Story Highlight
– Ed Sheeran releases new album, “Play,” today.
– Music video features Sheeran wearing unique IWC watch.
– Watch design inspired by album cover colors.
– Sheeran has a growing relationship with IWC brand.
– Album marks a new career moment for Sheeran.
Full Story
Ed Sheeran has unveiled his latest album, titled “Play,” alongside the music video for his new track “Camera,” where he is seen sporting a distinctive white ceramic IWC watch. The album launch coincides with the reveal of a unique pink-dialed IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar, which draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of the album cover.
Images captured by Sheeran’s photographer, Mark Surridge, showcase the artist in various summery backdrops, harmoniously blending his outfit with the watch and the album’s aesthetic. Upon closer examination, the watch features silvered numerals and hands accented with pink luminous materials that enhance its striking appearance. Furthermore, the design has been tailored to incorporate the Play logo next to the six o’clock subdial.
Notably, changes have been made to the watch’s traditional configuration, with a central sweeping seconds hand replacing the small seconds subdial, and the power reserve indicator being omitted. These alterations, along with the absence of typical Big Pilot perpetual calendar features, show a thoughtful design evolution.
Sheeran’s passion for horology is well-documented, having discussed his extensive watch collection in a 2023 interview with John Mayer. His affinity for high-end timepieces is evident, with notable Audemars Piguet models in his collection, including a white ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and a unique “Jumbo” 16202BC released earlier this year.
Sheeran’s choice of IWC reflects not only his status as a prominent watch collector but also a deepening relationship with the brand. A few weeks prior to the Ingenieur’s black ceramic launch at Watches and Wonders, excitement was ignited when Sheeran donned the watch on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show and during a Knicks game.
As he celebrates the release of “PLAY,” which is the first album in a new series themed around stereo symbols, Sheeran’s choice of the IWC timepiece signifies a significant moment in his career. The music video, featuring the pink and white IWC, is readily accessible for fans, and captures the alignment of his music and horological enthusiasms.
All images are credited to Mark Surridge.