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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Digital talking watch

David Bowie 'Hours' promotional digital watch

Partially verified

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.

The David Bowie 'Hours' promotional digital watch housed inside its translucent, oval plastic presentation case.
The David Bowie 'Hours' promotional digital watch housed inside its translucent, oval plastic presentation case. — V&A Americas Foundation. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Digital talking watch
Maker / attribution
Virgin Records
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.2867:1-2024
Source-reported date
1999
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
3554

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 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.

Evidence for this section
  • “transparent plastic digital talking watch.”
  • “It has a square shaped face, with two large buttons on the right hand side”
  • “An oval shaped, transluscent hard plastic case.”
  • “The case no longer closes properly.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “internal digital watch mechanism (including battery, circuit board etc).”
  • “Transparent digital talking watch in case”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “made by Virgin Records to promote the David Bowie album Hours”
  • “Ray, Rex (designer); Virgin Records (maker)”
  • “Lent by the V&A Americas Foundation”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of digital talking mechanism was utilized for this promotional run?
  • Was the 'sticky residue' noted in the catalogue a result of chemical degradation of the rubberized plastic over time?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for David Bowie 'Hours' promotional digital watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVirgin Records“Virgin Records (maker)”
DesignerRex Ray“Ray, Rex (designer)”
Accession NumberLOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.2867:1-2024“LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.2867:1-2024”
MaterialsRubberized plastic, metal, and glass“Rubberized plastic and metal and glass, with internal digital watch mechanism”
InscriptionsDB HOURS DAVID BOWIE 3554“DB 'HOURS...' | DAVID BOWIE HOURS | 3554”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • The functional state of the internal digital mechanism is unverified
  • The physical condition includes reported sticky residue and a non-closing storage case
  • The specific manufacturer of the internal watch electronics is not identified

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ed02b2d8cc

Terms in this record

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