The Project

A watch to commemorate two legendary pilots

The A-2 design was originally based off the watch that both Bud Anderson and Diz Laird wore in Korea: the A-17 Spec. The A-17 Spec was to be the “evolution” of the original A-11 Spec of WW2 featuring most notably a 24H inner index ring. Specifically, we refined the design hand in hand with Bud Anderson who insisted on removing the inner 24H track - leading to the final dial design of the A-2. For both editions we’ve developed intricate commemorative casebacks hand in hand with both pilots. Most notably, both were meticulous about the P-51 Mustang design (Bud Anderson) or the F4F Wildcat design (Diz Laird) which we’ve engraved to their precise standards.

Two Aerial Legends

Bud Anderson

WW2 Triple Ace

Clarence Emil “Bud” Anderson is a 101 year old USAF triple ace of WW2. Credited with 16.25 aerial victories, Bud was one of the most successful pilots to fly on the legendary P-51 Mustang. He joined the US Army as an Air Cadet in January 1942 before deploying in November 1943 to England. He joined the 357th Fighter Group and found himself at the command of a P-51 Mustang that he nicknamed “Old Crow”. His first official combat mission took place on February 5th 1944 with his first aerial victory taking place in March 1944 against a Bf-109 over Berlin. His most successful day took place on June 29th with 3 Fw-190s victories in a single day.

Post-WW2, Bud Anderson found himself as Director of Operations for the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing from 1955 to 56. He equally took part in the Vietnam War as a fighter-bomber pilot and flight wing commander in 1970

Diz Laird

Ace Of Two Oceans

Dean Samuel “Diz” Laird was a WW2 US Navy carrier-based fighter pilot and, the only US Navy Ace to have combat victories in both the Pacific & Atlantic Ocean with a total of 5.75 aerial victories. Also known as the “Ace of Two Oceans”, Diz Laird piloted both the F4F Wildcat & F6F Hellcat to great effect throughout WW2

 Diz became a Naval Aviator on October 21st 1942 subsequently flying combat missions in Europe before joining the Pacific Ocean Fleet. A notable highlight of his career was his crash-landing on the deck of the USS Essex after his F6F sustained heavy damage and was unable to lower its landing gear. He continued to serve in the US Navy in both the Korean & Vietnam War.

 Diz Laird passed away on August 10th 2022 at 101 years old. He participated actively in the design and conception of the A-2 Diz Laird Edition before passing. This piece is launched in commemoration of his heroism & to perpetuate his memory.

The Watches

Designed by the legends themselves

The A-2 Bud Anderson

Featuring a black dial as a reference to the original color requirements of the A-17, the A-2 Bud Anderson is the more authentic design - this was a request from Bud himself. The caseback feautres a perfect re-edition of Bud’s “Old Crow” P-51 Mustang. On top of that, we’ve been able to secure a piece of an actual P-51 Mustang that will ornate the caseaback as a numbered commemorative token.

The A-2 Diz Laird

For Diz we took a bit more liberty in the design by inspiring the dial color from the original blue-gray colorway of the F4F WildCat. We’ve additionally customized the caseback extensively featuring Diz’ F4F Wildcat engraved. We’ve also managed to integrate a piece of an original WW2 F4F Wildcat into the caseback as a numbered commemorative token

A quality choice of movements

A pilot watch needs to guarantee absolute reliability & precision for the length of its mission. With that in mind, we’ve chosen to go with a Swiss Automatic P024 from SOPROD - a time tested caliber that provides high accuracy & a 41H power reserve. Anti-magnetic & shockproof, it can take a beating and still carry out its mission successfully; exactly what the A-2 Bud & Diz was originally designed for. For a more affordable version, we’ve also decided to offer the workhorse Seiko NH35 automatic movement as well

Collector’s Watch Case

This project culminated as a collaboration between two very good friends from Auburn High School that became pilots: one for the USAF and the other for the USN. To celebrate the life-long friendship Bud & Diz had, they requested that their limited-edition watches use the same design: the A-2. When Diz attended Bud’s 100th birthday party and greeted him with a fist bump on stage, the crowd roared while the two young centurions displayed boyish grins. Later that year, they decided to take their last flight together in a Stearman hosted by Dream Flights. In honor of the collaboration, we’ve developed a limited edition collector’s watch case for those that want to buy both A-2s

Built for Longevity

The A-2 Bud & Diz was built with longevity in mind - that is the least we could do given the historical importance of the F4F/P-51 on the caseback. Featuring a 5ATM water-resistance & an industry-leading sapphire crystal, your A-2 will be able to follow your day-to-day with minimal risk. For low-light situations, we’ve lumed the indexes & hands of the A-2 generously.

— SIZE GUIDE —

An Infused Historical Value

A serialized piece of F4F or P-51 on each Caseback

A-2 Bud Caseback featuring a piece of P-51 Mustang & “Old Crow”

A-2 Diz Caseback featuring a piece of F4F Wildcat

BUD ANDERSON

P-51D Mustang : “Old Crow”

DEAN“DIZ”S. LAIRD

F4F Wildcat

US ASSEMBLY

As is standard for Praesidus - the A-2 Bud & Diz is assembled & quality controlled in the USA at our workshop. Just like the original A-11 Spec watches were.

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