In the world of military-inspired timepieces, few watches stand out like the Praesidus C-47 D-Day Watch. Designed to honor the bravery and resilience of those who participated in the historic D-Day invasion, this watch is more than just a timekeeper; it’s a tribute to the valor of the Greatest Generation.
A Design Carved From History
A few weeks ago, I received a sample of the Praesidus C-47 D-Day watch from our good friends at Praesidus Watch Company. As soon as they told me about the tribute piece they had planned for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, I immediately told them I was up for a review. I’ve been wearing the watch ever since it arrived. See below. There it is on my 7.75″ wrist.
Check out how the aluminum catches the Florida sunshine. This piece is a real looker. Perhaps now is a good time to backtrack a little and tell you how it got its unique good looks. The folks at Praesidus Watch managed to source a couple of “Hamburger Doors” from two C-47 Skytrain aircraft.
I bet you are wondering why they call it a hamburger door. As you can see, the door is forward of that big propeller. Anyone who exits that door when the props are turning will be reduced instantly to hamburger. Paratroopers exited out the back.
The C-47 Skytrain played a crucial role during the Invasion of Normandy. In a 60-hour time span covering the invasion, C-47s flew more than 60,000 paratroopers and their equipment into Normandy. As I’ve said, the dials are cut from the doors of aircraft that were participating in the invasion.
Below, we see rare footage of US Army Paratroopers boarding a C-47 aircraft and taking off to invade France on D-Day.
My sample, as shown in the featured image of the article, has been cleaned up pretty well. You can sill see a few scratches on the aluminum, but that’s what gives each piece its unique character. If you want something with even more character, choose a face that hasn’t been cleaned up so much, like in the photo below. It is an example of the “heavy wear and tear” option.
The Praesidus C-47 D-Day Watch is meticulously crafted to reflect the aesthetics and functionality of the watches worn by paratroopers who jumped into Normandy on June 6, 1944. The rugged 38mm stainless steel case exudes a robust and timeless appeal reminiscent of the military gear of the era. The sandblasted finish adds a vintage touch while ensuring the watch remains resilient against the elements. The timepiece has 100 meters of water resistance and a screw-down unsigned crown.
The watch features sword-style hour and minute hands painted with several coats of Super Luminova. The raised indices also contain Super Luminova. The lume is good on this piece, and you won’t have trouble telling the time at night.
In the photo above, I managed to capture the beauty of the double-domed sapphire crystal with just the right amount of distortion at the edges. Powering the watch is a reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement. The watch is shipped with two straps: an “Invasion Strap” NATO and the brown leather strap shown above. The strap is made of Italian leather and quite supple. It also features a signed buckle. The first 250 orders receive an extra strap for free.
As you can see, this piece is modeled after the A-11 watches commonly issued to US troops during this time period. Praesidus have become masters of crafting precision replica A-11 timepieces reminiscent of the war years.
By now, you are probably wondering, “Where can I get one of these handsome historical watches for myself?” Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Sign up here on the Praesidus website. Sign up for notification of their release, which is coming on June 6th. As you might imagine, due to the nature of the product, only a limited number (1500 total) of watches will be made. The cost for a piece of World War II history: $550.
If you prefer an olive green face, you can have that. If you would rather have gray numerals, there is a version for you as well. And don’t forget, you can choose between light or heavy “wear and tear” on the dial.
The Praesidus C-47 D-Day Watch is more than just a watch; it’s a piece of history you can wear on your wrist. With its robust design, reliable movement, and thoughtful historical touches, it stands as a fitting tribute to the heroes of D-Day. Whether you’re a watch aficionado, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates well-crafted timepieces, the C-47 D-Day Watch is a worthy addition to your collection. It reminds us of the past while being built to endure the future—a perfect blend of heritage and innovation.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my sneak preview of the Praesidus C-47 D-Day commemorative watch. When you get yours, please send in a pic to share in the comments below. Thanks! – GDM
