This “life line” is engraved on the case back of the QRS watch along with the date 2020, the year when the pandemic was at its peak and the medical profession was at full stretch. Also inscribed on the back is the Latin motto Primum non nocere which translates as “First, do no harm”. This quote is the first rule of caution taught to medical students and remains etched in doctors’ memories throughout their careers. The QRS watch has a 42.5 mm diameter stainless steel case styled to suit every wrist. The black dial is extremely legible due to its generously-sized luminous indices and hands (Superluminova). The sapphire glass has an anti-glare coating. At 6 o’clock, there is a red caduceus, the universal symbol of medical practitioners, depicted in the traditional manner as a staff topped by two wings, surrounded by intertwined snakes. At 3 o’clock, the letters “ COV” feature alongside date window. “Once a month, owners of the watch will be able to see COV 19 and remember this time,” says Dr Pham-Minh. “We wanted a subtle rather than a literal reference to Covid-19.” Powered by a tried and tested Swiss automatic MT024 movement, the QRS watch bears all the distinctive hallmarks of a MER-AIR-TERRE timepiece: robustness, legibility, accuracy, and ergonomics.
Issued in a limited edition of 300, the QRS watch is supplied with a set of three straps: stainless steel, leather, and rubber. MER-AIR-TERRE will donate 10% of profits on sales to the "Les Clowns de l'Espoir" non-profit associations.