THE PROJECT

The Rec Spec project initially started when we met with John “Tilt” Stryker Meyer - a former MACV-SOG member that wrote his experience through three separate books. He explained how the unit had to source gear from outside the traditional military procurement channels and this led MACV-SOG to go directly on Vietnamese markets to buy local Seiko watches. This unique procurement explains why the MACV-SOG watches look so different to the more “traditional” US Military watches of the 60s. Initially, they were meant to be sold as dress watches. Turns out - they worked well as field watches for some of the most elite units in Vietnam at the time. The Rec Spec - short for “Reconnaissance Spec” pays a tribute to both the men & equipment that they used as they provided valuable intel behind enemy lines.

The Watches

The REC SPEC up close

Unparalleled Legibility

Although the MACV-SOG watches were originally dress watches, one look at the design makes it obvious as to why these watches were chosen. The bold italicized indexes provide excellent legibility in all conditions with minimal complications. We’ve gone a step further by using applied indexes to raise them from the dial’s surface. We’ve used SuperLuminova to guarantee great night-time performance.

Vintage Soaked Field Watch

For us, the Rec Spec had to clearly call back to the 1960's of the original MACV- SOG watches. We worked on a raised curved crystal to provide that exact feeling of a vintage watch. Made out of Sapphire-Coated Mineral Glass, you’ve got great scratch & shatter resistance despite the curvature.

Rugged construction

A unique feature fo the Rec Spec is its integrated crown at the 4-hour instead of the classic 3-hour placement. This construction reduces the risk of accidentally pulling out the crown. The 4H placement also helps to keep wrist movement free from any obstruction. To add to the rugged construction, we’ve included 5ATM (50-meters) water-resistance for wet environments.

Day-Date Window

Prominently featured at the 3-Hour Index is a classic Day-Date window complication. Giving both the date & the day of the week, this is probably one of the more useful complications for a field watch today. We custom reworked our day-date wheel to feature only a red “Sunday” and not have the blue “Saturday” which comes stock on the Seiko NH36 Movement.

Modern Upgrade

Coming in at 38mm, the Rec Spec is slightly bigger than the original MACV SOGs which were at 36mm. We chose to increase the size a bit so as to facilitate crown usability but also to give the watch a bit more wrist presence.

— SIZE GUIDE —

An Infused Historical Value

Workhorse Automatic Movement

For the Rec Spec, we’ve used the rugged and dependable NH caliber from Seiko. More specifically, we’ve gone for the NH36 featuring the day-date complication that makes these watches so iconic. Featuring a custom date wheel to match the vintage SOG watches the movement is also the closest thing to the orignal caliber used in the trio of MACV-SOG watches. Featuring 40 hours of power reserve & a 21,600 BPH (Beats per Hour) the Rec Spec is ready for pretty much everything you throw at it.

US ASSEMBLY

As is standard for Praesidus - the Rec Spec is assembled & quality controlled in the USA at our workshop. Just like the original A-11 Spec watches were.

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