Watches are something enjoyed by individuals across the globe. Whether you’re a Saudi prince or a bricklayer from London, a watch can serve as common ground between people from different walks of life. This philosophy is at the heart of Cartier’s latest commission for watch enthusiast Yoni Ben-Yehuda. Such commissions are rare and reserved for truly special individuals, so let’s get into this piece.
Alongside the Tank and Crash, the Cartier Santos is one of the most iconic models in their line of watches. When Yoni was offered the opportunity to design a watch its no surprise he chose the Santos Dumont XL as his canvas. However, this piece strays away from Cartier’s typical design language. It features a gold case paired with a deep green alligator strap and a gold buckle. But the most interest part of the watch is the dial.
It features a malachite stone dial which has never been used on a Santos Dumont. Yoni explains that watches are universally enjoyed regardless of creed colour or religion. This watch aims to symbolize unity by featuring numerals in Roman, Hindi, Arabic, Runic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Greek. Yoni even went as far as to nickname the watch the “Timepeace”.
The message of peace is further highlighted on the case back, which features an engraving of the peace symbol. Only 25 pieces of this watch were made, each priced at £25,700. Ben-Yehuda extended the opportunity to purchase the watch to some of his friends, including John Mayer, Jimmy Fallon, and Julius Randle
Personal Thoughts
I was always told when an opportunity arises, you should grab it with both hands. Not only has Ben done this through the design of the watch, it also attempts to spread a message of piece and unity. During a time of so much war and conflict, this watch is a great gesture toward unity. Although this is far from a solution to all the problems in the world, its one step in the right direction.