Pathfinder 44 - Bastogne Edition
DIAL MADE FROM A REAL T5 PARACHUTE FOUND NEAR BASTOGNE
Description
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.
Bastogne 8Oth Edition
The Project
This year, we honor history by transforming a rare and extraordinary artifact into a timeless creation. Each dial in our collection is crafted from authentic camouflage parachute fabric, sourced from the region of the Battle of the Bulge — a material once vital to the survival of soldiers during World War II.
Finding this parachute was no easy task. Its weathered textures and subtle imperfections tell a story of resilience, courage, and the ingenuity of those who relied on it. Each fragment carries the weight of history, a silent witness to the sacrifices and determination of the men who fought under unimaginable conditions.
With meticulous care, we preserved the parachute’s unique character, adapting it into a one-of-a-kind timepiece. No two watches are alike, as every dial reflects the authentic patterns and details of this historic material. Each piece is a tribute to the past, turning a symbol of survival into a meaningful connection to the legacy of those who shaped our world.
The parachute featured in the Pathfinder 44 is no ordinary fabric-it’s a rare, camouflaged T-5 parachute, once used by US Airborne troops in the critical Benelux region during World War II, covering Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. This piece of history is marked by time itself, with original manufacturing stamps dating back to June 1943, produced by the Hightstown Rug Co.
Every inch of this parachute tells a story of bravery, survival, and the relentless spirit of those who fought in some of the most pivotal moments of the war. Its unique markings and texture are not just relics of the past, but powerful symbols of resilience, carried across generations to become an integral part of the Pathfinder 44- a timepiece that honors both history and craftsmanship in a way that’s truly extraordinary.