Last year, the Rotary 1IN8 watch was created and sold, with 10 per cent of sales +VAT being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. This year the brand is collaborating again with the 1IN4 watch, which has been designed together with property expert and TV presenter, Kunle Barker.
The name 1IN8 referred to the number of men who would be diagnosed in their lifetime with prostate cancer. This year’s 1IN4 references – and is intended to raise awareness for – the higher figures among Black men.
Recent data shows that the number of men dying each year is starting to rise, with 12,000 men dying of prostate cancer in just one year. Sadly, the majority die because the cancer is not detected early enough.
And, with an ageing population, these numbers are set to rise further with prostate cancer set to be the most common form of the disease by 2030.
The goal of Prostate Cancer UK is to bring together leading experts in science and healthcare to prevent, detect and treat prostate cancer, as well as to support men who are diagnosed.
Barker’s involvement in the project came about as his father Pedro was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully Pedro’s cancer was caught early, but it made Barker and his family aware of the higher risks for Black men.
A watch lover since childhood, Barker says that his first timepiece was a symbol of growing up and being trusted to own something of value.
Today he has a collection of about a dozen watches and says: “A good watch is like a good suit – it will last a lifetime – and having different styles of watch gives me the flexibility to vary my look and match a timepiece to the occasion. I sometimes wish I could wear more than one at a time.”
When asked to get involved with Rotary’s 1IN4 project, Barker didn’t need to think twice. “My father was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, so I jumped at the chance to design a timepiece which would help spread awareness and save the lives of Dads around the world,” he says.
“I have a straightforward design principle… you have to balance aesthetic beauty with practicality. You have failed as a designer if you have one without the other.”
The time-only 1IN4 is more of an all-rounder than last year’s 1IN8 chronograph. A 40mm stainless-steel case with sunken crown, water resistant to 100m, houses a Miyota 2035 quartz movement.
The matte-black dial is peppered with nods to the charity, from accents in Prostate Cancer UK’s signature blue to the Man of Men symbol that sits in place of the 4 o’clock index and the larger engraving of the logo on the left side of the dial.
Talking about the partnership, Sergio Alberti, Head of Sales, Rotary Watches Ltd, says: “We are delighted to continue our two-year partnership with Prostate Cancer UK. Their insatiable work in raising awareness is something to be admired.
“We fully support all of the charity’s efforts to battle this killer disease, and we hope that our donations towards lifesaving research and support will make a difference.”
Through the 1IN4 campaign, Barker hopes to be a small part of helping to save lives. “Prostate cancer should not kill as many men as it does,” he says.
“Black men have double the chance of being afflicted by prostate cancer, so it’s even more critical that they are vigilant and aware of the symptoms. I also hope that we will be able to raise funds to help find a reliable screening process for the disease.”
Just 1,000 1IN4 watches will be made, priced at £199. Once again, 10 per cent + VAT from the sale of every piece will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK.
While the 1IN4 will be available to pre-order at rotarywatches.com throughout September – Prostate Awareness Month in the UK – the official launch will be during October to coincide with Black History Month. The watch will also be available to purchase from fhinds.co.uk
