Scottish runner Josh Kerr broke the world record in the mile with a time of 3:42.66 this past Sunday, wearing custom Brooks spikes, signature Oakley shades, and a bespoke Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro watch featuring a gold and diamond bezel, according to reporting by Popular Mechanics.
The Engineering Behind Josh Kerr’s Custom Diamond Running Watch
Eight weeks prior to the record-breaking attempt, Amazfit approached David Perry, founder of David Perry Jewelry and a former professional runner, to design the custom timepiece. According to Perry, standard fine jewelry typically uses 14- to 24-carat gold, but his team opted for solid 10-carat gold because it is the most durable while still having that yellow look. Rather than simply dipping or plating the hardware, Perry’s shop utilized a solid gold construction to ensure the watch could withstand use as a daily running watch.
Overcoming Technical Hurdles in Watch Customization
Constructing a luxury sports watch required intricate engineering to protect the internal electronics relied upon by athletes for timing and pacing. Perry explained to Popular Mechanics that traditional soldering methods could not be used because it would compromise the electronic components inside the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro. To secure the 10-carat gold bezel without soldering, the design team engineered a unique bar-locking system. A jeweler then hand-polished the bezel to ensure it sat flush and comfortable against Kerr’s wrist during the run.
Laser-Engraved Details and The Project 222 Campaign
In addition to the custom bezel, the design supported The Project 222 marketing campaign surrounding Kerr’s record attempt. The watchband’s gold buckle features a laser-engraved “222,” representing the exact number of seconds required to break the existing world record.
Did You Know? David Perry transitioned from running for the University of Portland and working for fashion brands like Thom Browne and Adidas to launching his eponymous jewelry brand in 2020 after athletes began requesting custom pieces to commemorate milestone races.
Frequently Asked Questions
What watch did Josh Kerr wear when he broke the mile world record?
Josh Kerr wore a custom Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro featuring a solid 10-carat gold and diamond bezel.
Who designed Josh Kerr’s custom running watch?
The watch was designed by David Perry Jewelry, founded by former professional runner David Perry.
Why was 10-carat gold used for the watch bezel?
According to David Perry, 10-carat gold was chosen because it is the most durable for daily running compared to 14- or 24-carat gold while retaining a yellow appearance.
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