S.O.E. Roadster - Benoist

Robert Benoist, an adventurous spirit, served as a fighter pilot in WWI before becoming a race car driver. Known for his jet black hair and leather jacket, he achieved fame and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937. During WWII, he eagerly joined Grover-Williams in the resistance. Despite several arrests and daring escapes, including leaping from a moving car, he was eventually captured by the Gestapo in 1944 and executed at Büchenwald concentration camp three months later.

From a practical standpoint, the 24 disc on the S.O.E. Roadster is a 24 hour dial. The raised indices mark the hours. In design, the large number and circle nod to the numerical designs you would often find painted on the side of race cars.