Reliving History - Praesidus Crafts Watches from Willys MB Steel for 82nd D-Day Anniversary

The name Praesidus has become synonymous with crafting watches that blend horology and history seamlessly. This respect for the past is particularly evident in their recent release commemorating the 82nd D-Day Anniversary. In a riveting homage, this Arizona-based brand brings history right to the wrist of its patrons, with the dials of its A-11 LMUV selection fashioned from the steel of a Willys MB, the standard light military utility vehicle of the United States Army during WWII.

Built by Willys-Overland Motors between 1941 and 1945, the Willys MB was a testament to durability and practicality, serving on every front of WWII. The A-11 LMUV brings a piece of this history to the table, with the steel for its dial coming from a vehicle that was part of the Normandy landings.

Beyond its vintage allure, the A-11 LMUV serves as a practical field watch, featuring a 38mm stainless steel case, a double-domed sapphire crystal, water resistance up to 100m, and the reliable automatic movement of Miyota 9039. These specifications are supplemented by assembly in Phoenix, Arizona, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and precision.

Released parallel to the LMUV series is the A-11 Utah Beach 82nd series, furthering Praesidus’ theme of integrating tangible history into extraordinary timepieces. This innovative series incorporates real sand from Utah Beach, Normandy, into the dial design, with an artist hand-painting a near-lifelike D-Day scene onto the upper dial. Each piece is individually painted, mirroring the unique storytelling approach Praesidus adopts in its creations.