Has Praesidus Hit The Mark?
Praesidus watches represent a unique blend of history, precision, and craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from military timepieces of the past, the brand pays homage to the legendary designs that served soldiers during pivotal moments in history, particularly during World War II. With an unwavering commitment to quality and an eye for detail, Praesidus has carved out a niche in the world of horology by offering vintage-inspired pieces that fuse classic aesthetics with modern reliability. We look at one of their recent offerings, the Pathfinder 44 Bastogne Edition.
We have reviewed many Praesidus watches before, but none this colourful. The Pathfinder 44, Bastogne Edition, has more than just a distinct look to it. Praesidus create homage watches steeped in military history; some even have a piece of history as part of the dial. The dial is covered in a piece of fabric that has been to war and has been hidden away for years.
Praesidus has been around since 2021 and is a huge military supporter, even offering 5% of each sale to war veteran associations and communities. They assemble the watches in the USA—a fact they take great pride in. They connect every watch they make to the military by recreating historic field watches or commemorating significant dates.
A True Relic To Own
Praesidus has resurrected an extraordinary relic from a bygone era. This is far from an ordinary piece of fabric—it’s a rare, camouflaged T-5 parachute, once deployed by U.S. Airborne troops during World War II in the pivotal Benelux region, which encompasses Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Imbued with history, this artefact bears the marks of time, including original manufacturing stamps from June 1943, when the Hightstown Rug Co crafted it. ]
Uncovering this historical parachute was no small feat. Over 80 years old, the fabric bears the marks of time and the elements. Each weathered crease and textured imperfection tells a story of resilience and courage. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the soldiers who depended on it during one of the most gruelling chapters in history.
The parachute’s distinctive essence has been thoughtfully transformed and forms the core of these exceptional timepieces.
Recovered From WW2
Each dial showcases the fabric’s original textures and intricate patterns, and each watch is a one-of-a-kind, ensuring complete individuality. This series serves as a homage to the past, turning a relic of survival into a meaningful link to the bravery and sacrifices that forged the world we know today.
The case design may be familiar, as it was used in their A-11 Tom Rice model. It’s made of 38mm stainless steel with a bead-blasted matt finish. The highlight for me has to be the dial; the greens and cream perfectly complement the yellow hue of the Super LumiNova on the hands and indices. I particularly like these rhodium-plated indices, which seem to hover above the dial on the outer green minute track.
The rear of the case sees a laser-etched camouflaged pattern intertwined with the inscription with a copy of the parachute’s manufacturing stamp, which is a nice touch. Around the case back, you see a coin edge knurling, giving a little extra detail. The Miyota 9039 automatic movement is powering this, offering 42 hours of power reserve. A double-domed sapphire crystal sits aloft on the no-date dial, which should be applauded, as I feel this would detract from the overall look.
This is a comfortable and affordably priced timepiece that hits the mark. Praesidus continues to honour significant moments in history with their creations, and the Pathfinder 44 Bastogne Edition is no different. For collectors with an appreciation for wartime memorabilia, this watch offers a unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of history. The concept is straightforward yet compelling. It’s a release that’s sure to resonate with enthusiasts and does well for the brand.
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