The Story Behind Josh Kerr’s Gold-and-Diamond Amazfit Watch for His 3:42.66 Mile

Scottish runner Josh Kerr recently set a new world record in the mile with a time of 3:42.66. While his performance drew significant attention, his choice of equipment also stood out. Kerr wore a custom Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro smartwatch featuring a gold and diamond bezel designed by David Perry, a former collegiate runner turned jeweler.

Amazfit approached Perry eight weeks before the race with a request to customize the watch. Perry opted for solid 10-carat gold because of its durability. Unlike standard plating or chemical dips, solid gold ensures the watch holds up during intense training sessions. He aimed for a balance between luxury materials and the practical requirements of an elite athlete.

Building the bezel required technical precision. Perry scanned the watch in 3D to create a frame that did not damage the internal electronics. He avoided soldering the metal, which would have ruined the components, and instead created a custom bar-locking system. A jeweler then hand-polished the piece to ensure it sat flush against the wrist for comfort while Kerr was running.

The final design included subtle details to honor the event. The gold buckle on the watch strap features a laser engraving of 222, which represents the number of seconds required to break the existing world record. Perry designed this piece to serve as a durable tool rather than just a decorative accessory for the track.

Perry, who still runs 20 miles a week, views this work as a way to contribute to the sport that shaped his career. He intends to continue working with athletes to create gear that marks significant milestones. The custom watch remains a part of Kerr's daily training setup.