This Watch Was Made for a Young Cancer Survivor — His Story Will Move You

Today, I had the honour of creating something truly special — a custom, handmade watch for a remarkable young cancer survivor who has endured more than most of us can imagine. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, now thankfully in remission, his family reached out and asked if I could design a one-of-a-kind timepiece he could carry with him for the rest of his life.

This isn’t just a watch. It’s a symbol of resilience, hope, and the time he fought so hard to reclaim. Every detail of this watch was crafted with purpose, meaning, and care.

Whether you're passionate about horology, love seeing custom craftsmanship, or are inspired by stories of overcoming adversity, this is a project close to the heart.

Thank you to his family for trusting me with this meaningful project. I hope this watch brings him joy, peace, and a reminder of how far he’s come.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories behind the craft.

I want to share some of the original email I received. Of course, all personal info has been removed. Being a father myself, after the tears cleared, there was only one thing to do: make a watch! I made a prototype 38mm. I had a premade NH38 full lume dial sitting on the bench, which was perfect for this build. Then I used a bright blue strap for a pop of youthful colour.

"Hi,

Hoping you might be able to help in regards to helping us arrange a stunning, small/medium men’s watch, for a special little boy to cherish as a wearable keepsake for a lifetime, and that you don't mind me reaching out.

Some backstory:

We're in Ottawa, Canada. My adorable 6-year-old son, Benjamin, is now in remission for life-threatening, rare cancer (hepatoblastoma liver cancer).

My husband has had cancer himself and two major surgeries, and is currently on surveillance protocol.

Because Benji's and his dad's immune systems have been compromised, we had been mostly isolating at home for a long time, so Benji was unable to go to preschool, socialize, or go out much to have fun. He is beyond excited (but also somewhat anxious) to have started senior kindergarten this past Fall!

Benji has been an absolute super hero - bravely fighting cancer and the side effects of surgeries and harsh chemotherapy (some of which are unfortunately long-term/permanent), having Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a very recent diagnosis of autism, and all the stress and upheaval with my husband's health, while being the most fun-loving, charming, engaging, sweet, affectionate, adventurous, curious, quirky, hilarious, and endlessly creative little boy. He's also been even more resilient, as we had been out of our house for months, displaced by a severe house flood, and are still dealing with the aftermath.

We would love to give Benji a sense of normalcy, and confidence, and want to make this year as easy, stress-free, and memorable as possible - and would be thrilled if you would consider helping us obtain a magnificent, small/medium men’s watch, that Benji can cherish as a wearable keepsake for a lifetime. We haven't been working due to COVID and the cancer struggles for both Benji and my husband, so even a very small discount would be extremely helpful. We would be incredibly grateful for anything."



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