
- Visible features
- • Transparent plastic construction for both the watch body and the storage case • Digital face layout with two distinct control buttons on the right side • Barcode-style graphic on the storage case lid featuring album-related text • Flexible rubberized strap with blue-printed 'db' branding
- Case and Presentation
- The object includes both a digital wristwatch and an associated storage case. The watch itself is constructed from transparent plastic and features a square face, a silver metal case back, and a flexible rubberized strap. Branding is applied directly to the strap in blue ink, featuring the 'db' logo. The device is operated via two buttons located on the right side of the square case. The storage case is a translucent, oval-shaped hard plastic container. It is designed with a hinged lid and a hinged internal support to hold the watch securely. The lid displays a barcode design where the graphic elements form the text 'DAVID BOWIE HOURS'. The base of the case features additional stamped text. Currently, the case does not close properly, and the watch exhibits visible sticky residue.
- Mechanism and Functionality
- The internal mechanism is an electronic digital movement intended to provide timekeeping through a digital interface. It comprises essential components such as a circuit board and a battery to power the digital display and talking functionality. The construction of the watch body is primarily focused on the use of modern synthetic materials such as rubberized plastic and molded plastic components. The watch is categorized as a digital talking watch, suggesting an integrated audio output in addition to the visual display. The assembly reflects the promotional nature of the object, utilizing mass-produced manufacturing techniques such as printing and stamping, consistent with its role as an album-related item.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object was produced in 1999 as part of a promotional campaign for the David Bowie album 'Hours'. The credits for the creation of the piece identify Rex Ray as the designer and Virgin Records as the maker. The item is now preserved within the V&A Americas Foundation collection under the accession number LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.2867:1-2024. The documentation provides technical details regarding the materials and the physical dimensions of both the watch and its housing. The identification of the object as a promotional tool is confirmed by the textual elements present on both the watch strap and the exterior of the presentation case.
Identification
- Serial number
- 3554
- Accession Number
- LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.2867:1-2024
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The functional state of the internal digital mechanism is unverified
- Research required: The physical condition includes reported sticky residue and a non-closing storage case
- Research required: The specific manufacturer of the internal watch electronics is not identified