Bastogne edition

The Project

Bastogne 80th Edition

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German counteroffensive of World War II in the European Theater. Primarily fought in Belgium, a key location in this counteroffensive was Bastogne, a small Belgian town situated at a critical supply crossroads. Defended by the 101st Airborne Division, Bastogne endured a total siege from December 22 to December 26, 1944. Under-equipped and running low on ammunition, the 101st successfully held their position and halted the German offensive. The siege was broken when air support and supply drops began on December 26.

In commemoration of the heroic achievements and sacrifices of the 101st Airborne at Bastogne, we have crafted a watch that incorporates a piece of camouflage parachute material found in the region—used by the 101st Airborne. The dial is designed to honor both the 101st Airborne Division and the vital supply airdrops that helped break the German offensive on December 26, 1944.

Pathfinder 44

Bastogne edition

The Pathfinder 44

Our first-ever watch, crafted from an actual parachute used during WWII, the Pathfinder 44 incorporates a truly unique piece of camouflage into each dial.

We’ve included the now-iconic quote, “Surrender? NUTS!”—a defiant reply by Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe, then commander of Bastogne, to the German demand for his and his troops’ surrender.

As a final tribute to the 101st Airborne, we’ve retained our signature A-11 Tom Rice Spec case design.

The Parachute

The parachute used in the Pathfinder 44 is a camouflaged T-5 parachute used by US Airborne troops in the Benelux Region (Belgium, Luxembourg & Netherlands).
The original markings of the parachute indicate a June 1943 date of manufacturing, from the Hightstown Rug Co.

US ASSEMBLY

The Pathfinder 44 - Bastogne Edition is assembled in our partner facility in Phoenix AZ. As all our Praesidus Watches, we are committed to supporting American watchmaking and strive to revive it back to its 1940s glory days.

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