D-Day Watches

WW2 Willys MB hood steel. Real Utah Beach sand. Cases aged in Normandy waters. Discover three ways to carry the story of D-Day.

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Illustrative D-Day landing map blended with American soldiers approaching Omaha Beach
Illustrative D-Day landing map · American soldiers approaching Omaha Beach
Normandy · June 6, 1944

Our Connection To D-Day

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed in Normandy. Among the American paratroopers jumping inland was Tom Rice of the 101st Airborne, who lost his A-11 watch during the jump.

Decades later, recreating that lost watch became Praesidus’s first watch project. Our D-Day collections carry that founding commitment forward: preserving the stories of those who served through the watches we create.

The stories behind the collection

Three Ways To Remember D-day

Original WW2 Willys MB donor hood with weathered paint, used to create A-11 LMUV dials
An original WW2 Willys MB hood used to create A-11 LMUV dials.
A-11 LMUV

Original steel. Individual history.

Each dial is made from recovered WW2 Willys MB hood steel. Layers of original paint, texture and patina make each piece different.

Surf Blue dial detail showing individually hand-painted waves above real Utah Beach sand
Surf Blue · hand-painted artistry meets real Utah Beach sand
Utah Beach · Surf Blue

History, painted by hand.

Individually painted by hand, each dial brings the Normandy landings to life above real Utah Beach sand. Subtle differences in every painting make each watch its own artistic tribute. An edition of just 150 pieces.

Two Neptune 44 watch cases resting on a marine-weathered basket containing more cases
Neptune 44 cases during the sea-aging process off Utah Beach.
Neptune 44

Marked by Normandy waters.

Cases submerged off Utah Beach develop their patina through saltwater exposure. Each emerges with its own surface character.

Before you choose

A few things to know.

Materials, delivery and the details that make your watch yours.

Need a hand choosing?Talk to Praesidus
Which watches have dials made from WW2 Willys MB hood steel?

The A-11 LMUV dial is cut from recovered WW2 Willys MB hood steel. The watch combines that historic material with a modern automatic movement and sapphire crystal.

Will my LMUV dial look exactly like the photograph?

No two dials are exactly alike. The original material has natural variations in color, texture, scratches and patina. Choose your preferred finish, knowing that your dial will have its own character. For Oddballs, select the specific individual dial shown on the product page.

When will the LMUV preorders arrive?

Estimated delivery is shown on each preorder card. Check the product page for the latest estimate before ordering.

Do all Utah Beach watches have sand dials?

Yes. Higgins Blue, Bronze and Surf Blue all incorporate real Utah Beach sand. Surf Blue also features a hand-painted coastal design.

Where can I check warranty and return terms?

Read the 2-year warranty and return and exchange policy for the applicable terms before ordering.

Carry the history of D-Day.

Discover Praesidus D-Day watches, honoring the men and machines behind the Normandy landings.

LMUV and Utah Beach dial materials

A-11 LMUV dials are cut from an original WWII Willys MB hood. Selected Utah Beach editions incorporate real sand from Utah Beach. The collection also includes military-inspired field watches commemorating June 6, 1944.