NOW IN THE SHOP: PRAESIDUS WATCH CO.

Windup Watch Shop

June 14, 2024

Many brands offer military-inspired watches; however, Praesidus takes it one step further. Not only were their original models informed by the mil-spec units the U.S. Military contracted from Bulova, Waltham, and Elgin during WWII, but they are also committed to supporting war veteran associations and communities by donating 5% of each sale to their partner organizations. Through their watches, they aim to bring these brave soldiers’ spirits to a new generation of military history enthusiasts so their stories continue to be shared for generations.

Having been founded in 2019, there have been many models, which have varied in size from the traditional 32mm diameter all the way up to 42mm, and everywhere in between. All are assembled in the United States of America with imported parts. They also vary from automatic movements, manual wind, and even some quartz modules. To welcome Praesidus to the Windup Watch Shop, we are starting with two collections, the A-11 (two variations) and the Rec Spec in multiple colors.

A-11 SPEC 2 (40MM)

The A-11 Spec 2 is probably their most authentic-looking variation within the collection. It looks & feels like a factory-fresh Bulova A-11 from 1942. They even went to the trouble of mimicking the hand-painted look from yesteryear, as they kept all the original micro-faults to preserve the original details. The case is entirely media-blasted, as most modern field watches are. Completing the look is an olive-drab canvas strap, which is thick and tough. It is ideal for a proper field watch and most appropriate for soldiers out in operations. With modern-day measurements of 40mm in diameter, 12.5mm thick, 47mm from lug-to-lug, and a 20mm lug width, it is perfectly sized for everyday wear. Powering this piece is an Ameriquartz 6130 movement made by FTS USA, and it is water-resistant to 50m.

A-11 TYPE 44 (38MM)

The A-11 Type 44 is not meant to replace the original; instead, it is an ultra-authentic homage to the Bulova A-11, with modern-day’s quality and performance. If you have always wanted an A-11 that could be worn without risk. One that genuinely embodies the incredible ingenuity and bravery of the people behind the originals, the A-11 Type 44 just might be for you.With its completely polished stainless-steel case and 100m of water-resistance, the Type 44 is definitely more rugged than the originals. Its Swiss-made Soprod P024 manual wound movement guarantees precision and functionality that an 80-year-old original A-11 cannot. Its contemporary dimensions of 38m in diameter, 13mm thick, 45mm from lug-to-lug and 20mm strap width, really make this one easy to wear for all wrist sizes.

REC SPEC P-38

The 38mm x 11.8mm case size combined with the iconic 4 o’clock crown placement provides excellent wearability in all conditions. The integrated crown design also serves to protect it from accidentally getting pulled while reducing the overall wrist presence.Powering this piece is a near-bulletproof Seiko NH36 TMI automatic winding movement with a power reserve of 39 hours. It also features hacking seconds, and just like the 1960s original, it has a day-date complication. Color variations include a black textured popcorn dial with white numerals, a dark grey sunray dial, and a lightly textured khaki brown dial. Water resistance is 50m, and lug width is 20mm, making this one infinitely strap-friendly.

MIL-STRAPS TO PAIR WITH YOUR PRAESIDUS

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