The Hellion-BAKU Watch: A Tribute to Missing WWII Service Members by Mk II and Project Recover

The collaboration of Mk II watches and Project Recover, a non-profit organization tasked with locating, recovering, and repatriating American service members missing in action from previous conflicts, has resulted in the creation of the Hellion-BAKU tribute watch. This unique timepiece pays homage to the missing members of Underwater Demolition team-10 - Black, MacMahon, and Roeder. However, it’s influence extends beyond homage, as the watch also supports the noble mission of Project Recover through a donation model built into its purchase price. This tribute watch brings military aesthetics of yesteryears alive, combining elements from the A-11 field watches of WWII and the US military’s first underwater wristwatch, aka the ‘canteen.’ Built with a 39mm brushed 316L stainless steel case featuring drilled lugs, it offers water resistance up to 100 meters. The standout feature is an oversized crown modeled after the ‘canteen’ to ensure cold or wet hands do not hinder operation. The watch includes hands modelled after those found on WWII UDT-issued watches, using a grey, black, and white scheme inspired by the USS Burrfish’s wartime camouflage. The hour and minute hands are widened for improved legibility, and all three hands use applied Super-LumiNova to maximize low-light visibility. The caseback carries the essence of a WWII-era canteen watch along with unique markings for ‘UDT-10,’ creating a interesting mismatch which underscores the human struggle and story of the mission. Housed within the watch is a Seiko-produced TMI NH38. The Hellion-BAKU is delivered on a Haveston canvas strap with the option to choose between two donation-based packages - a Standard package priced at $649 or the Premium package priced at $765. With only limited numbers available and a portion of the proceeds going towards a noble cause, the Hellion-BAKU offers a perfect blend of horological interest, military aesthetics, and humanitarian empathy.