Over the last 10 years, two-thirds of the rhinos in South Africa’s Kruger Park have been killed by poachers. Black rhinos in Kruger Park have disappeared dramatically and today there are estimated to be less than 500 remaining. Moreover, in late March 2020, the South African border was closed to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Prior, the day-to-day influx of foreign visitors had kept the poachers at bay. Now, due to a severe shortage of rangers, poachers are free to move undetected around this vast area.

Hublot is using its global reach, and reconfirming its support for Kevin Pietersen and SORAI —Save Our Rhino Africa India— with the release of a new edition of the Big Bang Unico SORAI. Released in a limited edition of 100 pieces, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated exclusively to Care for Wild —the largest rhino sanctuary in the world, supported by SORAI. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of rhinos orphaned by poaching.

Left on its own, an orphaned baby rhinoceros whose parents have been killed by poachers has almost no chance of survival. Care for Wild rescues these rhinos, then ensures their protection, growth, and well-being in secure environments, equipped with 24-hour video surveillance, and communication networks, monitored by mobile units of dogs and their handlers, trained to apprehend poachers. The Care for Wild mission also includes rehabilitation and rewilding —the release of rhinos to their natural habitat, where their development can be monitored.

While the previous release for SORAI sported a beige ceramic case that evoked the colors of the South African bush in winter, the new Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI ref. 411.GX.5220.NR.SOA21 features a green micro-blasted ceramic case —measuring 45 mm in diameter— inspired by the natural colors of the South African bush in the summer.

A harmonious blend of two shades of green, from the green ceramic case to the green camouflage rubber or velcro strap. The matte green skeletonized dial features an applique of a black rhino on the running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock.

The Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI Limited Edition is powered by the in-house automatic chronograph movement calibre MHUB1242 with a flyback and column wheel mechanism. Composed of 330 parts and 38 jewels, the movement provides a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The movement is protected by a display case back in micro-blasted green ceramic engraved with the watch’s individual number in this 100-piece limited edition. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment features an imprint of the SORAI logo.

The new Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI Limited Edition ref. 411.GX.5220.NR.SOA21 is delivered with two straps, one in texturized camouflage rubber —looks like fabric— and the other in solid olive green fabric with a velcro fastening system.

The watch is delivered in a special presentation box bearing a medallion with the SORAI —Save Our Rhino Africa India— logo.

Sticker Price $24,100 USD. For more info on Hublot click here.