The Nasir, Bekri, Tayi and Lawrence Tribute Trek.
Updated: 3 days ago
Dear friends of mechanical watches,
Dear customers,
When I received the email from Howard asking if I'd like to design a special watch for an extraordinary project, I initially thought it was a joke. It wasn't until I delved deeper into the project that I realized how exciting and unique it could be. The more I immersed myself in the story and the more I researched, the more fascinating it became. But what exactly is it about?
T.E. Lawrence, better known as "Lawrence of Arabia," played a key role in the 1917 Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. He coordinated Arab guerrilla tactics and strategic planning and was instrumental in the surprise capture of the port of Aqaba—a turning point in the conflict. He achieved this with a group of Bedouins who marched through the extreme heat, sandstorms, and water scarcity of the Nefud Desert. The attack on Aqaba was a strategic masterpiece: the Ottomans considered an attack from the desert impossible, which allowed for the element of surprise.
The victory at Aqaba opened a crucial supply line for the Allies and strengthened the Arab forces both militarily and morally. T.E. Lawrence became a legendary figure through this success, and his march across the desert continues to symbolize courage, strategic thinking, and the overcoming of extreme challenges.
During his expeditions, Lawrence relied on precise navigation and timekeeping. A specially made Omega watch accompanied him on his journeys. It was an indispensable tool for calculating distances, planning marches, and orienting himself in the desert.
And this was exactly Howard's request: "Design a watch in the style of TE Lawrence to accompany us on our own trek through the desert!"
A trek through the desert? Yes, exactly.
Howard is a leading member of the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund, a UK-registered charity that supports former members of British and allied special forces and their families who have fallen on hard times, become ill, or have suffered a death. The fund's work is financed entirely by donations.
Howard's team planned the "Nasir, Bekri, Tayi and Lawrence Tribute Trek," a historic camel trek intended both to commemorate the historic achievement of T.E. Lawrence and his comrades and to support veterans. In January 2025, a team of five former Special Forces members will embark on this 1,100-kilometer trek through the Hejaz Mountains and the Nefud Desert, paying tribute to the legendary 1917 crossing. Simultaneously, donations will be collected for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund.
The journey lasts 25 days, with the team covering approximately 50 kilometers daily on camels. The route leads from Al Wajh in Saudi Arabia through the Hejaz Mountains and along the Nefud Desert, via Fajer and the Meegowa Oasis, to Aqaba Fort in Jordan.
Throughout the entire expedition, the team will face extreme conditions and rugged terrain – a challenge that can only be met with precise timekeeping and reliable equipment.
With great joy and pride, Constantin Weisz designed an expedition watch in the style of the legendary TE Lawrence watch in just 40 days. This watch, specially developed for the trek, will serve as a faithful companion to the five riders. Furthermore, a limited edition of 50 pieces of this special edition will be sold exclusively to members and friends of the fund to raise vital donations for the project.
A small side note: Richard Hammond will be accompanying the trek through Jordan – so it will definitely be a “Grand Tour”!
You can follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook:
With best regards
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