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Dear Friends,
When I received the email from Howard asking if I would design a special watch for an extraordinary project, I initially thought it was a scam. It wasn’t until I delved deeper into the project that I realized just how exciting and unique it could be. The more I researched and immersed myself in the story, the more fascinating it became. But what is it all about?
T.E. Lawrence, also known as “Lawrence of Arabia,” played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I in 1917, coordinating guerrilla tactics and strategic planning for the Arab forces. One of the most iconic events was his march through the Nefud Desert, one of the harshest regions in the world. The goal of the trek was the surprise capture of the port city of Aqaba, a strategically important location on the Red Sea that was under Ottoman control. Lawrence led a group of Bedouin fighters through this dangerous desert, facing sandstorms, extreme heat, and a lack of water. The element of surprise was crucial, as the Ottomans considered an attack from the desert impossible, leaving Aqaba largely undefended from land.
The success at Aqaba marked a turning point in the Arab Revolt. It allowed the Allies to open an important supply line and significantly boosted the morale and military position of the Arab forces. T.E. Lawrence became a legendary figure, and the trek through the Nefud Desert remains a symbol of courage, strategic thinking, and the overcoming of extreme challenges.
During his expeditions, Lawrence relied on precise navigation and timekeeping. He wore a specially made Omega watch, which was, at the time, an exceptionally accurate timekeeping instrument. This watch, with its rugged case and high accuracy, was an essential tool for Lawrence to calculate distances, plan march times, and navigate through the desert.
And this was exactly Howard’s request: “Please design a watch in the style of T.E. Lawrence that will accompany us on our trek through the desert for over 1,100 kilometers!”
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, intelligence agencies, and their families who have encountered difficult situations, become ill, or suffered the loss of a loved one. The work of the Fund is entirely financed through public donations.
In this context, the “Nasir, Bekri, Tayi, and Lawrence Tribute Trek” was planned. This historic camel trek honors the legacy of T.E. Lawrence and raises funds for veterans. In January 2025, a team of five former Special Forces members will embark on the 1,100-kilometer journey through the Hejaz Mountains and Nefud Desert. This monumental expedition is a tribute to the legendary crossing of the Hejaz Mountains in 1917 by T.E. Lawrence, Sherif Nasir, Auda Abu Tayi, and Nesib el Bekri. At the same time, it will raise essential funds for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund.
The trek will take 25 days, with the team covering around 50 kilometers per day on camels. The route begins in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia, and leads through the Dathna and Bada wells, over the Hejaz Mountains, around the vast Nefud Desert, passing through Fajer and the Meegowa Oasis, before reaching the Wadi Sirhan, crossing into Jordan, and heading towards the Bayir Fort and Ma’an. From there, the team will journey down through the Hejaz to Wadi Rum and finally to the Aqaba Fort in Jordan.
Throughout the entire journey, the team will navigate rugged mountainous and desert terrain, endure extreme and unpredictable conditions, and rely on their supplies to survive.
With great pride and excitement, Constantin Weisz designed and created an expedition watch in the style of the 1917 T.E. Lawrence Omega watch in just 40 days. This specially designed watch will accompany the five riders on their trek. Additionally, a limited edition of 50 pieces of this special edition will be sold exclusively to members and friends of the Fund to raise important donations.
A small side note: A very famous English personality will be accompanying the trek in Jordan. It will definitely be a “Grand Tour”!
You can follow the Trek on Instagram and Facebook:
Sincerely
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