As the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches on June 6, watch enthusiasts and military history buffs alike are gearing up for a wave of new timepieces commemorating the historic event. Companies such as Vertex Watches, Bausele, and Avi-8 are all releasing special edition watches to honor the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the end of World War II.
One standout release is the Vertex M36, a 36-millimeter brushed steel watch with a Swiss automatic movement. Priced at £2,250 ($2,826), the M36 pays homage to the original Vertex watches produced for British troops during the war. Vertex chairman Don Cochrane, whose grandfather supplied Vertex watches to the military during the war, wanted to stay true to the design of the original Cal 59 W.W.W. model while adding modern updates like screw-in lugs and multiple strap options.
Meanwhile, Bausele founder Christophe Hoppé is releasing the Langstone Field Watch, inspired by a hotel overlooking D-Day training areas in England. This 38-millimeter stainless steel watch features a Japanese automatic movement and a unique touch – sand from the Normandy beach code-named Sword, adding a personal connection to the historic event.
Avi-8 is collaborating with the Royal British Legion to release the Spitfire D-Day 80 watch, with $40 from each sale going to the charity. Limited to 250 pieces, this 42-millimeter watch features a 24-hour dial display and pays tribute to the iconic Spitfire aircraft used during the war.
Despite some shipping delays due to current conflicts affecting supply chains, the demand for these commemorative watches remains high. Elliot Brown, a British company, sold out of their 80-piece Beachmaster Automatic D-Day 80th Limited Edition within five weeks of preorders opening in October 2023.
With each watch offering a unique blend of history, design, and craftsmanship, collectors and history enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the release of these special edition timepieces in honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
