Celebs design watches for charity

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Celebs design watches for charity

June 11, 2008

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Biel-Bienne, Switzerland—What do Eric Dane, Mary J. Blige and Russell Simmons all have in common?

They recently designed three timepieces for Ernst Benz's limited-edition "Time for Change" collection in support of nonprofit organization Chrysalis.

Dane set out to design the ultimate guy's watch. Inspired by aviation and performance, Dane's timepiece is reminiscent of a pilot's watch and looks like a stealth bomber. Made of titanium with graphite on black detailing, the watch has a suggested retail price of $7,500.

Blige's watch is a joint collaboration with her husband, Kendu. Matching the couple's ultra-glam style, the 40-millimeter ChronoScope features a double row of diamonds totaling 2 carats set in an 18-karat rose gold bezel with caramel-colored alligator strap. The suggested retail price is $19,500.

Simmons chose to incorporate the seven Hindu chakras into his design. The watch showcases the symbol for the sixth chakra, referred to as the "third eye," which represents time. Also featured are Sanskrit numbers and the word Atman, meaning "spirit of man," centered on the dial. Seven differently colored nylon straps, one for each chakra, tie it all together. The suggested retail price is $5,500.

Twenty-four numbered watches of each design were made, celebrating 24 years that the Chrysalis foundation has been helping economically disadvantaged and homeless people become self-sufficient through employment opportunities.

One watch from each designer will be auctioned on eBay through June 12, 2008, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Chrysalis. The remaining watches will be sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue this fall, with 50 percent of the proceeds benefiting Chrysalis.

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