The Human Time Project: A Different Kind of Doctor's Watch (Think TOMS Shoes For Watches)

Weve shown you doctors watches before but today were bringing you a decidedly different kind. And while this one may not be collectible or feature a classic movement, it may just save more lives than all the rest.

We sometimes forget that timekeeping is a necessity for physicians and nurses, whether its to take a pulse, time labor contractions, make detailed records or keep appointments. And while watches and clocks are often taken for granted in most places, in war-torn regions or in poor countries, access to a simple wristwatch can mean the difference between life and death. Thats what inspired Los Angeles-based watch enthusiast, Gustavo Saiz, to start The Human Time Project, with partner, Ben Rodriguez.

The Human Time Projects mission is to put watches on the wrists of health care workers in rural, poor countries in South and Central America, Asia and Africa. After meeting with international health officials, Saiz discovered that one of the tools doctors and nurses are lacking in many of these regions is a simple wristwatch. So Saiz set out to create an affordable, sturdy watch that could be provided to these health care workers. The result is the HTP 1, a retro canteen-style quartz-powered PVD-coated watch on a NATO strap.

The way the Human Time Project works is, you buy an HTP 1 and they will donate one of the same watches to healthcare workers in need. The watch is only $95 ($85 pre-order for the first 200) and will be available after December 16th with distribution to those in need beginning in 2012.

To find out more about the project, check out th! e Human Time Projects Website.