Few watches were thrust into the spotlight and destined for greatness like the Seiko MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group) watches from the 1960s. These Seikos, originally designed as semi-dressy watches, were procured from local Vietnamese markets and became invaluable tools for operatives as they saw field action. The Praesidus Rec Spec, or “Reconnaissance Spec,” is an homage to these historical timepieces.
The Rec Spec features a 38mm wide stainless steel case that offers 5 ATM of water resistance. It has a 1960s-style dial with applied Arabic numerals and a diamond-cut date aperture with the day and date. All lume is SuperLuminova. A raised domed K1 mineral crystal protects the watch and provides anti-reflective measures. Available in black, brown, and sunburst dial configurations, the Rec Spec is an elegant take on a classic field and military watch.
Inside the Rec Spec is the 24-jeweled Seiko NH36 movement, which offers automatic and manual winding, day and date complications, and 40 hours of power reserve. This caliber is among the most similar to the original MACV-SOG watches’ movements, making it not just an economical choice but a historically minded one.
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Black Sunburst
- Movement: Seiko NH35 Automatic
- Complications: Day, Date
- Lens: Mineral Glass
- Strap: Black Canvas
- Water Res.: 5 ATM
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Thickness: 11.8 mm
- Lug to Lug: 44.5mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Black Popcorn
- Movement: Seiko NH35 Automatic
- Complications: Day, Date
- Lens: Mineral Glass
- Strap: Black Canvas
- Water Res.: 5 ATM
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Thickness: 11.8 mm
- Lug to Lug: 44.5mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Brown
- Movement: Seiko NH35 Automatic
- Complications: Day, Date
- Lens: Mineral Glass
- Strap: Black Canvas
- Water Res.: 5 ATM
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Thickness: 11.8 mm
- Lug to Lug: 44.5mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Warranty: 2 Years
Praesidus got its start in 2019 after meeting WWII hero Tom Rice. Rice was a graduate of parachute school and jumped over Normandy for both Operation Overlord and Operation Market Garden. His subsequent experiences in the Battle of the Bulge and fruitful life after service are the foundations on which Praesidus Watches is based. Tom Rice famously lost his military watch, but the brand faithfully builds modern watches that are faithful to the specifications and design language of vintage military watches. A portion of every purchase is donated to Praesidus’ partner organizations to benefit veteran associations and communities.
