Introducing: The Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44 — A Limited WWII Tribute
Praesidus, a brand devoted to authentic WWII recreations, has teamed up with French watch news site The Watch Observer for a limited edition of its A-11 Type 44. Limited to 250 numbered watches, the new model pays tribute to the US Air Force’s 533rd Bomb Squadron. If that doesn’t immediately ring a bell, it is a unit that played a pivotal role in the Normandy invasion in 1944. There’s plenty of historical significance to inspire a special watch, then.
It is the very first watch designed by The Watch Observer, founded by Thomas and Pierre Gisclard in 2010. With historian Grégory Pons involved, the project blends military scholarship with editorial taste and preferences. The team took the regular Praesidus A-11 Type 44 as the starting point. The result is the Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44. Let’s have a closer look!
The Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44
This model builds on the standard A-11 Type 44 from Praesidus. The A-11 was originally designed under wartime specifications (FSSC 88-W-800), prioritizing durability and instant readability for US troops. Several American makers (notably, Waltham, Elgin, and Bulova) produced A-11 watches that saw combat, including during Operation Overlord in June 1944.
The limited edition stays close to that formula but introduces subtle tweaks. The team did not pursue 100% historical accuracy but a healthy mix of faithfulness and modern style. A matte black dial with embossed numerals glows thanks to Old Radium Super-LumiNova. Polished glaive (sword) hands replace the historic leaf shape. This tweak alone gives the watch a more assertive, aggressive aesthetic.
The 38mm polished steel case nods to chrome-plated wartime watches. With a 100m water resistance rating and a 45mm lug-to-lug, it balances vintage and modern proportions. If you want the most accurate recreation possible, Praesidus offers the regular model in a 32mm size. An oversized crown reinforces the tool-watch feel while making daily winding a tactile pleasure.
Honoring the 533rd Bomb Squadron
The etching on the case back further sets this collaboration apart. It depicts the insignia of the 533rd Bomb Squadron, part of the USAAF’s 381st Bombardment Group. A skull in a centurion’s helmet, backed by a bomb, captures a rather grim spirit. No pin-up girls or cartoon characters here; this is all business.
Flying B-17 Flying Fortresses from England, the 533rd struck German aircraft factories during “Big Week” in February 1944 and supported the D-Day landings by bombing bridges and airfields. Their missions were crucial in weakening the Luftwaffe and securing air superiority.
In 2025, on the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end, the Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44 serves as a timely tribute. You will find a unique number (xxx/250) on the case back as well.
The new dial and hands of the Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44
Legibility is central to the design. The stencil-style “A-11 Type 44” marking on the dial recalls US military equipment, while the slightly domed dial periphery and embossed details add depth. This dome is one of the aforementioned tweaks intended to refine this model to modern standards. A reinforced acrylic crystal suits the vintage aesthetic.
The polished sword-style hands are a deliberate departure from historical accuracy, but they feel right at home. Their curved tips trace the crystal’s contour. Super-LumiNova Old Radium ensures readability in all conditions.
Together, these touches deliver a dial that balances strict military roots with just the right amount of flair. It feels rugged and functional but also just a tad more refined than a straight-up reissue.
A historically correct bracelet and strap
Praesidus and The Watch Observer include two bracelet/strap options with this edition. The first is a Bonklip bracelet. This lightweight steel design was adopted by RAF pilots in the 1930s. Its ladder-like construction and near-infinitely adjustable clasp make it both practical and historically correct. My fellow Fratello Daan is a big fan of this style of bracelet.
The second option is a khaki-green canvas strap. Modeled after wartime-issued straps, it has stitched edges, a rectangular buckle, and a utilitarian look. Quick-release spring bars make swapping between straps a breeze.
The Landeron movement inside
Inside ticks the Swiss Landeron 21 hand-wound caliber with 17 jewels, hacking seconds, and a 36-hour power reserve. Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it offers modern performance in a traditional package. The oversized crown makes daily winding easy and satisfying.
Praesidus chose this movement because it echoes the specifications of the original A-11 while keeping costs manageable. The result is a historically faithful, Swiss-powered watch that retails for just €695 / US$675. Considering its limited run of 250 pieces, the balance of value and exclusivity is hard to ignore.
Final thoughts on the Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44
It is always fun to see unexpected parties collaborate on new watch designs. The triangle of a historian, an online magazine, and a brand specializing in military reissues makes a ton of sense. This constellation of people makes it perhaps a bit surprising that the watch takes some creative liberties. Judging from the parties involved, I would have expected a full-on one-to-one reproduction. I applaud the team for going down the harder road of trying to refine the recipe while staying true to its spirit.
I am sure the Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44 will soon sell out. After all, it should speak to both fans of military history and those of compact, wearable, and affordable tool watches. The presale is still open until October 25th. At the time of writing, there are still watches available from The Watch Observer eShop and Praesidus.
What do you think of the Praesidus × The Watch Observer A-11 Type 44? Let us know in the comments section below!
