The Operation Enduring Warrior watch by NFW is by far one of my favorite timepieces to wear. It’s not because of any fancy movements or materials used. The reason is the story behind it and what the watch symbolizes to me. To me, the term ‘Enduring Warrior’ signifies someone enduring the effects of combat and/or the struggles with leaving the military. Although I’m not a combat veteran, I had to endure the effects of seeing the death of those I served alongside during a training exercise gone bad.
I also chose to have both the watchcase and metal band distressed by the owner of NFW Watch Company. Although the ‘distressed’ look gives the watch a very unique look, it also symbolizes to me the struggles some veterans have when transitioning out of the military. We come out of the military a bit distressed, battle worn and a little rough around the edges. Wearing this watch gives me a daily reminder of where I came from as well as the struggles those are dealing with today. It keeps me in check and thankful for what I have.
What is Operation Enduring Warrior?
NFW is honored to join Operation Enduring Warrior, producing watches that raise funds and awareness for the outstanding work the organization does.
Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) is a veteran-founded non‐profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to honor, empower, and motivate our nation’s wounded veterans through a physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation. Our program helps participants overcome adversity and hardship through innovation, teamwork, and perseverance.
Read more about Enduring Warrior
Specifications (courtesy of NFW):
- Case: 44mm, Forged 316L Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
- Movement: Citizen Precision Quartz, with 10-year Battery Life
- Crystal: Hardened Mineral Crystal
- Lume: C3 SuperLuminova
- Dial: Black Carbon Fiber with OEW Mask logo
- MSRP $295.00 (additional charge to have the case and band distressed)
This is a larger watch with a bit of weight to it, being that it has a 44mm case and 24mm lug width, but with that said it still sits on my wrist really nice.
With the quality components used on this watch and the heft that you feel when holding it gives you the confidence knowing this watch will go the distance. The metal watchbands used on both the NFW AutoPilot series and Valor are some of the best I’ve used. As you can see in the photo my personal AutoPilot has had the ‘distressed’ treatment giving it that battle worn look and feel. This is an additional service that you need to contact NFW about if you want it.
One of the features of this quartz movement that is not commonly seen is the 10-year battery life. Typically quartz movements are rated for 3 years, so you’re going to get some longevity out of this timepiece. After all, it’s the Operation Enduring Warrior watch, so the fact that it was designed and built for endurance ties in nicely with this specific timepiece.
