Late last year, John Surtees CBE started the unique challenge of designing a watch with Omologato. After his unfortunate passing in March, the bespoke timepiece project was picked up by his family and is now available exclusively to the public in order to raise money for the Henry Surtees Foundation.
Omologato prides itself on offering people the opportunity to wear a piece of racing history through its motorsport-inspired timepieces. No other watch can lay claim to being hand-crafted and designed by a world champion on two and four wheels. The Surtees is an emotional watch, one the family were committed to completing and one that pays the ultimate tribute to the racing legend.
Named after the motorcycle and Formula One champion, The Surtees Omologato chronograph incorporates the symbolic attributes that represent the story behind John Surtees CBE. The blue colour used within the dial is frequently adorned by Surtees and one that comes with a unique motorsport tale.
Profits from the watch will help raise funds for the Henry Surtees Foundation. The charity was founded following the tragic death of John Surtees’ son Henry, who was killed aged just 18 years old whilst competing in a Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch in 2009.
The Henry Surtees Foundation supports pioneering new schemes and revolutionary projects such as providing funding to multiple air ambulance services around the UK to enable them to carry blood and plasma on board its aircraft. ‘Blood on board’ significantly enhances the pre-hospital critical care that their crew can offer at the scene of accidents, giving patients a better chance of recovery from some of the most devastating injuries.
Omologato founder Shami Kalra said: “Il Grande John was the most versatile racer, an icon for lovers of two and four wheels and a motorsport legend. We were honoured to have John Surtees start the design process of this watch and were truly devastated when he passed away. Having the timepiece completed by those who loved him most was a fitting tribute to such a wonderful man. I learnt that John rarely lent his name to a brand or product, so it was a true privilege that he wanted to be involved and share his story with Omologato.
“We want to thank the family for completing this exclusive chronograph that will go a long way to help the foundation John created and loved so dearly, in addition to giving motorsport enthusiasts the chance to feel a part of the man’s legend.”
Henry Surtees Foundation Trustee and daughter to John Surtees CBE, Leonora Martell-Surtees said: “The Surtees is a watch Dad would have worn. Designing this watch was truly a unique challenge, it has been something the whole family has been involved with and we have all been impressed with the freedom and control given to us in creating the final product – something Dad would have wanted.
“The Surtees is in some ways the perfect homage, it was a new undertaking none of us had experienced and it will continue to help save the lives of so many people who benefit from the Henry Surtees Foundation.”
