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Get Early Access NowThe A-5 UDT Project
The A-5 UDT was designed to meet an operational need that has existed ever since men could dive: reliable timekeeping underwater. Based off an original USN BUSHIPS design, this dive watch exudes ruggedness with its oversized crown and solid case. During WW2, this system was the only way for Underwater Demolition Teams to safely ensure their watches’ water-resistance during extended dive missions. More than a homage, we’ve truly revived this icon.
THE OG COMBAT DIVERS
Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) AKA “Frogmen” were amphibious units developed by the US Navy during WW2 to respond to specialized missions. Their main function during WW2 was to operate reconnaissance and underwater demolition of natural and man-made obstacles that could cause problems for amphibious landings. They were often the first on the beaches under the cover of darkness clearing a path for the main landing. As part of their equipment, these UDTs would be equipped with “canteen watches” designed to be water-resistant. The A-5 pays homage to these men and their watches by featuring the original UDT “Frog” on the caseback.
THE A-5 UDT DIVE WATCH
The A-5 UDT was designed to meet an operational need that has existed ever since men could dive: reliable timekeeping underwater. Based off an original USN BUSHIPS design, this dive watch exudes ruggedness with its oversized crown and solid case. During WW2, this system was the only way for Underwater Demolition Teams to safely ensure their watches’ water-resistance during extended dive missions. More than a homage, we’ve truly revived this icon. Each watch will feature a unique serial number engraved on the caseback.
A-5 UDT Vinyl Black Tropic
UDT Boat Operation Underwater Demolition Team Personnel training off Silver Strand, Coronado, California
A-5 UDT OG-107 NATO
Okinawa Reconnaissance Map 1945 UDT Team 7 Reconnaissance map of Okinawa
A-5 UDT OG Green Canvas
The A-5 UDT COLLECTION UP CLOSE
Vinyl Black Rubber Tropic
The most versatile sports strap we’ve had yet - the Black Tropic Strap features a vintage criss-cross pattern for added softness on the wrist while the punched holes allow breathability under the strap. Dries in an instant & does not fear any kind of liquid - this strap balances out the vintage field watch aesthetic while still providing all the ruggedness.
OG-107 NATO
As the title indicates, this A-5 Strap combo is probably the most rugged & military driven. NATO straps were originally designed for special forces to use with their issued watches and it feels. Featuring a classic OG-107 green with sand-blasted loops & buckle, you’ll be set for any operation, under or above water.
Stock Green Canvas
A more standard issue type of strap - this is the OG kind of strap used by UDTs back in WW2. Canvas back then was prized thanks to its incredible durability while remaining lightweight & salty water- resistant. The Stock Green Canvas has the added benefit of being two-piece giving the A-5 an overall thinner feel on the wrist.
Ultimate Legibility & Swiss Super-Luminova
From afar, you’d be tempted to think the A-5 UDT is just another simple dial - but its anything but. We’ve deep embossed the indexes & minute track to raise them from the matte black dial. They’ll pop- out, providing legibility and character. Just like the vintage watches, we’ve embossed our brand & the collection’s name onto the dial. This makes them visible in certain conditions while preventing any distraction from the critical time-keeping required out of this dive watch. As a final touch, for deep underwater operations or low-light conditions we’ve used Swiss Super-Luminova.
Field-Tested Dive Watch
By leaning on the WW2 USN BUSHIPS designs, the A-5 is “field-tested” like no other. The proof is in the design - what else except for operational requirements would’ve led welding an over-sized crown cap directly onto the case? For the A-5, we’ve pushed the original design further to extract an excellent 20ATM (660ft) water- resistance. Coupled with a double domed sapphire crystal, not much is going to get in the way of reliable time-keeping for this tool-watch.
Only 100 numbered pieces available
Dial
Dial Macro
Caseback
Case Macro
Crown Macro
Packaging Flatlay
A-5 UDT
SPECIFICATIONS
Case:
38mm. Stainless Steel, 20 ATM Water Resistance
Hands:
Baton Shaped Hands with Swiss Superluminova
Dial:
Matte Black Dial with Embossed Indexes - Swiss Superluminova Painted
Glass:
Double Domed Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflection Coating
Movement:
Swiss-Made Soprod P024 Automatic
Straps:
Tropic Rubber Nylon NATO Green Canvas
Workhorse Swiss Automatic Movement
A dive 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-5 UDT was designed for.
US ASSEMBLY
As is standard for Praesidus - the A-5 UDT will be assembled & quality controlled in the USA at our workshop. Just like the original USN BUSHIPS watches.
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