A-2 Bud & Diz - Collector's Box Edition
Description
The A-2 Bud & Diz Collector's Bundle was created to honor the lifelong friendship between the two pilots. Ever since they were in High School together, they decided to both become pilots. When WW2 started, Bud went US Air Force while Diz went on to be US Navy.
Both have since had very successful careers and, have maintained their friendship until the passing in August 2022 of Diz Laird. When we started the project, both insisted that their watches be similar in aesthetic & that there would be "full package" commemorating their friendship.
The Collector's Box features a drawing & signature of both legendary pilots and has been designed as a display case as well.
The A-2 Bud & Diz
Built for Longevity
36 MM SPECS
| Dial |
1950s high-legibility US mil-spec dial Super Luminova Indexes |
|---|---|
| Case Size/ Diameter |
36mm |
| Case Thickness Including Glass |
13.5 mm |
| Case Material |
Surgical Grade Stainless steel |
| Case Finish |
Brushed |
| Case Lug Width |
16mm |
| Strap Width |
16mm |
| Glass |
Flat Sapphire Crystal |
| Water Resistance |
5 ATM |
| Movement |
Automatic Seiko NH35 // Swiss-Made Soprod P024 |
CARE GUIDE
Thanks to our expertise & quality materials your watch will require very little day-to-day care. You can help preserve its lustre by washing the case and bracelet from time to time using soapy water and a soft brush. Before cleaning your watch, always ensure that the winding crown is properly pushed down to guarantee waterproofness.
THE PROJECT
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.
THE PROJECT
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.
The A-2 Bud & Diz
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
The A-2 Bud & Diz
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.
The A-2 Bud & Diz
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
You may also like
Explore collections
