Some pieces of merch just hit different. This black and white enamel pin - an hourglass with two skulls inside on a brown card that reads “Unus Annus” and “Memento Mori” - is one of them. It’s simple, stark, and somehow says everything about the channel that ended but never really left. I’ve been wearing mine on my denim jacket for the past month, and it’s already sparked three separate conversations with strangers who recognized the design. Here’s a close look at why this pin works, how it’s made, and how to make it part of your daily rotation.
What Makes This Product Different
Unlike a lot of enamel pins that play it safe with a logo or a catchphrase, this one builds a whole visual story. The hourglass is the central symbol from Unus Annus - the literal countdown that Ethan Nestor and Markiplier ran in 2020. The two skulls inside aren’t just spooky decoration; they represent the two creators themselves, sitting inside the time they were given. That’s a heavy concept for a $9.99 pin.
The design also captures the show’s core message: Memento Mori - remember that you will die. Not in a morbid way, but in a “go live your life now” way. That’s rare for merch. It’s not about flexing that you watched a show; it’s about carrying a daily reminder to not waste time. That’s why it stands apart from every other pin I own.
And then there’s the packaging. The pin comes attached to a brown card with “Unus Annus” and “Memento Mori” printed on it. No plastic clamshell, no foil bag. It feels like an artifact from the channel itself, which is exactly what you want from a piece of Unus Annus memorabilia.
Design Story
Unus Annus wasn’t just a channel; it was a year-long experiment where Markiplier and Ethan Nestor uploaded a video every single day for 365 days, and then deleted the entire channel. The hourglass was the show’s unofficial logo - seen in intros, thumbnails, and the final livestream. The two skulls? That’s Mark and Ethan, staring out from the sand that’s always running out.
The pin takes that shared visual language and compresses it into a tiny, wearable icon. The black and white color scheme is faithful to the channel’s minimalist aesthetic. No bright colors, no extra text on the pin itself. Just the hourglass, the skulls, and the weight of the whole project behind it.
If you were around for “The Unus Annus Finale” livestream on November 13, 2020, you remember the moment the channel went dark. This pin is a way to carry that moment forward. It’s not about mourning - it’s about remembering to make the most of the time you actually have.
Materials and Quality
I’ve collected enamel pins for years, and this one holds up. The metal base feels solid - not flimsy or tinny like some cheap pins you find online. The black enamel is applied cleanly, with no bubbles or uneven edges. The white highlights on the skulls are crisp, and the hourglass lines are sharp even at a small size.
The pin backing uses a standard rubber clutch, which is fine for most jackets and bags. I’ve worn it on a canvas tote through rain and on a leather jacket through a crowded concert, and it hasn’t bent or scratched. The card it comes on is thick, textured stock - the kind you’d want to keep even after you unbox the pin. It’s a nice touch that makes it feel more like a collectible than a piece of swag.
One thing to note: the pin measures about 1 inch across, so it’s not a giant statement piece. But that’s part of its charm. It reads as a subtle nod, not a shout. For the price, the quality is honestly better than I expected.
Sizing and Fit
The pin is small - roughly the size of a quarter. That makes it versatile. It fits perfectly on a lapel, a beanie, a backpack strap, or the collar of a denim jacket. I’ve also seen people put it on their work desk organizers or pin it to a corkboard. Because it’s lightweight, it won’t drag down delicate fabrics like silk or thin knits.
If you’re the type to arrange pins like a composition, this one plays well with others. Its black and white palette means it works next to colorful pins without clashing. And because the hourglass shape is iconic, it doesn’t need a big canvas to make an impact.
One small warning: the rubber clutch is secure but not locking. If you’re planning to wear it on a high-movement item like a backpack that gets tossed around, you might want to add a locking pin back. I haven’t lost mine yet, but I’ve heard stories.
How to Style It
This pin is a conversation starter, so wear it where people can see it. My go-to spot is on the left lapel of my denim jacket, right over my heart. It’s a subtle placement that still invites questions from fellow Unus Annus fans who spot the hourglass from across the room.
You can also pair it with other Unus Annus pieces to build a full look. The black car with a white vinyl sticker that says "UNUS ANNUS" on the rear window is great for your vehicle, but for your body, consider adding the red ketchup bottle sticker to your laptop or the yellow Piss Soda sticker to your water bottle. They all share that same irreverent, black-and-white energy.
At work, I wear it on the strap of my messenger bag. It’s a quiet reminder to myself throughout the day - memento mori, get back to work, don’t waste the hours. It’s also a nice icebreaker with coworkers who recognize the design. I’ve had two people say "Unus Annus!" and then immediately launch into their own memories of the channel. That’s the power of wearing a symbol with history.
FAQ
Is this enamel pin officially licensed?
Yes. This pin comes from the official Unus Annus store and is an officially licensed product. It uses the exact hourglass and skull imagery from the channel’s branding.
How big is the pin?
The pin is about 1 inch across, roughly the size of a quarter. It’s small but detailed, and the black and white design stays readable even at that size.
Will the pin scratch or fade over time?
The enamel is baked on, so it resists fading and minor scratches. I’ve worn mine daily for a month with no visible wear. The metal base is solid and should hold up for years with normal use.
Can I wear this on a hat or beanie?
Absolutely. The rubber clutch secures well on most hat fabrics. For beanies, just make sure the pin is placed on a flat section so it doesn’t bend.
What does "Memento Mori" mean?
It’s Latin for "remember that you must die." It was a central theme of Unus Annus - a reminder to live fully because time is limited.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a piece of Unus Annus history that actually means something, A black and white enamel pin featuring an hourglass with two skulls inside. The pin is on a brown card with the words "Unus Annus" and "Memento Mori" printed on it. is a solid choice. It’s well-made, faithful to the source material, and doesn’t scream for attention. It just stands there, quietly reminding you that the clock is ticking.
And if you want to build out your collection, explore the full collection or check out Unus Annus’s mug collection for something to hold your coffee while you ponder the hourglass. This pin is a good place to start - it’s small, affordable, and carries more weight than most pieces twice its size.
