Finnish watchmaker crafts timepieces from destroyed Russian tank for Ukraine aid

A Finnish watchmaker is turning instruments of war into symbols of peace and support for Ukraine. Leo Winter, founder of The Rebuild Watch Company, has created a unique initiative that transforms destroyed Russian military hardware into high-end watches, with proceeds benefiting humanitarian efforts.

The "Ctrl Z" collection, named after the keyboard command to undo an action and a subtle nod to the Russian military's "Z" symbol, features watches with cases made from the metal of a captured T-90 Russian tank. This first series, limited to 55 numbered pieces, sold for 7,500 euros each and quickly sold out. The venture has already generated nearly $64,000 for the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Winter's project began in spring 2022, driven by a desire to "create something good out of something destructive." The "Ctrl Z" collection not only reclaims and repurposes the symbolism of war but also directly channels resources to aid those affected by the conflict. The initiative is designed for long-term impact, with a new series, "Ctrl Shift Z," already in pre-order. This upcoming collection will use armor from other Russian assault vehicles and will donate a fixed 33.33% of net profit to Ukraine's reconstruction and humanitarian aid programs.

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to create something good out of something destructive