Ernst Benz, a Swiss watch manufacturer, has announced a series inspired by “The Russian Five,” a documentary that follows five hockey players who came to Detroit from Soviet Russia to play for Scotty Bowman, a former coach of the Detroit Red Wings. The team went on to win the Red Wings’ first Stanley Cup in more than 20 years in 1997 and won two more in the following years.
The watch series will be available for pre-order at a private event on Thursday, Sept. 19 that celebrates the film at the brand’s flagship North American boutique in downtown Birmingham (177 S. Old Woodward). Special guests will include Viacheslav Fetisov, Scotty Bowman, and other hockey legends.
The series has a red dial and white Arabic numerals. The five on the watch stands out in black as a nod to the team’s nickname. It is being produced as a limited edition 47-milimeter ChronoScope with white sub-dials. It also features the film logo. Two version will be offered in the Ernst Benz signature Great Circle case in brushed-finish stainless steel with an exhibition back and options for straps.
The two styles will be released in the fall for delivery and be accompanied by signed packaging, exclusive memorabilia, and an official movie poster of “The Russian Five” printed on canvas. Also, 30 percent of the total proceeds will be donated to the Vladimir Konstantinov Special Needs Trust to help and support the former Red Wings defenseman, who was critically injured in a car accident in 1997.
“I am very proud of my friend Jenny Feterovich, her team, and the incredible film they have produced,” says Leonid Khankin, president and creative director of Ernst Benz. “We wanted to acknowledge and support her work by producing a series of timepieces that tell the incredible story of ‘The Russian Five.’ The hopes, dreams, and passions of these amazing athletes and their trials and tribulations as they rose to the top of their sport, fighting for a chance at freedom, deeply resonates with us. We are producing a series of timepieces as a tribute to them, their beloved coach, and the film as we proudly support the Vladimir Konstantinov Special Needs Trust.”
To attend the event on Sept. 19 at Ernst Benz Boutique in Birmingham, which runs from 6-9 p.m., RSVP at rsvp@ernstbenz.com.
