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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Akteo David Bowie Hours Tour Watch

Partially verified

This 1999 wristwatch was manufactured by Akteo in collaboration with Studio Canal to promote David Bowie's Paris appearance during his 'Hours' tour. The timepiece features a round, cast metal case measuring 3 cm in diameter, paired with a black rubber strap. The dial is printed with graphics associated with the 'Hours' album, including barcode-style designs and the 'DB' logo. The watch displays an unconventional design lacking numerals, utilizing silver-toned hour and minute hands paired with a contrasting orange seconds hand. Additional white text is printed directly onto the glass watch face. The watch components feature engraved and stamped markings, including the designer Rex Ray's involvement and the manufacturer's details. With an overall length of 25.3 cm, the object is constructed from metal, glass, and rubber. It represents a promotional item from a specific musical tour, documented as part of the V&A collection via the V&A Americas Foundation.

Full view of the Akteo wristwatch, displaying the black rubber strap and the graphic dial.
Full view of the Akteo wristwatch, displaying the black rubber strap and the graphic dial. — V&A Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rex Ray (designer); Studio Canal (maker); Akteo (maker)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.1352-2024
Source-reported date
1999
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a round, cast metal case measuring 3 cm in diameter. The dial design is specifically thematic, featuring graphics related to the David Bowie 'Hours' album. These graphics include barcode-like illustrations and a 'DB' logo. The face is devoid of standard hour markers, relying on the placement of the hands against the graphic print.

The display utilizes silver-toned hour and minute hands accompanied by an orange seconds hand. A layer of white text is printed directly onto the glass cover, adding a secondary visual element over the printed dial beneath. The overall aesthetic is minimalist, focusing on the promotional graphics rather than traditional timekeeping legibility.

Evidence for this section
  • “A round, silver wristwatch with a design related to David Bowie's album Hours”
  • “The watch face has no numbers, and is predominately silver with silver hours and minutes hands and an orange seconds hand.”
  • “The glass front over the watch face has further white text printed on it.”

Straps and Markings

The wristwatch is fitted with a black rubber strap, which is stamped with the Akteo logo on the top surface. A standard buckle closure is utilized.

The timepiece carries several identifying marks. The side and back of the metal case are engraved with information including the designer, J-C Mareschal, and the place of origin. The specific markings listed by the institution include 'DAVID BOWIE HOURS AKTEO' and 'MADE IN FRANCE', confirming the item's promotional nature.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stamped rubber watchs trap.”
  • “There is engraved text on the side and back of the watch face.”
  • “DESIGN J-C MARESCHAL MADE IN FRANCE”

Provenance and Context

This object was catalogued as a promotional item associated with David Bowie's 1999 tour performance in Paris.

The watch entered the collection as a loan through the V&A Americas Foundation. It is currently registered under the accession number LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.1352-2024, maintained as part of the museum's horological and cultural archives.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch made by Akteo/ Canal Productions, to promote David Bowie's show in Paris on the Hours Tour , 1999”
  • “Lent by the V&A Americas Foundation through the generosity of Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment Company LLC”
  • “Accession number: LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.1352-2024”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of quartz movement installed by Akteo in this promotional model?
  • Was this watch available for general commercial purchase or reserved strictly for tour promotional use?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Akteo David Bowie Hours Tour Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRay, Rex (designer); Studio Canal (maker); Akteo (maker)“Ray, Rex (designer); Studio Canal (maker); Akteo (maker)”
MaterialsCast metal, glass, rubber“Cast metal and glass watch face, printed and engraved with designs. Stamped rubber watchs trap.”
Dimensions25.3 cm x 3 cm x 1.8 cm“Length: 25.3 cm; Diameter: 3 cm; Width: 1.8 cm”
InscriptionsDAVID BOWIE 'HOURS...' AKTEO“DAVID BOWIE 'HOURS...' AKTEO”
Design CreditJ-C Mareschal“DESIGN J-C MARESCHAL”
CountryFrance“France (made)”

Visible details

  • Features silver hour and minute hands with an orange seconds hand
  • Dial lacks traditional numerical markings
  • Black rubber strap features a textured reverse surface
  • Case exhibits both engraved and stamped manufacturer and designer marks

Research qualifications

  • The source does not specify the type of internal movement mechanism
  • The source does not confirm if this was a retail product or limited-edition promotional gift

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3dac68e778

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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