or the first time since its creation, French watch website The Watch Observer, founded by Thomas and Pierre Gisclard in 2010, has designed a watch. Produced in partnership with military watch specialist Praesidus, the Gisclard brothers worked closely with journalist and historian Grégory Pons.

The A-11 Type 44 they designed pays tribute to the US Air Force’s 533rd Bomb Squadron while celebrating the values cherished by the co-founders of the watch website: simplicity, elegance, functionality and affordability.

This exclusive A-11 Type 44 Praesidus x The Watch Observer is, as is often the case in watchmaking, the result of a meeting between enthusiasts:

On one side, Rémi Chabrat, CEO of Montrichard Group (also owner of Nivada Grenchen, among others) and his son Oscar, head of the Praesidus brand, among others;

On the other hand, Grégory Pons, historian specializing in military aviation and more specifically the US Air Force (author, among other works, of “The 8th Air Force - Les bombardiers lourds de l’aviation américaine 1942-1945“ and ”USMC Aviators, les Aviateurs des Marines Dans le Pacifique 1941-1945”);

And in the middle, Thomas and Pierre Gisclard, creators of the French watch website The Watch Observer, who initiated this meeting that led to the creation of this affordable, high-end military watch.

A limited edition produced in accordance with specifications referenced as FSSC 88- W-800 This A-11 Type 44 is directly inspired by the A-11 model manufactured during World War II in accordance with specifications FSSC 88-W-800. Issued by the US Army, it listed the main technical characteristics of a timepiece intended to equip, among others, its airmen.

Several American brands manufactured this A-11, which was worn by US Navy soldiers during Operation Overlord, the code name for the June 1944 invasion of Normandy.

This limited edition series unveiled today is based on a model from the Praesidus catalog, to which it adds several modifications while preserving its DNA.

The Watch Observer edition has a diameter of 38 millimeters. Why? Because its creators have a personal preference for timepieces with strong personalities that are nonetheless discreet and comfortable. The choice of a 38mm case also means it can be worn on a wide range of wrists, both male and female.

However, the A-11 Type 44 does not appear small on the wrist thanks to a large case opening highlighted by a thin, elegant fluted bezel. Water-resistant to 100 meters, this fully polished case, reminiscent of the chrome watches of that era, is characterized by its simplicity and functionality, notably featuring a slightly oversized winding crown that facilitates the daily winding of this hand-wound mechanical watch.

Most historic A-11 models feature “leaf” hands. The A-11 Type 44 Praesidus x The Watch Observer has rhodium-plated and polished “glaive” hands (sword-shaped hour and minute hands) that match the case. Their angular design gives the model a more distinctive personality. Their length has been carefully calculated so that their tips point precisely to the indication to be read.

In addition, the minute hand and central second hand feature a curved tip that follows the curve of the Plexiglas, lending the model a touch of classic elegance. To enhance the vintage aesthetic of this A-11 Type 44, the luminescent material used for the minute track, hour markers, hands, and markings are treated with Super-LumiNova Old Radium.

When it comes to the dial, simplicity and functionality were the guiding principles behind the choices made. It features a unique marking indicating the model name in a stencil-style font used on US military equipment. The only small indulgence the designers allowed themselves was a slightly domed dial around the edge, whose embossed surface will appeal to discerning enthusiasts.

The result is a dial that returns to the roots of military watches, offering its owner instinctive readability in all conditions thanks to its minimalist aesthetic.

Its slight curve and embossing, coupled with the presence of a domed reinforced acrylic crystal, add a touch of elegance that allows this A-11 Type 44 to display true versatility, as the model has all the attributes to accompany you in all circumstances.

Turn this case over and you will discover a steel caseback decorated with the patch of the US Air Force’s 533rd Bomb Squadron.

In this year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, this unique A-11 Type 44, created in collaboration with The Watch Observer and Grégory Pons, pays tribute to the heroism of the US Air Force’s 533rd Bomb Squadron.

As a member of the 8th Air Force, this bomber squadron’s achievements include its participation in Big Week (massive attacks on the Third Reich’s aviation industry from February 20 to 25, 1944) and its decisive support for the invasion of Normandy in June 1944 by bombing nearby bridges and airfields.

Finely crafted and alternating between mirror- polished and sandblasted surfaces, the patch of this elite aviation unit features a skull wearing a centurion’s helmet with a bomb in the background.

It also features the double marking “Praesidus x The Watch Observer” and the individual number of the watch in this exclusive limited edition of 250 pieces.

The caseback is completed by a marking stating that this timepiece was assembled in the USA (namely in Phoenix, Arizona), in the Praesidus atelier, and that it features a Swiss manual- winding movement.

Used by Nivada Grenchen, Praesidus’ sister brand within the Montrichard Group, to power some of its models, the Landeron 21 caliber, a hand-wound mechanical movement, was selected for two main reasons.

Firstly, its characteristics make it a movement that is technically close to the requirements listed in the FSSC 88-W-800 specifications.

In particular, it has 17 jewels and a stop-second function, with a power reserve of 36 hours. The choice of the Landeron 21 also keeps the price of this A-11 Type 44 below USD700 while ensuring reliable and accurate service.

A military watch that comes with a steel bracelet and a canvas strap The founders of The Watch Observer website wanted to deliver this limited edition with two bracelets.

This A-11 Type 44 comes first with a Bonklip steel bracelet. Created between the late 1920s and early 1930s, this bracelet was adopted by Royal Air Force pilots and used by Rolex on some of its timepieces before the famous Oyster bracelet was launched.

For one simple reason: it is a resistant bracelet that is incredibly easy to adjust and can be worn against the skin or over jacket sleeves—aviator sleeves, of course!

In 2025, its aesthetic appeal also plays an important role, with this bracelet displaying a discreet elegance inspired by the past.

Reminiscent of a ladder construction and consisting of a series of flat rectangular loops and cylindrical links, the Bonklip bracelet features an ingenious clasp that can be positioned approximately every 0.5 millimeters for optimal comfort.

It can also be worn on a wide range of wrists, including women’s (provided they have a minimum circumference of 15 cm).

Finally, it is equipped with quick-release spring bars, allowing you to quickly and easily replace it with the additional strap that comes with this A-11 Type 44 – or with any other strap in your collection, as the lug width is a standard 20 mm large.

While the Bonklip strap enhances the elegance and versatility of the model (thanks in particular to its ability to be submerged—the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters), the second strap included in the box highlights its military DNA. Directly inspired by the watch straps worn during World War II, it iTs a khaki-colored canvas strap.

In addition to the material and color, it faithfully reproduces the aesthetics and design: peripheral topstitching, inner eyelet edging sewn to prevent fraying of the strap, rectangular pin buckle, and pointed end of the large strand.

Like the Bonklip, it is equipped with quick-release spring bars.

Available for pre-order from September 25, 2025 with delivery scheduled before December 20, 2025, the A-11 Type 44 Praesidus x The Watch Observer is priced at SD675 excluding tax and shipping. Pre-orders closed on October 25, 2025, at 6 p.m. (Paris Time).

The main points are the following:

• A military watch directly inspired by the specifications issued by the US Army in the 1940s to equip its soldiers during World War II;

• A steel case waterproof to 100m (10 ATM) with compact dimensions (38 mm in diameter) that fits a wide range of wrists, including women’s;

• A matte black dial with embossed hour markers and markings enhanced with Old Radium-type Super-LumiNova;

• A Swiss manual-winding mechanical movement – a Landeron 21;

• A caseback engraved with the patch of the US Air Force’s 533rd Bomb Squadron;

• A timepiece delivered with two straps: a lightweight, easy-to-adjust, and ultra-comfortable Bonklip steel bracelet + an additional khaki canvas strap inspired by straps worn during World War II;

• A watch assembled in the United States (Phoenix) and guaranteed for 2 years;

• A limited edition of 250 individually numbered XXX/250;

• A retail price of USD675 excluding tax and shipping;

• Pre-orders open on September 25, 2025 here and shipping before December 20, 2025;

• Pre-orders close on October 25, 2025, at 6 p.m. (Paris Time).