WOE Dispatch
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W.O.E. YouTube: Billy Waugh - The Watches Of A CIA & Special Forces Legend
In 2001, Special Forces icon Billy Waugh celebrated his 72nd birthday in the remote mountains of Afghanistan while working for CIA in the search for...
Read OnIn 2001, Special Forces icon Billy Waugh celebrated his 72nd birthday in the remote mountains of Afghanistan while working for CIA in the search for Osama Bin Laden. While his age was unusual for the tip of the spear, this was far from Waugh’s first rodeo. From his service in Vietnam with MACV-SOG to fighting in the Global War On Terror with the CIA’s Ground Branch, Waugh was a larger-than-life character who became a legend in SpecOps and the Intelligence Community. In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we tell the story of Billy Waugh’s life and some of the watches he wore including a Seiko 6309, a Rolex GMT-Master, and a solid-gold Rolex President Day-Date. Enjoy episode seven of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.
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The Most Iconic Military Watch Of All Time? The Seiko 6309
One Of History’s Most Important Diving & Military Watches Was Also One Of The Most Attainable By Benjamin Lowry At W.O.E., we are vehemently brand...
Read OnOne Of History’s Most Important Diving & Military Watches Was Also One Of The Most Attainable By Benjamin Lowry At W.O.E., we are vehemently brand agnostic. However, certain brands and watches have a habit of popping up again and again in relation to our community. Who are we to argue with the influence of Sketchy Breitling unit watches or Tudors of Espionage (T.O.E.)? As we often say, we don’t make the rules. W.O.E. himself has a habit of getting sentimental about watches including his custom black Tudor Pelagos FXD, the Jordanian Breitling that started this whole thing, and, of course, the Arabic Seiko (AKA the Seik-W.O.E.). A USMC Marine Combatant Diver wears a 6309 in 1994. (Photo Credit: US National Archive) That’s all fine and good for him, but for me, a former Coastie and commercial diver, there is another watch in Seiko’s vintage catalog that is even more meaningful: the 6309, or “Turtle” as it's known to many military members. Backed by impressive military history, a utilitarian design format, widespread adoption in our community, and a more attainable price point compared to other icons in the world of undersea timekeeping, the 6309 is among the most important diving and military watches of all time, full stop. I would even go as far as to say it is the most iconic Watches of Espionage watch of the last five decades, issued to and worn by SEALs, Pararescuemen, Special Forces, and others. The 6309’s Military Legacy In the late 1970s, SEAL Teams transitioned from Tudor Submariners (left) to the Seiko 6309 (right). (Photo Credit: Dave Hall) Released in 1976 and following in the footsteps of Seiko’s 6105 “Willard” models, the 6309 caught on almost immediately with the military. Before Seiko, the US Military of the 1960s and 70s purchased and issued the also legendary Tudor Submariner for its divers and amphibious special operators including Navy SEALs. However, with price points for Rolex and even Tudor watches ascending beyond the meager means of military procurement channels, many SEAL Teams and other SpecOps units adopted the less expensive but equally capable Seiko. Tim Ryan, a legendary US Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) wears a Seiko 6309 during dive training. Not limited to official issue, the 6309 was also commonly purchased by military members at the local PX or Navy Exchange. In past profiles of special operators, which are extensive at this point, the 6309 is easily the most commonly encountered mechanical dive watch in the late 70s and 80s. When US Navy SEAL Dave Hall shook hands with Scout Sniper legend Gunny Carlos Hathcock after completing sniper school, a Seiko Turtle was on his wrist. When Jose Gordon was a young Army Ranger assisting the Contras in their fight against communism in Nicaragua in the 1980s, he wore a Seiko 6309. In more recent years, Kyle Defoor—who would go on to serve with SEAL Team Six or DEVGRU—wore a 6309 formerly belonging to SEAL legend Rudy Boesch, again demonstrating the decades-long relationship between this watch and the SpecOps community. One of the two “Dadaepo Frogmen” captured by the South Korean Army in 1983 wore a Seiko 6309. If that ain’t ubiquitous, I don’t know what is. The Turtle’s reach was not limited to the United States, the military, or even the free world, with the 6309 also being commonly spotted on international forces of the day, countless recreational divers, as well as North Korean frogmen doing their very best to conduct maritime espionage operations off the coast South Korea. When it comes to military legitimacy, the 6309 is as real as it gets. Again, we don’t make the rules. An Attainable Yet Capable Mechanical Diver From Japan A US Navy SEAL wearing a 6309 in 1987. (Photo Credit: US National Archives) While the 6309’s brick shithouse-like reputation and legible design were also key components of its success, its single biggest selling proposition was value, coming in at a much more attainable price point compared to Swiss-made mechanical dive watches of the era. A US Seiko retail pricing guide from the Fall of 1977 lists the DE095, the 6309’s official reference at the time, for $155. No matter how you slice it, the 6309 did the same job for less money. While that equates to somewhere around $793 today, the Seiko represented a relative bargain, with a Tudor Submariner coming in at $295 suggested retail price the same year, which is something like $1,525 today, also known as double the price. For argument’s sake, a Rolex Submariner Date would have set you back $585 in 1977 or $3,024 in 2024 dollars. Surprisingly, the Turtle’s modern equivalent, the SRPE93, is relatively less expensive than its ancestor at $495. US Navy SEAL Dave Hall shakes hands with Marine Scout Sniper Carlos Hathcock while wearing a Seiko Turtle. (Photo Credit: Dave Hall) In military settings, the almighty dollar is often king and the cheapest thing that works is typically the mantra for selecting gear. When Seiko’s 6309 hit the scene, the days were quickly numbered for Swiss watches in military settings, with the 6309 and later Seiko references seeing widespread use in the amphibious military community through the advent of G-Shocks and other capable digital watches in the early 1980s. In many ways, the Seiko 6309 served as the last great mechanical dive watch in broader military circulation, a proud title by any standard. Design & Specs A Navy Diver wears a 6309 on an Olongapo bracelet in 1988. (Photo Credit: US National Archives) No matter how attractive the price, a dive watch trusted by a Navy Diver, SEAL, or US Air Force Pararescueman has to get the job done first and foremost, and that’s exactly what the 6309 did. Measuring somewhere around 44mm across its cushion case and only 45mm in length, the Turtle mastered the challenging task of being large enough for excellent legibility while also fitting well on the vast majority of wrists. A recessed crown at four o’clock was also unobtrusive and worked well with myriad diving suits and for physical training, which SEALs and other special operators seem to enjoy. The author’s 6309 and other ephemera from his USCG service. (Photo Credit: James Rupley/W.O.E.) The dial and hands, whose basic design still permeates Seiko’s diving range, were legible day and night, a product of Seiko’s legendary luminescent material. The bezel was tall, with a prominent double row of teeth that could be easily operated with gloves, and also offered fine adjustment with a 60-click bidirectional system in stark contrast to Rolex and Tudor’s friction-fit bezels of the era. The rubber strap was comfortable and long enough for virtually any wearing scenario. A 1970s 6309 issued to SEAL Legend Rudy Boesch and currently owned by Kyle Defoor, a veteran of SEAL Team Six. (Photo Credit: Kyle Defoor) These were all great features to have, but the 6309 movement powering the Turtle was the star of the show. While it lacked hacking—a feature relegated to the JDM 6306—the 6309 earned a reputation for being unstoppable, with many running well for decades without even the slightest hint of a service. Accuracy was hit-and-miss but good enough for most operators in the pre-digital age, and the sheer volume of solid vintage 6309s on the market speaks to the watch’s rugged build. My 6309 From August Of 1980 The author’s 1980 6309-7040. (Photo Credit: Benjamin Lowry) Despite the 6309’s heritage and considerable laurels in the arena of dive watches, much of my fondness for the watch stems from my experiences wearing mine, a birthday gift from my father—who is also a dedicated watch enthusiast—back in 2010, shortly before I joined the Coast Guard. I had a limited understanding of how to wear a vintage watch at the time, and I wore it like it was brand new. 30 years old and likely never serviced beyond some aggressive case polishing, the timekeeping sucked and the lume was toast. Still, the rugged old diver provided so much to like, serving me well over four years at Coast Guard Station San Francisco including no shortage of boat ops. At some point, I became wise enough to get the watch serviced and pressure-tested, which was smart considering my transition into commercial diving. It’s not easy to be as cool as a SEAL wearing a M81 boonie hat in 1987, but a Seiko 6309 is a start. (Photo Credit: US National Archive) I wore the beat-up old Turtle on several scuba and hardhat dives, once again using the watch as the tool it was intended to be when the model was introduced in 1976. Now 44 years old, and despite a collection that now includes watches like the Tudor Pelagos 39, the 6309 still finds its way into the rotation. A watch is never just a watch, and for me, this old Turtle symbolizes not only my own personal history with the military and diving but also a broader decades-long heritage with some of the military’s most elite maritime operators. If you’re a member of the greater W.O.E. community and appreciate dive watches and you haven’t taken the proverbial plunge with a vintage 6309, you’re doing it wrong. Luckily, with decent vintage examples still going for between $500 and $1,000 in many cases, the 6309 is a great opportunity to get into what I would call not only the real Seik-W.O.E but perhaps also the most W.O.E. watch you can get. If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our weekly free newsletter for further updates HERE. Read Next: CIA Officer’s Love Affair with the Arabic Seiko
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The Other Watches of James Bond
Despite being a fictional character, perhaps no figure in the world of Watches of Espionage claims as much influence as James Bond. The celebrated links...
Read OnDespite being a fictional character, perhaps no figure in the world of Watches of Espionage claims as much influence as James Bond. The celebrated links between 007, Rolex, and Omega are well-established and contribute to the lore surrounding two of history’s most important tool watches, namely the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster. But wherever you fall on the Rolex vs. Omega debate for 007, the charismatic secret agent’s watch history is much more diverse, including several brands and watches you may have never imagined. We’ve theorized our picks for a more realistic James Bond in the past (read HERE), but what brands and watches have been worn by Bond onscreen that didn’t come from the hallowed halls of Omega or the Crown? To explore the lesser-known watches of James Bond, we invited Caleb Daniels, a longtime friend of the site and subject matter expert on all things James Bond, for an in-depth look at Bond’s other watches. For those interested in Bond’s considerable history with firearms, Caleb has a new book coming out with our friends at Headstamp Publishing called LICENSED TROUBLESHOOTER: The Guns of James Bond. Beyond Omega & Rolex, The Watches Worn by 007 Over The Years By Caleb Daniels In two previous Dispatches, the discussion around the watches of James Bond has focused on the two most prevalent brands of the franchise, Rolex and Omega. There are, however, many other timepieces that have been included in the cinematic world of James Bond, and this Dispatch will highlight these watches from varying manufacturers and their stories. Some, you may know. Others appear only in brief sequences and are often missed but deserve equal celebration. Gruen Precision 510 (Or Maybe Not) - Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds are Forever (Watch Photo Credit: Second Hand Horology) In 1962’s Dr. No, when James Bond utters the famous line introducing himself for the first time, in a dim casino, while lighting a cigarette nonchalantly, it’s not a Rolex on his wrist. Rather, it is a common watch for the era, an understated and relatively small gold dress watch. Legend has it that this was a personal watch of Connery’s. Further, this watch would appear time and again throughout his tenure as 007, including in From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds Are Forever. If speculation is to be believed (and it ought not to be) the watch in question is a Gruen Precision 510, a diminutive 34mm, 17-jewel watch with a sub-seconds register. Or at least that’s the story on most style blogs and mainstream outlets, including Esquire and GQ. Unfortunately, this model selection is entirely speculative, as at no time on screen is the watch visible enough to confirm any definitive identifiable details. In 2013, Dell Deaton “confirmed” the model as accurate on James Bond Watches Blog, leading to absurdly overpriced listings of a relatively simple timepiece. A Gruen Precision 510 similar to the one Bond could have worn in several films. Ironically, Connery’s watch could be an Omega based on the case construction and lug shape. If that’s the case, Omega by sheer happenstance was the first ever on-screen Bond watch, a monumentally big deal if true. Despite the uncertainty around the piece, I appreciate the lower-priced Gruen examples—as little as $30—as a quiet Bond nod and adore the finished details. The questionable origin story notwithstanding, the brand has been deeply ingrained in the Bond community, and I enjoy seeing it on the wrist. Tragically, we have yet to identify this watch, but if the Connery estate ever confirms the model, expect to see yet another classic and inexpensive timepiece explode in value. Breitling Top Time - Thunderball “Here we have a Geiger counter, useful and unobstructive, the sweep hand takes the radioactive count, it's waterproof of course” - Q to Bond in Thunderball. (Watch Photo Credit: Christie’s Auction House) Sketchy dudes wear Breitling. W.O.E. doesn’t make the rules but just keeps getting this one completely right. In one of my all-time favorite films, Thunderball, 007 dons a Breitling Top Time encapsulated in an oversized cushion case as he hunts for missing nuclear weapons stolen by SPECTRE. His Breitling, in a wild turn of events, is equally as sketchy as the man who wears it, as its Q Branch modifications include the addition of a Geiger counter to aid Bond in his mission. The oversized case was designed by the Valley Tool Company, as commissioned by EON’s art department. Only one watch was ever manufactured, making this an incredibly rare piece. The actual watch is infamous for going missing for decades, only to be found at a flea market, purchased for roughly $33, and in 2013 it fetched $103,875 at Christie’s. The Top Time dial lends itself to the Q Branch aesthetic, with the two silver sub-registers that could just as easily actually be a Geiger counter. Bond wears this watch most notably with his blue striped camp shirt and cream linen trousers while visiting Emilio Largo’s oceanside home, Palmyra. It’s in this sequence that Connery casually shoots a 12-gauge Browning A5 from the hip while trap-shooting over the water, and without looking, dusts the clay pigeon. This scene is made even cooler by the very real recoil of the shotgun—it’s likely that Connery actually fired a live 12 gauge round over the ocean from the hip. Sketchy watch, Sketchy dude, epic film. Bond - “Seems terribly difficult…” [shoots without looking] “Why no, it isn’t, is it?” Hamilton Pulsar P2 2900 - Live and Let Die With Roger Moore, a new Bond was brought onto the scene, and unlike with Lazenby, a conscious effort was made by EON Productions to market Moore as his own version of the character. Live and Let Die’s marketing portrays Bond with several Smith & Wesson revolvers, most notably the chrome-plated .44 Magnum Model 29. Moore’s Bond also doesn’t smoke cigarettes anymore, he prefers cigars, and bourbon to his martinis. While Moore does wear a Rolex throughout his films, his Bond also wore a variety of digital timepieces, hallmarks of the quartz revolution and a new age of timekeeping. Live and Let Die opens with Bond being issued a new Rolex, with a buzz-saw bezel and a magnetic personality, but in putting it on, he first removes his Hamilton Pulsar P2, highlighting the timeliness of the Bond films. Pulsar released the P2 in 1973, the same year as the film, and it was the first successfully marketed and manufactured digital watch. The Pulsar’s portrayal in the film is brief but serves as a clear example of EON’s concern for putting daylight between Connery and Lazenby, the Bonds of old, and Moore, a 007 for a new generation. Bond’s digital Pulsar had glowing red digital indices that appeared only when the user tapped a button on the side of the case. Hamilton recently brought this model back, with the most notable difference being their name on the case instead of Pulsar. The Seikos of Roger Moore Moore’s affinity for new, cutting-edge watches did not end in Live and Let Die. Throughout the 12 years and (00)7 Bond movies, there are (00)7 nonstandard watches worn, including the aforementioned Pulsar and six Seikos. The Seiko watches selected work well inside the Moore era, which leaned on the campier tones more often than not. Like so many Bond watches, the Seikos get gratuitous screen time as gadgets on many occasions, beginning with the Seiko 0764 LC of The Spy Who Loved Me. Seiko 0764 LC - The Spy Who Loved Me In the opening sequence of The Spy Who Loved Me, James Bond is rather cozy in front of a fire, only to be interrupted by his timepiece that prints out the message “007 TO REPORT.” Bond quickly dons his canary yellow ski suit, departs the cabin, battles KGB agents on the slopes, and opens the title song sequence by skiing off a cliff face and opening a rather overt Union Jack parachute. Unlike his Pulsar, Bond wears this watch throughout the entire film. Seiko M354 Memory Bank Calendar - Moonraker Promotional shot for Moonraker focusing on the Seiko. It is an interesting selection that feels a bit visually incongruent with the classic country aesthetics of Moore’s sartorial selection in Moonraker. The full-face digital display is in harsh contrast to his brown donegal tweed suit and the chateau atmosphere of the Drax estate. For all the deliberation we have had in previous Dispatches on product placement, the forceful inclusion of this watch in the place of the previously worn Rolex 5513 is an error I cannot defend. Once again, this watch is a gadget used by Bond. In this case, it conceals an explosive that Bond and Ms. Goodnight use to escape the Moonraker launch platform. Billboards for this watch are visible in the film as well, highlighting the clear partnership between EON and Seiko. Seiko H357 Dual Display - For Your Eyes Only Screen capture from For Your Eyes Only. The Dual Display seen in For Your Eyes Only is an interesting design, with a digital screen above a more traditional analog dial. The watch is rarely seen on-screen but does get a shining moment at the end of the film. Bond receives a message on his watch in red letters, scrolling across the screen reading “COME IN 007.” The film ends with Bond dropping the watch next to a parrot, who speaks to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (an impersonator) in Bond’s place, using the watch as a communication device. Is there anything more Moore than that? Seiko 7549-7009 Professional Quartz Diver (Golden Tuna) - For Your Eyes Only (Watch Photo Credit: Analog:Shift) The aforementioned Dual Display is one of two Seikos worn by Bond in For Your Eyes Only. Bond also wears his Golden Tuna while searching the St. George wreck for the missing ATAC (Automatic Targeting Attack Communicator) device. The Golden Tuna is worn against the canary yellow dive suit, outside the sleeve, and on full display. The black titanium nitride-coated case and black rubber strap are in stark contrast to his brightly colored suit, but the gold bezel and accents are complementary to his louder dive getup. (Photo Credit: @movementsofaction) The Tuna is rather famous outside of Bond as it was the first dive watch ever produced with a quartz movement. The Tuna is also notable for its titanium case and is still highly regarded. Seiko TV Watch DXA-001 - Octopussy In the 1983 film Octopussy, Bond introduces us to the TV Watch during the standard issue Q Branch scene. 007 walks up to the watch and mounted camera combination and asks Q about it while messing with the camera, notably zooming in on the chest of a nearby MI6 employee, checking his work on the watch’s display, quipping, “Perfect image, Q.” Aside from that tongue-in-cheek, signature Moore moment, the TV Watch is used in the climax of the film. As Bond and Q descend on Kamal Khan’s palace, they use cameras mounted below their hot air balloon to view the ongoing battle and to locate Octopussy. Bond watches the video feed on his timepiece. (Photo Credit: @movementsofaction) The Seiko TV Watch features a 1.2” LCD in a standard Seiko case. All UHF and VHF channels can be viewed with the aid of an external receiver which affixes to the top of the watch case. The watch function is found in the thin banner above the TV screen, similar in style to the previously shown Dual Display. Seiko G757 Sports 100 - Octopussy (Photo Credit: @movementsofaction) This watch’s unique display design makes for a perfect Q Branch gadget. In an earlier Q Branch scene, it is implied that this model is the standard issue 00 operative watch, as Q notes that, “the homing device is compatible with the standard issue radio finder in your watch.” Bond uses this tracking device and the mini-map on his watch face to locate the Fabergé egg. Bond Lifestyle notes that this watch is the most visible Seiko in any of the films, and gets a healthy amount of close-ups throughout the film. A View to a Kill - A Trio Of Quiet Seikos Moore’s last outing as James Bond features three Seiko models, each with relatively brief moments, and as such they’ll be all addressed together here, for the sake of completionism. Seiko 7A28 7020 Quartz Chronograph Bond wears this white-dialed chronograph after evading capture in a ski chase and climbing aboard his iceberg-shaped submarine. The watch gets its moment in the sun as Bond flirts with yet another coworker. Seiko 6923-8080 Quartz SPD094 (Photo Credit: @movementsofaction) The gold dial dress quartz is only shown briefly but is worn by Bond during his time at Zorin’s home. The colorway and design are clearly Seiko’s budget take on the iconic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust. Stills show that at one point Moore accidentally wore (or perhaps wore due to prop unavailability) his personal Datejust in place of the Seiko. Seiko “Arnie” H558-5000 Another Seiko dive watch is worn twice on screen by 007, first during the ski escape sequence (which causes a continuity error for the submarine scene) and later during the Eiffel Tower chase with May Day. In addition, the so-called Seiko “Arnie” also features on the wrist of a nefarious KGB agent in the film, providing a better screen capture than we were able to get for Bond himself. Product Placement & Seiko Beginning in The Spy Who Loved Me, the credits of Bond films note “Seiko Watches” as a partner. Unfortunately little is known about the behind-the-scenes reasons for this partnership, but the commercial nature of it is very clear, as shown by the advertisements of the period. Bond advertising and watches have a history spanning back to the Connery era and Rolex, and of course throughout recent years and the Omega partnership. TAG Heuer 1000 Professional Night Diver Ref. 980.031- The Living Daylights The last non-Omega or Rolex worn on screen by 007 was the seldom-seen TAG Heuer 1000 Professional Night Diver sported by Timothy Dalton in 1987’s The Living Daylights, and its appearance was once again tragically brief. The pre-titles show the 00 division parachuting into Gibraltar for a training exercise. Kitted out in 1980s SAS-style black tactical attire from head to toe, Bond also wears the black PVD cased watch on the matching bracelet. The only pop of color is the dial, which is fully lumed, leading to a soft yellow-green coloration. TAG Heuer released an updated variant of the Night Diver in 2021, with several prominent design modifications, making the new watch hardly reminiscent of the original. Bond’s watches, like his sidearms, are an iconic part of the character. Despite the miscellaneous Q Branch gadgets that crop up in many films, Bond often depends primarily on his wits, watch, and PPK to save the world. To that end, the timepieces of 007 will always be a cornerstone of the character, and if and when Bond 26 ever appears, I look forward to seeing what is on the wrist. If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our weekly free newsletter for further updates HERE. Read Next: Bond: A Case for Omega
Read On
Special Forces, CIA, & A Seiko 6105
How A Tier One Cold War Operator Evolved Into A Watch Collector James Stejskal had a long and storied career in Army Special Forces, Detachment...
Read OnHow A Tier One Cold War Operator Evolved Into A Watch Collector James Stejskal had a long and storied career in Army Special Forces, Detachment A in Berlin, and with the Central Intelligence Agency, In this Dispatch, he shares some of his stories and the tools he used. Late October 1980 - Operation Storm Cloud (Iran II) Rehearsal I checked my watch. We were an hour into the flight, and I hoped the pilot knew where the hell we were because I had no clue. Somewhere over the panhandle of Florida at about 500’ AGL (Above Ground Level) was all I knew because it was black outside. I could see lights from small towns and occasionally the glow of some city far away to the south. We were flying a complex course, or at least the pilot was, wearing his NVGs. I had no intention of bothering him as there was no co-pilot—the port side controls had been removed from the OH-6 “Little Bird” to make room for my partner, Jon, with his collection of guns: a M-16, a M-79 grenade launcher, at least two pistols, and a bunch of ammo. In the back, there was just me and my HK21, a thousand rounds of linked 7.62, two LAWs (Light Anti-tank Weapons), and two Claymores on a rucksack frame, along with a 9mm Walther P-5 and my trusty CZ-75 as back-up. There were only three of us on board—we needed room for at least one passenger on the way out. A General Issue (GI) Hamilton similar to the one worn by the author during training for Operation Stormcloud. I looked at my Hamilton again, the glowing numbers and hands told me it had been exactly two minutes since the last time I checked. The ride was smooth. I watched the pilot, his face barely illuminated with the green light from the goggles, and imagined how tense he must be flying in formation with 11 other helicopters. I knew the others were close as I could occasionally see the sweep of their blades disturbing the air just beyond our own rotors. I was tense, but as a passenger, there’s nothing you can do but trust these guys, the best pilots in the world. This was our final, live-fire rehearsal. If we got the go-ahead, we’d soon be heading for the Middle East on a C-5A loaded with all of us and our Little Birds. The pilot came over the intercom, “Stand by. We’re going in.” Safeties came off as I quickly checked the issued Hamilton once more. It told me what I wanted to know. “On time, On target.” Task Force 158 Helos (OH-6) practicing for Operation Stormcloud in 1980. (Photo Credit: James Stejskal) The helo shuddered as it flared into a hover some 50 feet above the ground. The clouds parted and our target was illuminated by the full moon. I picked out my targets, and pulled the trigger. To the right and left I saw the sky light up as orange strings of tracer fire descended from each bird in line as we settled to the ground. Operation Stormcloud had been unleashed. — I never much cared about watches growing up. It was only at the age of 16, after I had earned my civilian SCUBA diver rating, that I started considering what kind of watch I needed. The dive instructor made us understand that divers had to have a good timepiece—accurate, waterproof, and pressure-resistant instruments—to time their dives. My first dive watch was a Swiss-made Doxa, and the only way I paid for it was with an employee discount from the dive shop where I worked plus a lot of overtime. A vintage Doxa Sub 300 similar to the one worn by the author. (Photo Credit: Analog:Shift) I managed to lose that watch not on a dive per se but testing my bravery by jumping into the spillway of a dam. Kingsley Dam on Lake McConaughy in Nebraska was the second largest hydraulic-fill dam in the world when it was completed in 1941. When one of the Park Rangers told us the water comes out below the dam at over 100 miles per hour, I was prompted to say, “Hold my beer,” and test it by leaping in. I survived but on my third jump, the Doxa decided we would part ways and it disappeared into the tumultuous waters. I suspect it’s still down there with the catfish somewhere. The Death of a Doxa. (Photo Credit: James Stejskal) Moving along, I evidently either failed to learn from my experiences or I just needed more adventures. I signed up for Army Special Forces after I convinced myself that a college education wasn’t getting me anywhere. During selection and training, I continuously heard the mantra that to be truly Special Forces you had to have a Randall Knife, a star-sapphire ring, and a Rolex. But as a “Spec 4” Light Weapons Leader on my first A-Team, the only thing I could manage was the Randall Knife and that was only because my Dad gave his to me—the same one my Mom gave him before he went to Europe in 1944 to visit Adolf. So I went without the Rolex. Most of my old photographs show me without any watch at all. Members of the 39th Special Forces Detachment or “Det A” during ski training in the Alps. Then I was posted to a classified unit in Berlin, Germany. Called “Detachment A” or “Det A,” it was in reality the 39th Special Forces Detachment. We had some interesting missions back then. Urban unconventional warfare (UW) was one, which was essentially getting ready for World War III and conducting stay-behind operations in Berlin and the DDR (East Germany) much like what the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) did in the last World War. Our other mission was Counter-Terrorism (CT), which we picked up in 1975 as the U.S. European Command’s CT Force. You need to remember this was in the nascent stages of America’s war on terror, and we were developing what would become the tactics, techniques, and procedures that seem so common today. A Seiko 6105-8110 similar to the one purchased by the author after attending Special Forces Underwater Operations School. (Photo Credit: Analog:Shift) With access to the Post Exchange now and having completed the rather arduous Special Forces Underwater Operations School, I decided a new dive watch was in order. I considered a Rolex but it cost around $400 in the PX. So, on the recommendation of a teammate, I decided to buy a Seiko. It was a Model 6105-8110. I seem to remember it cost me around $150—still a pretty hefty sum when you’re only earning around $600 a month, with jump pay, and after taxes and buying a lot of beer downtown. But I was a sergeant and could almost afford it. I know the Rolex would have been a good investment but with my luck… well, read on. And, in retrospect, the Rolex might have attracted too much attention. Even so, my Seiko got more use ensuring I was inside the 4-minute window for an asset meeting on a dark street, making a split-second car pick-up, maybe figuring out the burn rate for a demolition fuse, or synchronizing operations when a radio couldn’t be used. Monitoring my dive time was more of a secondary role. The author preparing a steel cutting charge on the range with his Seiko on the wrist. (Photo Credit: Bob Hopkins) From time to time, Det A operators would ride on what were called “Tours” with the U.S. Military Liaison Mission (USMLM). Essentially, it was a monitoring organization that kept tabs on the Warsaw Pact in East Germany while the Soviets (SOXMIS) kept tabs on us in West Germany. The Brits and the French had their own versions of the mission (BRIXMIS and MMFL, respectively). Keeping accurate time and knowing your location was paramount on what could be a dangerous mission in the enemy’s backyard. Artist’s rendering of Major Arthur D. "Nick" Nicholson, Jr, who was killed while conducting intelligence operations with the U.S. Military Liaison Mission (USMLM) in the DDR. One American and one French officer were killed while on tours in the DDR, and several others were badly injured. The photo shows one of my comrades on a tour in East Germany. He was a MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group) veteran, had good taste in watches, and was incidentally also the guy who told me to buy a Seiko. I wore the watch everywhere, in training, on jumps, and on all our missions except one. In late 1979, we were put on alert for a mission that would come to be known as Operation Eagle Claw. For that mission, we were all issued olive-green Hamiltons, the watch I wore in the above rehearsal. Det A soldier on a USMLM Tour near the Polish Border wearing a Seiko 6105 and a Waltham (WCC) wrist compass. (Photo Credit: A USMLM Member) Throughout the rest of 1979 and most of 1980, our training was almost completely oriented around direct action operations—the tactics we would need to enter Iran and bring out the American hostages being held there. We were working in concert with another, perhaps more famous unit from Fort Bragg that I won’t mention here other than to say that they outnumbered us 8:1. The “other outfit” had responsibility for freeing over 50 hostages at the American Embassy in Tehran, while our smaller force was to take down the Iranian Foreign Ministry and exfiltrate three senior American diplomats being held there. Hard doesn’t describe the preparation for the mission. But it was intense and it was fun. Day and night Close Quarter Battle (CQB) training, helicopter and vehicle ops, and explosive entries. With no guardrails and an open budget, in a very short time period, our 40-some soldiers used more small-arms ammunition than the yearly allotment for the entire Berlin Brigade. The author wearing his Seiko during CQB training. (Photo Credit: James Stejskal) When Eagle Claw went down on the 24th and 25th of April in 1980, only 13 members of “Det A” participated. The rest of us got to sit it out in Berlin, waiting interminably for what turned out very badly when helicopter after helicopter failed and the op was scrubbed. In the withdrawal, eight Americans died, but as a group of British soldiers said, “At least [they] had the guts to try.” For the rest of that year, we rehearsed an up-gunned version of “Eagle Claw” called “Stormcloud” but it was ultimately scrubbed just before Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. I think my GI Hamilton went back to the S-4. The author wearing his General Issue Hamilton at Elgin Air Force Base in 1980. (Photo Credit: James Stejskal) Diving wasn’t in the cards much after that, but I was still traveling extensively overseas. One thing I learned was that wearing an expensive watch in “Third World” countries can lead to some undesired attention, not from the authorities, but from the criminal elements. I would often swap out my “good” watch for my field watch when “going downtown.” Losing a simple Timex Expedition was preferable to losing my treasured Seiko. I went through several Expeditions because they made great gifts for admiring locals who might prove helpful at a later point in time. I failed to follow that rule just once and it was curtains for the watch. My Seiko met the end of its days in Somalia when I had the unfortunate experience of being in an Isuzu Trooper when we rolled over a Soviet anti-tank mine. I lost a good friend that day but three of us survived. When I awoke on board the USS Tripoli, I found I had also lost my Seiko. I served a while longer and then punched out with 23 years after I got married. Not too long after that, I was recruited by what we in the military euphemistically called the “Other Government Agency” or OGA. For the next 15 years, I was practicing what some call “God’s Work” doing interesting things in interesting places around the world. The author wearing his Timex Expedition in the Bush. (Photo Credit: WLN) All the while, I admired the upper-echelon watches but couldn’t commit to buying one. Instead, I relied on my Timex Expeditions, which changed as often as I gave them away. That is until one day, my wife gave me a TAG. Officially it’s a TAG Heuer Link WAT1111, and it’s special because it’s the only retirement gift I received—plus it was for my birthday. It’s my “EDC/go-to” watch, although I have a couple of stand-ins for rough duty days. The author’s TAG Heuer Link is now his go-to everyday watch. Once I retired, I moved on to different pastures; consulting a bit, delivering talks to active duty folks on everything from Cold War history to a bit of spook stuff. I still do that but I also have become an author. Now I put my love of history and adventure to good use by telling the true and almost true stories of special operators like T.E. Lawrence of Arabia (who wore an Omega Chronograph, by the way) all the way up to my comrades who participated in Operation Eagle Claw as I do in my history MISSION IRAN. My fiction, or faction as I call it, tells the stories of Special Forces operators during the Cold War and after in my novels The Snake Eater Chronicles. Timing is often critical in these tales and interesting watches come into play quite often. Senator Ted Kennedy speaks with Medal of Honor recipient and then-Major Paris Davis during a visit to Vietnam in the late 1960s. Davis was a Rolex guy. (Photo Credit: Davis Family) The last picture is an important memory for me. One day last year, I was at the National Museum of the U.S. Army with a friend and found one of the displays closed. A docent told me the museum was interviewing a recent Medal of Honor winner, Colonel Paris Davis. I decided to wait until he was finished because Davis had been my commander when I served in the 10th Special Forces Group in the mid-1970s. I wasn’t sure if he’d remember me—I had changed a bit—but as he departed the exhibit hall, I met him with a salute. I told him who I was and a smile appeared on his face as he said my nickname. He had remembered. We had a nice chat and as you can see, he knows what watch to wear. He has his Rolex while I have my TAG. The author reuniting with his commander, Medal of Honor Awardee Colonel Paris Davis, at the National Museum of the US Army. The author wears his TAG Heuer while Colonel Davis wears a Rolex GMT Master. (Photo Credit: R. Pierce Reid) Sometimes, I find myself thinking about my old time-pieces. I’ve considered finding a vintage Seiko 6150 or even a GI-issue watch to replace them, but then I realized they wouldn’t have the same meaning as my originals. The one watch I’m closest to now—and really, the only one I need—is the TAG my wife gifted me. A couple of the author's books, some mementos from his service, and his TAG Heuer watch. (Photo Credit: James Stejskal) About The Author: James Stejskal is a uniquely qualified novelist and historian backed by 35 years of service with US Army Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency. He is the author of Special Forces Berlin: Clandestine Cold War Operations of the US Army's Elite, 1956-1990 and Masters of Mayhem: Lawrence of Arabia and the British Military Mission to the Hejaz. If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our weekly free newsletter for further updates HERE. Read Next: Vietnam MACV-SOG Seikos: Setting the Record Straight *As a disclaimer, as Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on links to various books in this article and make a purchase, this can result in Watches of Espionage earning a commission. If you’re interested in these books and want to make a purchase using these links, we appreciate your support.
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A Second Seiko 6139 Chronograph In Outer Space
The Watch Journey Of A Vietnam Fighter Pilot & Astronaut by Nick Ferrell NASA Astronaut and US Air Force Colonel Richard Covey recalls the first...
Read OnThe Watch Journey Of A Vietnam Fighter Pilot & Astronaut by Nick Ferrell NASA Astronaut and US Air Force Colonel Richard Covey recalls the first time he glimpsed the sunrise over the curvature of the Earth from 150 miles up in space, “I thought two things: First, ‘Holy Cow!’ This was followed by wonder at the thin protective film of the Earth’s atmosphere, the only thing differentiating it from millions of lifeless rocks floating throughout the universe.” On Covey’s wrist was not his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster Professional, but a 1970s Seiko 6139 chronograph, serving as the second now-confirmed instance of one of the world’s first automatic chronographs being used as a tool by NASA astronauts in space. Colonel Covey during the September 1985 Discovery Space Shuttle STS-51 mission with a 1971 Seiko 6139-6002 ”Cevert” on his right wrist and a 1980s Seiko A289-6019 on his left. (Photo Credit: NASA) Until recently, the legendary “Pogue” 6139 worn by Colonel William Pogue on 1973’s Skylab 4 was considered the only documented case of a 6139 in space. That is until I came across a photo of Colonel Covey during a space mission with what appeared to be a Seiko 6139 on one wrist with another then-unidentified watch on the other. Intrigued, I started my research. After some OSINT sleuthing and outreach, the Colonel himself agreed to speak with me. The Air Force, Becoming A Pilot, & Air Combat In Vietnam Covey’s path to becoming a NASA astronaut began in 1964 after attending the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and graduating with a degree in engineering. On his wrist upon arrival was cutting-edge watch tech for the day, an electronic Accutron 214 gifted by his family for high school graduation. Fascinated by all things rocketry, Covey was fortunate to find an Academy mentor to guide him toward his ultimate goal of flying in space as an astronaut. Colonel Richard Covey’s Accutron 214 Electric Watch (Photo Credit: Colonel Covey) In 1971, after graduating from the competitive USAFA-Purdue Aeronautics and Astronautics M.S. program as well as 18 months of jet pilot training in the F-100 Super Sabre supersonic fighter and A-37B Dragonfly subsonic light attack aircraft, Covey received orders to the Air Force’s 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS). Following the Tet Offensive, the conflict in Vietnam continued to escalate. Covey knew he would be going to war. USAF A-37 Dragonfly, aka “Super Tweet” subsonic light attack jet (Photo Credit: Ken Hammond) After arriving at Bien Hoa AFB in South Vietnam, Covey primarily flew A-37B close-air support (CAS) sorties in support of the Cambodian Government against Khmer Rouge forces operating on the Ho Chi Minh trail. During his first tour, Covey purchased a Seiko 6139, the first automatic chronograph released only two years prior in 1969 alongside other pioneering automatic chronographs from brands like Heuer, Breitling, and Hamilton. A Seiko 6139 “Cevert” similar to the one Covey purchased at a PX during his first deployment to Vietnam. (Photo Credit: DC Vintage Watches) When asked why he selected the watch — a blue-dialed Seiko 6139-6002 “Cevert” — he noted it was, “...an oversized watch that made it not only functional, but very distinctive.” He labeled the 6139 a go-to among fellow combat pilots during both Vietnam tours, because “It was wholly up to the pilots to pick what watches best served them.” Covey, front row center wearing his 1971 Seiko 6139-6002 chronograph, poses with his 8th Special Operations Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Force Base, South Vietnam, 1971 (Photo Credit: Colonel Richard Covey) Also issued to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in the 1970s, the 6139’s appeal wasn’t limited to military pilots, finding favor with French auto racing legend François Cevert (the source of the blue-dialed 6139’s “Cevert” nickname), Tetsu Ikuzawa, one of Japan’s most successful racing drivers, and even Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. A 1972 Seiko 6139-6002 chronograph and a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force-issued 1973 Seiko 6139-7012, w/official JASDF engravings on case back, alongside a NASA STS-26 flight patch (Photo Credit: DC Vintage Watches) In 1973, Covey arrived in Vietnam for his second deployment, this time with the storied 74th Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying CAS missions with the A-7D light attack jet. The Colonel noted this mission — which involved operating outside of Vietnam against Soviet and Chinese-supported allies in support of friendly governments — was held close to the chest and pilots were ordered not to speak about their missions. USAAF A-7D Corsair light attack jets over Southeast Asia (Photo Credit: USAF) In total, Covey flew 339 combat missions, the majority being pre-planned strikes informed by all-source intelligence, including intel gathered by the highly secretive Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) that has its own prominent Seiko associations. Coincidentally, SOG operator and former Dispatch subject Michael “Magnet” O’Byrne and Covey, both of whom used Seiko watches, had overlapping tours, with a high likelihood some of Covey’s missions were informed by O’Byrne’s SOG team—small world. Covey (standing) wearing his Seiko 6139-6002 at Bien Hoa AFB in South Vietnam alongside an A-37D Dragonfly. (Photo Credit: Colonel Richard Covey) Following his second tour in Vietnam, Covey, who still wore his 6139 every time he climbed into a cockpit, became a test pilot, flying F-4 Phantoms, A-7Ds, and F-15s until 1979 when he achieved his lifelong dream of joining NASA to become an astronaut. NASA, Riding Explosions, & More Watches Colonel Covey wearing his 1971 Seiko 6139-6002 chronograph, NASA flight line at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 1978 (Photo Credit: NASA) After years of intensive training, Covey was assigned to his first space mission in 1985, serving as the pilot of Space Shuttle Discovery on Space Mission STS-51-I, tasked with deploying three communications satellites over seven days in space. Over 15 years including combat in Vietnam, flying as a test pilot, astronaut training, and his first space mission, Covey continued to reach for his Seiko 6139 — “I never took it off during that time.” This is all more impressive considering Covey was also the owner of an Omega Speedmaster Professional issued to him by NASA. Intriguing, Covey’s Seiko 6139 had competition on his first space mission, with the astronaut also wearing a quartz-powered 1980s Seiko A829-6019, a watch he said was widely favored by numerous NASA astronauts at the time. One watch was for Houston time, the other for Mission Elapsed Time (MET). When I asked where his Omega was, Covey quipped astronauts of the day favored Seiko over other watches due to the exceptional capabilities offered by the venerable Japanese brand. As was the case with Air Force fighter pilots in Vietnam, astronauts were free to choose watches that best served the unique requirements of their mission. A 1970s Seiko 6139-6002 on a news article celebrating the successful 1988 Discovery STS-26 space mission. Covey is to the immediate right of VPOTUS George Bush. (Photo Credit: DC Vintage Watch) Covey’s second space mission came in 1988 as the pilot of STS-26, again flying aboard the Discovery to deploy a TDRS-3 NASA space communications satellite. A somber mission crewed by space flight veterans, STS-26 was the first space flight following the Challenger disaster, an event that hit particularly close to home for Covey who served as the CAPCOM – the astronaut on Earth who communicates with crew members in their spacecraft – for the astronauts who perished in the accident. The crew of NASA’s STS-26 space mission, Colonel Covey front right wearing his 1980’s Seiko A289-6019, October 1988 (Photo Credit: NASA) Promoted to commander, Covey undertook two more space missions, STS-38 and STS-61, with some 16 days aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis (1990) and the Endeavour (1993). STS-38 caught my eye, given its classified payload for the Department of Defense. Aviation Week reported the mission was suspected of having launched an electronics intelligence (ELINT) satellite headed for geosynchronous orbit to monitor the Desert Shield and Desert Storm conflicts. Some speculated a second satellite was also deployed, with a stealthier mission to covertly inspect other nation's geostationary satellites (Covey – “no comment”). In 2004, NBC published more details about the second bird, seemingly confirming its secretive mission. Actor Ed Harris playing NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz in the film Apollo 13, wearing a 1970s Seiko 6139 - this dial variant hadn’t debuted during the film’s timeline (Photo Credit: Universal Pictures) Were Apollo 13 (1995) film producers aware of Covey’s Seiko 6139? Ed Harris, as Flight Director Gene Kranz, wore one like Covey’s in the film. Who knows? After I joked the dark blue Seiko 6139 should be called “The Covey,” he noted he was aware of the gold-dialed Seiko 6139-6005 worn by astronaut Colonel William Pogue, aka “The Pogue” (also purchased at a PX) during his 1973 Skylab 4 space mission. Vintage advertisements for the Seiko 6139 and A829 favored by Covey and other astronauts. (Photo Credit: Seiko) While the Seiko 6139 accompanied Covey for his first space mission, his Seiko A829 served as his primary watch for all four of his space flights. (with his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster as backup to his Seiko - the horror). Following his final space mission in 1993, Covey retired from the USAF and NASA in 1994 to work in several senior defense sector positions, ultimately retiring in 2010. Throughout Covey’s USAF and NASA career, he would be awarded dozens of medals, foremost being the DoD Distinguished Service Medal, five USAF Distinguished Flying Crosses (four in Vietnam with the A-37 Dragonfly, one for the classified STS-38 space mission), and the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement for STS-38. During his career, Covey flew over 5,700 hours in 30 airframes and traveled 4,433,772 miles in 163 orbits of the Earth over nearly 27 days. Today, the retired Colonel’s everyday watch is an Omega Speedmaster Professional X-33 gifted to Covey by Omega when it debuted in 1998. Colonel Covey receives the United States National Intelligence Medal of Achievement for his contributions to NASA’s classified STS-38 space mission. (Photo Credit: Colonel Richard Covey) But where are Covey’s space-flown watches Seiko watches today? Unfortunately, his Seiko A829 and NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster were stolen during a 1990’s break-in along with a two-tone Rolex Datejust. I also asked where his dark blue Seiko 6139 was now. “It wasn’t lost in the break-in, and I am certain I have it somewhere… My curiosity will lead me to look hard for it.” A few weeks later, Covey reached out to me, “Look what I found! If you hadn’t reminded me, I would not have remembered this is a space-flown watch.” Colonel Covey’s February 1971 Seiko 6139-6002 chronograph, w/original “presidential” stainless-steel Seiko bracelet. (Photo Credit: Colonel Richard Covey) Despite the attention often falling on Omega where space travel is concerned, Covey’s story again illustrates the permeating influence of Seiko among military, intelligence professionals, and even astronauts. With an incredible career as a pilot as well as serving as a NASA astronaut and even making his mark on the world of espionage, Colonel Covey embodies the “Use Your Tools” ethos while reminding us that not every been-there-done-that watch has to cost an arm and a leg. If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our weekly free newsletter for further updates HERE. READ NEXT: "Let's Roll" - A Hero's Rolex Frozen In Time - September 11, 2001 About The Author: Nick Ferrell is a vintage watch dealer and founder of Los Angeles-based DC Vintage Watches and the Sycamore watch line. He is a former U.S. diplomat and intelligence community member, and previously served on the National Security Council. When not obsessing over watches, he is an avid reader of, well, everything. DCVW’s Instagram account is @DCVintageWatches.
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The Seiko Found In The Wreckage Of A Spy Ship And North Korean Covert Operations
A Seiko Dive Watch 7548 - 7000 was recovered from the wreckage of a North Korean Spy Ship after the Battle of Amami-Ōshima. Where did...
Read OnA Seiko Dive Watch 7548 - 7000 was recovered from the wreckage of a North Korean Spy Ship after the Battle of Amami-Ōshima. Where did it come from and what does it tell us about North Korean Covert Action? At CIA, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is known as one of the “big four,” along with Russia, China, and Iran. The big four (five with Cuba sometimes included) are “hard target” countries that represent a particular challenge for traditional intelligence collection. Kim Jong Un wearing an IWC Portofino. (Photo Credit: Unknown) Hollywood will often relegate North Korean intelligence officers, primarily the Reconnaissance Bureau of the General Staff Department (RGB), as comedic bumbling amateurs, but we learned to never underestimate our adversaries. The Hermit Kingdom has been successful in projecting power well beyond its borders, including the 1987 bombing of Korean Air Flight 858 killing 115 people with a bomb in the overhead bin, the 2014 hack of Sony Pictures in response to the upcoming film The Interview, kidnapping dozens of Japanese citizens off the beach, and notably the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong Nam with a VX nerve agent in the Kuala Lumpur airport. Operatives have been particularly effective at conducting covert action and subversion activities in neighboring waters surrounding Japan and South Korea. A Seiko In A North Korean Spy Ship The Seiko 7548 - 7000 recovered from the Changyu 3705. (Photo Credit: Instagram: @thewristplorer & Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama) A Seiko on display in a museum located in Japan is nothing out of the ordinary. Seiko itself even maintains a public museum in Tokyo’s shopping district, Ginza, where notable watches from the brand are on display. These watches are part of the larger story of Japanese horology, otaku culture, and all that comes with it. Drive 30 minutes by car to the south, just outside the metropolis of Tokyo, there’s a Seiko diver sitting in a glass case at the Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama. It’s crusted in sea salt and flotsam-filled grime, and its bezel insert is nowhere to be found. This watch, in particular, a ref. 7548 - 7000, while horologically interesting, is part of a much different story, the story of relations between the nations of Japan and North Korea, often characterized by hostility and tension. Sometimes a watch has multiple stories to tell — be it of horological significance, the course of nations, or in this case, both. December 21st, 2001 - The Waters Of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan The Changyu 3705 shortly before being fired upon by the Japan Coast Guard. (Photo Credit: Japan Coast Guard) The Japanese Defense Intelligence Headquarters was picking up unusual signals from a communication station in Kikaijima, a small island in the Amami archipelago, far away from any major metropolitan area of Japan. The subtropical archipelago sits about 130 miles north of Okinawa. The communications caused what looked like a fishing trawler to come under investigation by the Japan Coast Guard. Four vessels were deployed to ascertain the ship’s intentions — benign or nefarious. The ship was issued a warning to halt. It did not comply. It resembled a fishing vessel, common in these waters. But breaking an official order certainly was uncommon. This was a fushin-sen, or “suspicious ship”, after all. Following established escalation procedures, the Japan Coast Guard fired 25 warning shots across the bow of the boat. Normally that would be enough to persuade even the most recalcitrant fishing trawler — possibly using illegal techniques to harvest fish — to cut its engine and allow the Coast Guard to board for inspection. Instead, the ship in question started performing evasive maneuvers and increasing its speed to 33 knots — staggeringly fast for a trawler. Japan’s Special Boarding Unit was established as a response to repeated spy ship incursions into Japanese waters. (Photo Credit: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) Meanwhile, the Japan Coast Guard had readied its Special Boarding Unit, known as the Tokubetsukeibitai, in case the situation reached a point where it would be needed. Instead of heeding the warning shots, the trawler fired back and a firefight ensued. It was equipped with light and heavy machine guns and the occupants of the ship utilized rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) to return fire to the Japan Coast Guard vessel. Later, Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) and a double-barrel ZPU-2 anti-aircraft weapons system would be found aboard. Bullet holes on the recovered wreck of the Changyu 3705, now on display at the Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama. (Photo Credit: Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama) The ship was no ordinary fishing vessel, it was a North Korean spy ship, later identified as the Changyu 3705. It was meticulously disguised as a fishing trawler with Chinese characters painted on its hull. Everyone aboard the North Korean vessel perished when the ship sank; a few bodies were recovered, while the majority went missing. It was unclear if it was Japanese rounds that sent it to the bottom of the East China Sea or if the crew scuttled it, but roughly six hours after warning shots were fired, the North Korean vessel became a shipwreck. September 2002 - The Site Of The Changyu 3705 Wreck A massive ship equipped with a crane was chartered by the Japan Coast Guard to raise the wreck of the 98-foot Changyu 3705. Once on dry land, the Japanese government discovered the boat had been specially modified with concealed compartments for the deployment of landing craft. There was also a system of armament on rails so a recoilless rifle could be moved out of sight. It turns out the ship had a self-destruction system too. Small arms recovered from the wreck of the Changyu 3705 in 2002. (Photo Credit: Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama) After inspecting the hull, the government took an inventory of everything onboard. Weapons, communication equipment, DPRK propaganda documents (including a portrait of Kim Jong Il), nautical charts of their area of operations, and something rather curious — a Japanese-made Seiko 7548 - 7000. North Korea & Seiko Watches Why would a North Korean spy have a Japanese watch in his possession? Japan is a sworn enemy of the North Korean state. Surely they wouldn't be supporting a capitalistic Japanese juggernaut like Seiko. A Seiko 7548 recovered from a captured North Korean frogman on Dadaepo Beach in 1983. (Photo Credit: KTV, via Ryan's Blog) We’ve covered how a watch can be used in an operational capacity, perhaps to support a cover. But the answer in this case is probably a simple one: intelligence practitioners need tools that work. And Seikos just work when you need them to and are particularly well suited for the maritime environment. It’s not the first instance of a known North Korean operator wearing a Seiko dive watch, either. An unconfirmed image of the North Korean spies captured on South Korea’s South Korea’s Dadaepo Beach in 1983. One was captured wearing a Seiko 6309 - 7040 and the other a 7548 - 7000. According to Ryan's Blog, in a separate incident on December 3, 1983, two North Korean frogmen were intercepted and captured while infiltrating South Korea’s Dadaepo Beach located in Busan. They would eventually defect to South Korea, but not before being processed by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. They were stripped of their equipment, including the Type SP-10 semi-submersible they used to get onshore. A Seiko 6309 - 7040 taken from one of the North Korean frogmen following their capture in 1983 on Dadaepo Beach. (Photo Credit: The War Museum Of Korea, via Ryan's Blog) Strapped to their wrists? On one, a Seiko 6309 - 7040. On the other, a 7548 - 7000. Many forces, historically, have issued Seikos to their operators. This probably isn’t the case in North Korea, however. The prevalent use of Seikos by North Korean operators stems from the reliability of the watches and their relative ubiquity and affordability around the globe. Luxury Watches, American Vehicles, & Superdollars A 1970s Omega bearing Kim Il-Sung’s signature, further evidence of illegally imported luxury goods in the DPRK. (Photo Credit: Omega Forums) We’ve looked at a mysterious Omega bearing the signature of Kim Il-Sung on the dial, specially produced by Omega in the late ‘70s for the regime. Where there’s a dictatorship, luxury goods — illegally and legally imported — usually aren’t far away. It’s safe to say that the North Korean military didn’t put in an order with Seiko HQ in Japan to obtain these dive watches that seem to be used by North Korean spies and operators. In fact, it’s unlikely that there’s an official retail presence and distribution model for Seiko in the “Hermit Kingdom”. Even the neutral Swiss government banned the export of all Swiss watches to the DPRK in 2016 due to its ongoing research with nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Often coming from China, black-market luxury goods including Swiss watches and even American cars make their way into the DPRK. (Photo Credit: CNN) But that doesn’t stop goods from flowing into the country on the black market. Most luxury goods and dual-use military equipment are imported through the grey market via neighboring China. You’ll even find American automobiles, like the Hummer H1, cruising the streets of Pyongyang. It’s reported that Illicit goods are often purchased with Superdollars, a counterfeit US currency produced by North Korea. An American-made Hummer H1 cruising the streets of Pyongyang. (Photo Credit: Thaddeus Stapleton) This all points to the tangled web of the black market that would allow Seikos to end up in the hands of North Korean operators and spies. North Korea has a network of undeclared intelligence officers around the world and legitimate diplomatic missions to allied states. The watches could be purchased abroad and brought back to North Korea in any number of ways. What’s left of the Changyu 3705 is on display along with the Seiko 7548 at the Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama. (Photo Credit: Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama) We’ll never know the exact origins of the Seiko found at the bottom of the sea aboard the Changyu 3705, or the models involved in the Dadaepo Beach incident. It’s all conjecture at best. The world of covert action and subversion is murky. Whether it's the Navy-issued 6309 on the wrist of a Navy SEAL in the mountains of Afghanistan or the 7548 - 7000 used by a North Korean spy, we can glean that spies and operators tend to gravitate towards the same timekeeping tools. The ones they can rely on. -- If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our weekly free newsletter for further updates HERE. This Dispatch has been reviewed by the CIA’s Prepublication Classification Review Board to prevent the disclosure of classified information. Read Next: CIA Case Officer’s Everyday Carry - EDC Thanks to @thewristplorer on Instagram for providing several photos of the North Korean Seiko 7548 from the Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama.
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Watches & Wheels: Pairing Military Vehicles with Timepieces
Round Two of honoring the age-old tradition of matching watches up with heavy-hitting machinery. We’ve done it once before–paired watches with military aircraft–and now we’re...
Read OnRound Two of honoring the age-old tradition of matching watches up with heavy-hitting machinery. We’ve done it once before–paired watches with military aircraft–and now we’re doing it again. Except this time, we’re trading wings and rotors for wheels and tracks. These watch pairings explore the world of military vehicles. There’s no hard and fast rule that we use to come up with the pairings–the goal is to explore the world of watches–and military vehicles–in a way that’s engaging and offers some insight into both worlds. Part of this exercise is to isolate characteristics of a watch or vehicle that make it unique. It forces us to look at a watch and contextualize it using its physical character and attributes, and beyond that, the reputation of the watch that the community has created for it, or sometimes the brand themselves. Many of you will have experience with some of these vehicles–and watches– and you might even have a specific pairing you’ve found works. We’d love to hear about them. To preempt any comments, yes, the Casio G-Shock could be paired with any and all of these vehicles, but that would be a pretty boring article. Let’s shift into low gear and roll right into it. The Vehicle: The 464 G-Class Utility Truck Credit: Mercedes-Benz The G-Wagon from Mercedes-Benz has been hijacked by the likes of the Kardashians and finance bros, but the roots of the truck couldn’t be further away from that specific culture. Contrary to the current reputation of the truck, it started off as an idea put forth by the Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi for the Iranian military. The brief was to create a reliable and capable 4WD platform that could stand up to the austere terrain the Iranian forces operated in. The Shah was an important stakeholder of Mercedes at the time, so the brief was realized in the form of the 1979 debut of the “Geländewagen,” or “G-wagon”. Of course the modern civilian version is far from its roots, but for decades, forces around the world have used the G-Wagon to get it done. Mercedes still produces a special variant of the G-Wagon for defense and security forces. It’s called the 464 G-Class Utility Truck, and unlike the civilian version that needs 93 Octane, this version can run on poor quality diesel anywhere in the world, and sports a ladder frame, three locking differentials, and rigid axles up front and in the rear. And of course, a desert khaki paint scheme with black plastic instead of chrome. The Watch: IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert" Photo Credit: IWC This desert khaki ceramic perpetual calendar will set you back a cool 40 large. It’s the kind of watch with a case as big as its price tag at 46.5mm. But the aesthetic of the watch is its strength. It looks cool, even if you’re paying dearly for that look. IWC is based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in the German-speaking region near the German border. Underneath it all, there’s an in-house caliber that’s well engineered. The Link: Expensive but capable is the theme here, and both of these things have a degree of unnecessary tacticool flashiness that’s earned them a legion of loyal followers, even if they’re designed with stealthiness in mind. The Vehicle: Toyota Hi-Lux This is regarded as the most indestructible truck on the planet by most automotive enthusiasts. For better or worse, bad actors agree. That’s why you’ll often see a squad of masked goons perched in the bed alongside a shoddily mounted SALW set up ripping through the desert. We don’t get the Hi-Lux in the US, instead we get the Tacoma, which is a great truck in its own right–but not quite as tough as the Hi-Lux. It comes in a range of diesel and petrol options, 4x4 drivetrains, and the most basic features possible. Trucks modified as an “improvised fighting vehicle” are referred to as technicals. While yes, terrorists are known to employ technicals, our own Special Operations Forces have used them as well. The Toyota Hi-Lux is an absolute legend. The Watch: Casio F-91W Speaking of legendary, Kikuo Ibe’s G-Shock is unequivocally the watch of choice for terrorists. It’s no secret that Usama bin Laden wore the F-91W. This isn’t to be taken as a knock against the watch, however. Terrorists deserve absolutely zero praise, a lot of us have dedicated our careers to mitigating their efforts. But the truth is, the equipment that terrorists typically use has to be cheap and reliable. That’s exactly what the F-91W is. (Read More: Casio F-91W, the Preferred Watch of Terrorists) The Link: I’ve met a few terrorists in my life, and they come in all shapes and sizes. The one thing they all have in common, whether in Colombia, Somalia or Afghanistan, is a love for Hi-Lux and Casio. Indestructible, simple, easy to use, and both favorites of bad actors around the globe–and good ones, too. The Vehicle: Land Rover Wolf You probably know the Land Rover Defender–the boxy, no-frills 4x4 that’s earned a massive fan base around the globe for its collection of 90-degree angles, not to mention its reputation as the physical incarnation of the English can-do attitude. It’s long out of production now, but the Wolf is the Defender, mostly in OD Green, with a roll bar and soft top, and a number of fortifications that made it fit for military duty. It also used the 300Tdi engine instead of the Td5 as it was considered easier to work on in the field because of its analog properties. It was widely used by UK forces during GWOT. There were nearly 100 versions of the Wolf performing specific roles like serving as an ambulance or modified for winter-specific operations. The Watch: Bremont Broadsword Bremont Broadsword (Photo Credit Bremont) The Broadsword is Bremont’s interpretation of a Dirty Dozen watch, and it’s settled into the line-up as a GADA model that’s closely associated with Bremont’s military program. It’s simple, it’s tough, and has a touch of elegance. Just like its country of origin. It’s got small seconds at 6 just like the original Dirty Dozen watches, but now it’s joined by a date window. The font is modern, and it’s been endorsed by the MoD. That means Bremont has the rights to revive the Broad Arrow markings and put it on this very model. (See our profile: Aviation “Unit Watches”: Bremont Military and Special Projects Division) The Link: Strong ties to heritage and made in England with English pride is the theme here. The Vehicle: MRZR 4x4 You’ve either driven a Polaris RZR or know someone who has one. They’re everywhere outside major cities in the US. The MRZR isn’t all that different, but it runs on diesel and includes strategic protection for use in conflict zones. The strength of the vehicle remains the same between the civilian and military variant: being able to rip through rough terrain quickly and reliably. The MRZR is designed to be transported in the V-22, H-53, and H-47. The Watch: Pelagos 39 Photo Credit: James Rupley Rendered in titanium with the same legible dial layout as the apex predator dive watch, the Tudor Pelagos, the Pelagos 39 is slightly downsized for a perfect fit. Some folks don’t like the brushing on the dial or bezel, but it’s hard to deny how well this watch wears and how legible it is. (Read More: Tudors of Espionage (T.O.E.s) The Link: Light and nimble. Pared down. Easy to use. Their perfect size is their strength. The Vehicle: High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV; Humvee) SOCOM Modified HUMVEE as a part of the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) program. (Photo Credit: DOD) The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, otherwise known as the Humvee, entered service in the late ‘80s, just as tensions were heating up around the globe. Developed for large scale Cold War-level conflicts, it quickly became a central figure in TV reportage of the Persian Gulf War. Meanwhile it served in Just Cause, Somalia, and the conflicts of the time in Bosnia and Kosovo. Its early success cemented its reputation as reliable and effective, and it went on to become known as the most successful light military truck in modern history. Where the Willys Jeep is a symbol of American mid-century might, the Humvee stands in for the military role the US has played in modern times. In fact, the vehicle was so beloved by the Americans that AM General produced a civilian version of it, the Hummer. The Watch: Panerai Submersible PAM02973 (Photo Credit: Panerai) Panerai (in some fashion) was one of the original suppliers to Italian Frogmen. The brand’s signature svelte Italian curvy case and sandwich dial might have been relegated to the more style-oriented subset of watches today, but there’s certainly bonafide military history in Panerai’s past. The watches are chunky and oversized. The Submersible adds the functionality of a rotating bezel and is engineered for diving. What many people forget is just how desirable Panerais were in the ‘90s and early 2000s. There were waiting lists and you had to “be someone” to get an allocation long before the modern hype watch phenomena. While many watch blogs continue to debate (hate on) Panerai’s marketing, the fact is it does have a strong following in the NatSec space, particularly with the Naval Special Warfare community. The Link: Both the Humvee and the Submersible are built like tanks and were true kings of the ‘90s and 2000s. Back then, many people were probably into both. The brawny draw of both captured the same sort of enthusiast, though it may not remain so today. The Vehicle: Soviet/Russian MAZ-7917 With a 14x12 drivetrain and the ability to obliterate nations with ICBM launching capabilities, the MAZ-7917 is a force to be reckoned with. If you see MAZ-7917 movements on intelligence reports it gets attention. It transports, erects, and launches the Topol-M missile. The 54th Guards Order of Kutuzov Rocket Division is reported to oversee the Topol-M program. MAZ (Minsk Automobile Plant) manufactures the MAZ-7917 in Belarus, and is state-run. In addition to military vehicles, they produce vehicles like city buses for Eastern European nations. The Watch: Seiko Astron The 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary Limited Edition (Photo Credit: Seiko) In 1969, Seiko unveiled the first quartz watch, and set off what would come to be dubbed the “quartz crisis” by the watch industry. The Astron relied on electronics to tell the time rather than traditional watchmaking know-how that Switzerland specialized in. Quartz watches were cheaper and more accurate, and Japan’s trio of Citizen, Seiko, and Casio owned the market. The Astron was the watch that started this trend. We all know how the story went–Quartz had a moment but certainly did not completely stamp out the Swiss mechanical watch industry. But it was the Astron that sounded the alarms. The Link: Both the MAZ-7917 and the Seiko Astron have the potential to set off catastrophic chain reactions. And one–the Astron–did in 1969. The Vehicle: Bradley Fighting Vehicle The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is named for General Omar Bradley, made by British BAE Systems, and operated by Croatia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and of course, the US. It’s one of the most widely used tracked armored vehicles by the US and has been in service since 1981. As a tank, it’s a popular fixture in Hollywood military movies, and that’s for good reason: there are around 4,500 being actively used by the US military, and roughly 2,000 in storage. There are two versions, the M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. It’s still being delivered to this day, at roughly 160 units per year. The Watch: Omega PloProf Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M (Photo Credit: Omega) This is the ultimate dive watch from Omega. It’s waterproof to a staggering 1200 meters and originally used a monobloc case design which means the movement is loaded through the front and then a crystal is pressed into the case. In short, again, it’s built like a tank. There isn't an obvious curve on the case, either. The crown guard and bezel lock mechanism are actually part of the case, lending to a very functional design. The Link: Both of these things are built in the same way–like tanks. One is actually a tank (well, a tracked armored fighting vehicle), and the other is as close as a watch can get to a tank. The Vehicle: Type-10 Snow Vehicle Photo Credit: Military Today This vehicle is relatively obscure for a reason. Japan has a self-defense force (as opposed to an expeditionary force) and only recently has it moved towards exporting any sort of defense machinery. This means that most Japanese-developed military vehicles have stayed inside Japan, like the Type-10. It’s made by the company Ohara, which specializes in supporting civilian operations with vehicles in snowy environments, like Antarctica, where Japan maintains Syowa Research Station. The Type 10 is designed to carry 8 soldiers with gear and runs with a crew of 2. The Watch: Seiko SPB297 Photo Credit: Seiko In 1965, Seiko came out with the 62MAS, their very first dive watch. It was well-received for the time, and Seiko took testing and quality control very seriously. The watch was issued to the 8th Antarctic Research Expedition team that stayed on the ice from 66-69. This visual language and case shape laid the foundation for plenty of Seiko’s dive watches since, and in the last five years Seiko has released a bevy of watches directly paying homage to this model. The SPB297 is one of them, and it features an icy dial to establish the link. Showa Station, home of Seiko 62MAS testing. Credit: Antarctic Journal of the United States, 1967-68 The Link: We’ve said before that Seiko is the Toyota of Watches, but in this case it is the Ohara of watches. Seiko might still issue watches to Japanese Antarctic teams (it’s known that Seiko made watches for JARE47 and JARE49), and if they do, it should be the SPB297. And you might find a Type-10 at Japan’s Antarctic station Showa as well. The Vehicle: BTR-80 - Soviet Union The Soviet-Afghan War is often overlooked, but some of the equipment that took part in the conflict certainly isn’t. The BTR-80 is one of the most striking symbols of the Soviet Union’s military might. It’s often depicted rolling through the Red Square with its crew popping out the hatches in the front of the vehicle during military parades. Most recently, the BTR-80 played an important role in the War in Ukraine. Both sides operate the BTR-80, and both sides have lost a number of them in the conflict. They’re still being produced to this day. The Watch: Vostok Amphibia Steve Zissou wore this watch in the movie The Life Aquatic, but that’s not why we think it’s interesting. The Amphibia is probably the most recognized example of a “Russian” watch. Although it should really be known as a Soviet watch, since it’s been around since ‘67 and Vostok as a company has been around since ‘42. Some collectors have a fascination with Russian/Soviet watches because of their prevalence in the current conflict in Ukraine. The Link: Both are instantly recognizable Soviet designs. The Vehicle: Jeep Willys MB Part of Roosevelt’s plan to emerge victorious during WWII included “out-producing the enemy” and this meant that the military industrial complex was spun up to full force. It resulted in an economic miracle, and one singular byproduct of that is the Willys Jeep. Roughly 600,000 of these light and capable 4x4 vehicles were produced, and they were shipped to every theater that the US was operating in. The vehicle went on to play a role in just about every conflict immediately following for a few decades; it was prominently featured in the show M*A*S*H, a comedic illustration of life soldiers’ lives during the Korean War. Of course, the platform evolved into an automotive smash hit in the civilian world with the Jeep Wrangler, but it started off as a humble git ‘er done piece of machinery serving on the battlefield. The Watch: Hamilton Khaki Field Photo Credit: Hamilton We’re talking about an entire family of watches here, but if we want to get down to a specific reference, it would be the GG-W-113. This watch was produced by many manufacturers, including Hamilton, to a US Gov spec (and that spec is GG-W-113, hence the name of the watches it spawned). That spec came out in 1967, and has since been replaced. But the modern, non-gov spec Hamilton Khaki field is the spiritual reincarnation of those Vietnam-era watches. The Link: Hamilton is now owned by the Swatch group, but it was once a truly American company that gave the US a lot of pride. The Jeep is another American icon. Both the Khaki Field and the Jeep spin off very successful civilian products that have become icons in their own right from a military specification. -- If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our weekly free newsletter for further updates HERE. Read Next: SEAL Team Six and a U.S. Navy-Issued Seiko Turtle
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Moscow Rules: Watches of the Widow Spy
Spy Watches, Women and Espionage - At the height of the Cold War, a female CIA officer operated with impunity on the streets of Moscow,...
Read OnSpy Watches, Women and Espionage - At the height of the Cold War, a female CIA officer operated with impunity on the streets of Moscow, free from the ever-present KGB surveillance. But it all changed one warm summer night when she was ambushed while servicing a dead drop for a sensitive asset, TRIGON. The Seiko on her wr
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What Watch Pairs With What Military Aircraft?
Honoring an age-old tradition of matching watches up with heavy-hitting machinery. At W.O.E., we cover all sorts of subjects relevant to our community, ranging from...
Read OnHonoring an age-old tradition of matching watches up with heavy-hitting machinery. At W.O.E., we cover all sorts of subjects relevant to our community, ranging from in-depth profiles of impactful Intelligence Community and military practitioners to breaking down geopolitical conflicts through the lens of watches. Today, however, we figured we’d go a little lighter and engage in an age-old tradition that, while slightly more juvenile than most of our content, continues to be relevant and just plain fun. Just about every watch platform has matched up the Rolex Submariner with the perennial watch-guy favorite–the air cooled Porsche 911. But we’ll leave that to the popular watch style blogs. We’re here to talk about metal with a purpose beyond simply looking cool. We’re going to match up iconic watches with well-known aircraft. Many of you will be intimately familiar with both of these subjects, and finding the intricacies and characteristics that tie a watch to an airplane and vice versa is an exercise in diving deep into the engineering characteristics, legacy, and function of both the plane and the watch. Tom Cruise wearing Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (Photo Credit: Paramount) Before we apply full nose down inputs and dive in, we’d like to acknowledge that folks will have very serious opinions about these pairings, and that this list is just a starting point. If you disagree, we’d love to hear about it in the comments. We eschewed the traditional “rules” for pairings using things like country of origin or physical appearance to pair watches and cars and instead focused on the core ethos of each piece of equipment and the character and reputation it has developed in both aviation and horology circles. Now let’s roll, pitch, and yaw right into it: The Plane: Lockheed C-130 Hercules The “SUV of the sky” is ubiquitous and tough as nails. It’s been in service since 1956 and the fundamental design of the aircraft hasn’t changed much over more than half a century. It can land and take off from unprepared airstrips, it can operate in hot and high environments, it can be fitted with skis to land on ice, it can use JATO (jet assisted take off), it can act as an aerial refueling platform, it can serve as a command and control platform, it can even be kitted out for long-range search and rescue, and maybe most importantly, the AC-130, the gunship version known as the Angel of Death, can absolutely rain down hell on the enemy. The Watch: Seiko SKX007 You won’t find this steadfast tool watch on the wrist of anyone wearing a suit. It’s not particularly accurate, and it’s not known for superior fit and finishing, either. But it’s where a lot of us started our watch interest, and it’s where it can end, too. You don’t need another watch. This one is tough as hell and just keeps on running. Like the C-130, it’s spawned a bunch of variants. The Link: The same places you’ll find the SKX007 being worn, you’ll find the C-130 being used. They’re both the standard unit of toughness that all other watches and utility aircraft are measured against. The Plane: Boeing C-32A This is the plane that the highest officials in the US Government use for executive transport. You’ll typically find the Vice President (Air Force Two) and the Secretary of State aboard. It can also serve as Air Force One when the President’s 747 is considered overkill for a specific destination. It’s a symbol of American might and democracy that you’ll find all over the world. The Watch: Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II Photo Credit: James Rupley The Case Officer’s watch. It can get dirty and take a beating, but has a certain polished cache that’s elevated it to iconic status. It can tell time in three different time zones at once; and the design hasn’t changed much since 1954, when it was first worn by Pan-Am pilots. The model became popular with military pilots and was even famously worn by Chuck Yeager. The GMT-Master II serves as a stand-in for worldliness The Link: Both of these at first appear polished and proper, but they’re also some of the most capable and bad-ass platforms around. The C-32A has a whole host of classified defense systems. And the guy wearing a GMT-Master probably isn’t a stranger to doing what it takes to get it done. The Plane: Lockheed Martin F-16 For the last 30 years, when someone says “fighter jet”, it’s most likely the F-16 that many people–familiar with military aircraft or not–think of. It’s the most widely operated fighter in the world. In other words, it’s the OG fighter aircraft of the modern era. It’s a multi-role aircraft, and there’s even a project led by the US Air Force, Project Venom, to operate F-16s autonomously. The F-16 has come a long way since its first flight in 1973. The US Air Force had once said that it would be retired in 2025, but then signed on to keep the F-16 flying for another 20 years. It’s not going anywhere just yet. And that’s a great thing. If it ain't broken, don’t fix it. The Watch: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Actual military pilots wear all sorts of watches. Everything from Garmins to Bremonts. But there’s such a thing as a prototypical “pilot’s watch” and it’s the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch, specifically, the 43. It’s the watch that some real fighter pilots wear, but that many, many more people who wish to be a fighter pilot wear. It’s become an icon for what it represents, not necessarily for what it actually is. But what it is, is a watch that’s been at the center of the military aviation scene since before World War II. IWC has a long history with aviation, and continues to produce Unit/Squadron watches for many aviators. The Link: The link here is obvious–these are both the icons of their type. They’re what first comes to mind when thinking of fighter jets and pilots watches. They’re also sort of the most basic iterations of their forms as well. The Plane: A-10 Warthog This aircraft’s primary role is CAS (close air support) and it absolutely excels at it thanks to its twin-turbofan, straight wing setup. It frequently gets “down in the dirt” and you’ve almost certainly seen memes or videos of the infamous “BBRRRRRTTTTT” that’s emitted from the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon affixed to the nose of the airplane. It crushes tanks, lights up enemies, and emerged as an absolute icon after Desert Storm. BBBBRRRRTTTT. The Watch: Tudor Ranger The Ranger is mostly considered a field watch, not necessarily a pilot’s watch. Its simple, stripped-down nature is where its beauty lies. Consider it the modern version of what the Rolex 1016 was (or the vintage Tudor Ranger)–a simple-as-hell time only tool watch that was indestructible and somewhat of an everyman’s watch. You have 3, 6, and 9, and nothing much else except fantastic legibility. It just gets the job done and doesn’t cost too much. The Link: The A-10 is cheap as chips to operate and consistently crushes the competition when it comes to fixed-wing CAS. The Ranger embodies the same ethos–value-forward, reliable, and has a “git ‘er done” way about it. They’re both simple. The Plane: Lockheed Martin F-35 The F-35 was delivered ten years late and went 1.7 trillion USD over budget, but it’s the most technologically advanced plane that has ever existed. It’s over the top in every single way, not to mention it costs $41,986 an hour to fly. But trying to find anything that rivals it. You won’t China’s J-20? Nope. Russia’s Su-57? Negative. The aircraft defines air superiority through its host of technical features, many of which are still classified (on the US-operated variants, of course). The Watch: RM 39-01 Richard Mille marketing shot If you want one of these, it’ll set you back about 150K. But you’ll also have the most feature-rich, tech-forward analog pilot’s watch that exists. A titanium case and a skeletonized carbon fiber dial characterize the watch, along with the signature Richard Mille lightweight technical look. Richard Mille is the epitome of technical mastery in watchmaking, and the RM 39-01 is the brand’s foray into pilot’s watches. It’s the opposite of legible and robust, but sometimes the most technically advanced things are just that way. The Link: The amount of engineering that goes into these two things– and the price tag– are both superlative. The Aircraft: UH-60 Black Hawk You’ve seen Black Hawk Down. Hell, we know some of you even fly the Black Hawk, which is operated in a branch-specific variant by the US Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The design dates back to 1974 with Sikorsky, and now the US military operates over 2,000 Black Hawk helicopters. Roughly 30 other countries around the world also operate the UH-60 in some form or another, not to mention civilian operators that use it for firefighting, cargo transport, to search and rescue. It’s a ubiquitous helicopter when it comes to roles in the defense sector. Anyone who flies the Black Hawk knows that when it stops leaking hydraulic fluid, that’s when you have to worry. It can carry between 12 and 20 soldiers into battle and can lift 22,000 lbs. It was first used operationally in combat during the invasion of Grenada in 1983, and it’s been going strong ever since. The Watch: Marathon TSAR Cheap, chunky, and indestructible, the TSAR has been a mainstay in the inventory of issued watches of US forces over the past decade. Many models even feature the “US Government” markings on the dial in addition to the nuclear regulatory commision designation on the caseback. The watch has earned a stellar reputation by those to whom it has been issued to. It’s designed solely for utility, not looks. The tall case is meant to make it easy to operate the bezel with gloves on, and tritium tubes are employed for superior legibility and visibility in the dark. In short, it’s been a longstanding fixture in the military watch scene for good reason–it just works. The Link: The TSAR, like the Black Hawk, isn’t going to win any awards for looking good or being a hero. Neither draw a crowd. But those in the know will always choose these tools over the more sexy options. (Marathon, Watch Maker for the Modern Military) The Aircraft: Lun-class Ekranoplan What makes this craft different from most on this list is that even though it has “wings”, it’s not an airplane, or airship even. It’s technically still just a standard maritime ship, because it only lifts about 13 feet off the water and flies in “ground effect”, meaning it takes advantage of reduced drag flying close to a fixed surface. In this case, the surface is the surface of the ocean. It’s essentially just a massive flying boat powered by eight turbofans mounted to canards near the bow of the ship. Flying in ground effect meant that unless the surface of the sea was steady, it simply couldn't fly, and that ultimately led to its demise. It’s an incredibly neat idea that’s also very Soviet–and it can certainly be debated whether or not it’s a good-looking craft or not. The Watch: Hublot Big Bang This is the model that’s most typically associated with Hublot, the brand that everyone loves to hate–and by most engineering and mechanical accounts, the watch is pretty strong. But most people agree–it has a very specific type of culture attached to it. The Link: Both the Ekranoplan and Hublot are loved by Russians, but that’s not all. They both had their mainstream time to shine decades ago, but still both have a small legion of loyal followers today that still live like it’s the heyday of the Ekranoplan and Hublot. But hey, they like what they like. SHOP NOW: Five Eye Nylon Watch Strap
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Double Wristing Stormin' Norman
No, General Schwarzkopf did not double wrist a Rolex and Seiko Despite What You’ve Read. Pictured is General H. Norman Schwarzkopf wearing two watches. Read...
Read OnNo, General Schwarzkopf did not double wrist a Rolex and Seiko Despite What You’ve Read. Pictured is General H. Norman Schwarzkopf wearing two watches. Read any story on Schwarzkopf and watches and you’ll learn that it’s a Rolex Day-Date and a Seiko diver. There’s just one problem–he didn’t wear a Rolex. The truth is just as interesting, however. Both watches are Seikos, aka the Toyota of Watches. Thanks to research by our friend @niccoloy, we’d like to set the record straight, and while we’re at it, we’ll dig into the idea of “double wristing”, or simply put–wearing two watches at once. “Double Wristing” -Bravado vs practical utility: Double wristing can be understood today as somewhat of a “flex”, done by celebrities, athletes and rappers as an ostentatious display of wealth, an indication one has “f*ck you money.” But wearing two watches before the era of smartphones meant something different. Keep in mind, watches were largely used for their intended purpose - to tell time. Wearing two watches meant that you probably had a reason to. While the GMT complication has allowed a single watch to track two time zones at once, several historical figures have worn multiple watches. Most notable among them is Four Star General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, aka Stormin’ Norman, who wore a watch on each wrist during the First Gulf War. There’s undeniably an element of projecting a certain image, but here’s the reason in his own words: "I always wore two watches during the war. The one on my left arm was set on Saudi Arabian time and the Seiko on my right arm was set on Eastern Standard Time. That way I could quickly glance at my watches and instantly know the time in both Saudi Arabia and Washington, D.C.” Then commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and head of coalition forces against Saddam Hussein, Schwarzkopf was pictured regularly wearing the two timepieces, a supposed two tone "Rolex" and a Seiko diver on a rubber strap. Photo Credit: Yousuf Karsh The dressier watch is regularly reported in watch media as a two tone Rolex Day-Date, which is incorrect. According to expert historical watch spotter @niccoloy, both watches are actually Seikos. Niccoloy looked through scores of pictures to find this relatively obscure photo of General Schwarzkopf on a helicopter, the signature Seiko clasp clearly visible on the inside of the wrist. Practicality vs Imagery, Bravado, Perceptions: Did the General really need two watches to track the time in DC and Saudi Arabia? Probably not, a simple GMT function would have sufficed. Or a quick calculation. While we will not outright question Schwarzkopf’s claimed utility of the two timepieces, we can also assume that the watches also served as a tool in the information war. In Diplomacy, Military, and Intelligence, imagery and perception matters. Modern day Generals are just as much politicians and diplomats as they are warfighters. Schwarzkopf was the face of the Gulf conflict to the American people, allies, and Iraqis. He likely spent considerable time thinking about how he was perceived by each constituent. While it seems comical now, thirty-plus years ago, the “double wristing” arguably supported his persona as someone in charge, someone who valued time and someone intensely focused on accomplishing his mission. The contrast of the two watches, one a riff on the watch par excellence, and the other a known tool watch, mirrored his position as warrior-diplomat. An effective General can get his hands dirty during the day and stroll right into a state dinner at night looking the part. Our assessment is that these two accessories were intended as a physical display of this dichotomy. The watches were tools–each one for a different job. Interestingly, General Schwarzkopf appears to periodically switch wrists throughout the conflict, the reasoning behind this is purely speculation. While the two tone dress Seiko is unidentified, the blue and red “Pepsi” bezel Seiko on a rubber strap was auctioned in the 1990s at Antiquorum for $11,000. The Seiko diver is often listed as a Seiko SKX009, but according to the 1999 auction description, it was quartz so it is likely something a Seiko reference 7548. Havana - Moscow - Washington D.C. The General is by no means the first notable historical figure to wear two watches at once. Fidel Castro routinely wore multiple watches, sometimes on the same wrist, including during a 1963 meeting with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in the Kremlin. There are some indications he set the watches to Havana, Moscow, and Washington DC (The third utilizing the GMT function). Similar to Schwarzkopf, we can assume this was just as much a strategic decision as it was practical. We can only speculate what a socialist and Marxist-Leninist leader was trying to accomplish with this display, but we can assume it was no accident. (Today Washington D.C. and Havana are in the same time zone -UTC -5-, but between the years 1960 and 1964 Havana used the time zone UTC -4.) Modern Day Double Wristing - Is it acceptable? In general, we do not judge people for how or why they wear their watches. Anything that lets one enjoy their timepieces is a good thing. It appears that double wristing is having a renaissance with the advent of the smart watch. This may seem overboard, but the use case of wearing a high tech Apple Watch and a traditional timepiece seems to make complete sense. Recently, former Delta Officer and JSOC Commander, Four Star Gen. Scott Miller was seen double wristing an Omega Seamaster 300M and smart watch while meeting with some former Afghan partners in Texas. It's hard to judge a man like Scotty Miller. READ NEXT: The History Of Casio G-Shocks And The US Military
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SOG Seikos - Vietnam MACV-SOG Watches, Part II
Detailing the Lesser Known Fourth CISO-Issued “SOG Seiko” By Nick Ferrell - Watches of Espionage previously covered a trio of vintage Seiko dive watches worn...
Read OnDetailing the Lesser Known Fourth CISO-Issued “SOG Seiko” By Nick Ferrell - Watches of Espionage previously covered a trio of vintage Seiko dive watches worn by the U.S. Military’s ultra-secretive Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observat
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CIA Officer’s Love Affair with the Arabic Seiko
As I type this Dispatch, I am on a transatlantic flight to London for a short visit, a mix of business and pleasure. As a...
Read OnAs I type this Dispatch, I am on a transatlantic flight to London for a short visit, a mix of business and pleasure. As a former CIA Case Officer, separating the two can be difficult. In my W.O.E. travel pouch is my Rolex GMT Master II 16710. On my wrist is the Arabic Seiko, the understated watch that I plan to wear while in London due to the increased watch theft in the city. Why I am bringing the Rolex at all is a story for another time. Arabic Seiko Once an obscure watch, the “Arabic Seiko” (aka the "Seik-W.O.E." and the W.O.E. hype watch) is a popular reference within the W.O.E. community, and for good reason. In part, its popularity is owed to the fact that it’s just a downright cool and unique piece at an affordable price point–but it’s also received consistent coverage on W.O.E. to bolster its reputation. Just as important, however, is the deep meaning it has for our community. Many of us have spent a considerable amount of time in the Middle East over the past 20+ years. I personally have a strong affinity for the rich culture and language of the Arab world and this piece is a constant reminder of that connection and that specific period in my life. A lot of veterans and NatSec folks can identify with this connection. Additionally, while I never wore a Seiko in any operational capacity during my time at the CIA, the Japanese brand has a long history in the Intelligence and Special Operations community. Our predecessors in the 1960s and 1970s wore "SOG" Seikos during covert operations carried out during the Vietnam War. Maritime Special Operations units (including the Navy SEALs) were issued Seiko Divers until at least the mid-1990s and the CIA even modified a digital Seiko with a covert camera for intelligence collection. In short, the ref Arabic Seiko connects with every facet of the community in one way or another, and that’s what makes it so popular. It is a great conversation starter, and you can’t go wrong with this W.O.E. “hype watch.” Origin Story If this is the first time you are hearing about the Arabic Seiko, you are probably wondering how a former CIA Case Officer came across this unique timepiece. Did W.O.E. pick it up at Khan el-Khalili Souk in Cairo to support a cover legend, or receive it as an honorary gift from a Middle Eastern intelligence service after an impactful operation? The truth is, it was purchased online. Amazon’s algorithm served it to me in early 2022, something that I even wrote an article about for Hodinkee. It is not a daring spy story, but it does say a lot about the state of technology and (commercial) surveillance. Amazon knew I would like this watch before I even knew it existed, and that is fascinating. At the time I had two Arabic-dial watches in my collection: A Breitling Aerospace (a gift from King Abdullah of Jordan), and an Arabic Breitling Aviator 8 Etihad Limited "Middle East" Edition in black steel, both watches that a treasured, something that would make my Arabic tutors in Beirut proud. W.O.E. personal Breitling and Arabic Seiko, Photo Credit: James Rupley Specs The Arabic Seiko is a simple black dialed Seiko 5, with large Eastern Arabic numerals. The day feature is in Arabic and English, with the Arabic word for Friday (الجمعة) in Red, English “SAT” in blue and “SUN” in red, presumably honoring the holy days of the three Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. There are actually two readily available Arabic dial Seiko’s, the 42mm SNKP21J1 and the smaller 34mm SNK063J5. Beyond the size, the main difference is the smaller version has an integrated bracelet, making it difficult to change out straps. I own the 42mm and while it is larger than most watches in my collection, the 12.5mm thickness makes it wear much smaller and lie flat on the wrist. There is a wide gap between the watch and the spring bar, making strap changes easy. The visible caseback showing the 7S26 automatic movement is something that is always fun for those new to the hobby. Social Media and “Influence” Chrono24 video discussing correlation between W.O.E. posts and Seiko Arabic dial sales. The watch is also a story of social media “influence” and subliminal advertising. After a month on the wrist, I posted it on the @watchesofespionage to my (then) 30,000+ followers in February 2022. Over the next 24 hours, Amazon’s price for the watch incrementally rose from $140 to well over $200, as followers were quick to visit the everything store. Within 48 hours demand surpassed supply, the watch sold out. At time of writing, Amazon’s price for the watch is $213.01, nearly double what I paid for it. After analyzing purchasing data on Chono24 and other sites, Thomas Hendricks of Chrono24 crowned the Arabic Dials the top selling Seikos for 2022: We looked at the data and we saw spikes in sales correlating to posts from one popular account. Watches of Espionage is a niche but influential account covering the intersection of watches and spycraft, run by an anonymous former CIA operative. Followers of the account will remember that WOE published an article detailing his love for these Seiko references in early August of this year. Subsequently, sales for these two references spiked significantly on Chrono24 and other platforms in the following weeks. I now wonder how many people have purchased the Arabic Seiko watch after seeing coverage on the Watches of Espionage platform, my guess is in the thousands of pieces, most purchased online or the lucky few able to secure one in a more memorable place like Dubai. W.O.E. personal Arabic Seiko, Photo Credit: James Rupley Advertising and Influencers We are bombarded with advertising, especially on social media, however the modern consumer (you) is not stupid. The “wisdom of the crowd” can see through most marketing schemes and identify platforms that are genuine. One of the reason’s the Watches of Espionage community continues to grow is authenticity, and the increase in sales of this watch is a perfect example. Despite a proposal from a major retailer for an official “affiliate” relationship (which we declined), W.O.E. hasn’t received financial remuneration from Seiko or any other company for promoting this timepiece. This is authentic and organic promotion for altruistic reasons. One of our goals at Watches of Espionage is preserving and promoting watch culture in the National Security space, and this watch is a fun entrée to the world of automatic watches, especially for those who wore Digital Tool Watches during the Global War on Terror (GWOT). W.O.E. personal Arabic Seiko, Photo Credit: James Rupley Conclusion At the end of the day, I do not care if you buy this watch or any other for that matter. But if this unique and affordable timepiece catches your interest and expands your view of time, that is a good thing. Despite my now extensive and growing watch collection, the Arabic Seiko will continue to adorn my wrist on a regular basis, including this visit to the United Kingdom. This watch has been on my wrist in 8 countries on three continents. It has flown in helicopters, skied down mountains and been inside more than a few SCIFs. If it is lost, stolen or damaged, it can be easily replaced at an affordable price, even if slightly inflated after the release of this article. READ NEXT: CIA Analysis Of Foreign Leaders’ Timepieces This article has been reviewed by the CIA's Prepublication Classification Review Board to prevent the disclosure of classified information.
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Forget Bond, A Real CIA Spy Seiko Watch
In the 1970s, CIA Technical Officers modified a digital Seiko to conceal a Tropel T-100 camera inside. The purpose of the watch-turned-espionage-tool was to allow...
Read OnIn the 1970s, CIA Technical Officers modified a digital Seiko to conceal a Tropel T-100 camera inside. The purpose of the watch-turned-espionage-tool was to allow a recruited agent to surreptitiously photograph classified documents in their place of work and deliver them to CIA. The camera was so quiet that it could be used to photograph documents within a KGB Rezidentura or other sensitive buildings while unknowing co-workers were just feet away. The Silver Screen vs Reality: Hollywood's depiction of spy gadgets embedded in a Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster is entertaining, but largely a fantasy of the screenwriter's imagination. In fact, there were very few times in my career as a CIA Case Officer that I used “spy gear” and instead largely relied on low-tech tradecraft to build relationships, recruit spies, and steal secrets. US Embassy Moscow- Cold War That said, technology plays a significant role in the espionage trade from both an offensive (collection) and defensive (counterintelligence) standpoint in the modern era. Historically, spy gadgetry was a crucial tool in the “great game” of the Cold War where both the Soviet Union’s KGB and CIA leveraged cutting edge technologies– including miniature cameras and audio recording devices– to collect intelligence and thwart hostile surveillance. In order to mask these capabilities, pieces of surveillance technology were often housed in “Concealment Devices,” seemingly benign objects that could be carried by the Agent into sensitive government facilities. In some now-declassified cases, a timepiece was used as either a passive or active concealment device to hide the presence of the espionage tool. U.S. Representative to the United Nations Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. points to a hole for a concealed listening device in the U.S. Great Seal (a gift from the Soviets to the UNSC). (Photo Credit: Getty) In the niche genre of Watches of Espionage, it is important to understand these historical references. We will periodically profile some of these watches, their relevance, and the impact they had on intelligence collection. The Real Q-Branch: In most spy movies, there is a “Q:” a fictional character responsible for providing the lead “spy” with the latest and greatest technological advancements. In obvious foreshadowing, the issued gear (often a luxury timepiece with spy gear embedded) will later play a significant role in the movie during a pivotal scene where the spy escapes a deadly situation or finally gets even with the villain. While I never met an individual “Q” at CIA, there are several offices dedicated to developing, testing, and fielding technologies for intelligence collection. During the Cold War, this office was known as the Office of Technical Service (OTS) positioned within the Directorate of Science & Technology (DS&T). Modified Seiko Housing T-100 Camera: In the mid-1970s OTS technical officers reportedly modified an off-the-shelf Seiko LCD-equipped model (reference unknown) to conceal a Tropel T-100 camera inside. The watch worked by “active concealment,” meaning it functioned normally when the camera lens was not visible. When the asset–or a recruited agent–rotated the dial nearly 180 degrees it exposed the aperture at the 6 o'clock position. A button at the 4 o'clock position activated the shutter to take the picture. (Photo Credit: Ultimate Spy, Keith Melton) According to intelligence historian Keith Melton, the camera held a 15-inch strip of auto-advancing film and could capture 100 high resolution images. The purpose of the tool was to allow an asset or agent to surreptitiously photograph classified documents in their place of work. The camera did not require an auto-focus mechanism and could effectively take pictures of standard-sized documents when held approximately 11 inches off the desk, which was about the length of an average adult male's elbow to hand. The camera was so quiet that it could be used to photograph documents within a KGB Rezidentura or other sensitive buildings while unknowing co-workers were just feet away. OTS produced instructions showing an Asset how to use the T-100 key fob model. Instructions also showed agents “how to hide the camera in a fist held to the forehead while seated–as if they were reading, not photographing.” (Photo Credit: Ultimate Spy, Keith Melton) While the watch concealment is interesting in itself, the T-100 subminiature camera was the real technological feat at work. Despite its size, it was designed to take distortion-free images the size of a single page of text using retired stock film first used in spy satellites. In contrast to the movies, where a piece of gear was issued “just in case,” the tiny camera was purpose-built for intelligence collection and issued only to the most sensitive CIA assets operating behind the Iron Curtain. The tool was designed and produced by an outside contractor who painstakingly assembled the shutter components and lenses the size of a pinhead. As Robert Wallace and Melton would later recall in Spycraft, the Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs, “the T-100’s assembly was closer to watchmaking than any commercial manufacturing process. The owner of the company fabricated each camera himself under a large magnifying glass and halo light using a device he built specifically for the task.” T-100 concealed in cricket lighter (Photo Credit: Ultimate Spy, Keith Melton) Looking at the watch, it’s tempting to conclude that it looked semi-futuristic for the 1970s and that this might cause counterintelligence concerns for an asset back then. But the Seiko was created, or modified, during an important time in horology history: the Quartz Crisis. During the Digital Revolution of the late 1960s, the development of the quartz watch resulted in a transition in the market from mechanical watches to quartz movements and eventually, digital displays with the Pulsar in 1972. This quick shift was dubbed the “quartz crisis,” where many consumers moved to the cheaper more accurate timepieces and there was a dramatic decline in the traditional, mechanically-driven Swiss watch industry. Seiko, credited with developing the first quartz movement, was one of the first brands to embrace the new technology and produced several LCD screen watches similar to the one used by CIA. While we have not identified this exact reference, there are several Seiko watches from the era that match the similar design, including this 1975 Seiko 0114-0010 Quartz LC. The exact reference likely would have been procured in the Soviet Union before being shipped back to the U.S. for modification, so as not to raise questions why a Soviet official would be wearing an imported watch. Again, details matter. 1975 Seiko 0114-0010 Quartz LC (Photo Credit: Ebay) Interestingly, it was in this time period (in 1977) that the Bond franchise integrated the first Seiko into the mix in The Spy Who Loved Me. Bond, played by Roger Moore, wore a modified Seiko 0674 LC, which contained a miniature printer to receive messages from his headquarters in the UK. CIA has been known to take inspiration from Hollywood, and whether this was life imitating art or the other way around, we can only speculate. What is uncertain is whether the CIA-modified Seiko was actually used by an asset during the Cold War or if this was a prototype that never made it to the field. While much of the information from this time period has been declassified or leaked, there is no public information available indicating it was issued to an asset for operational use. What we do know is that the camera itself, the T-100, was particularly effective at collecting intelligence and was dubbed by some as the "camera that won the Cold War." There are documented examples of both the T-100 and later the T-50 being issued to assets housed in fountain pens, keychains and lighters and capturing images that were later passed on to the CIA handling Case Officer. Tropel Camera Housed in Fountain Pen, Image courtesy of International Spy Museum. READ NEXT: The Lasting Legacy Of The CIA’s Lockheed A-12 And The Watch That Served It This Dispatch has been reviewed by the CIA’s Prepublication Classification Review Board to prevent the disclosure of classified information.
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Ask Watches of Espionage Anything, Part I
In this edition of the Dispatch, we address some common questions we get about W.O.E with an in-depth response. Many of these responses can even...
Read OnIn this edition of the Dispatch, we address some common questions we get about W.O.E with an in-depth response. Many of these responses can even serve as standalone stories– and probably will at some point, but for now, here’s some additional insight on Watches of Espionage. READ PART II HERE What’s a good entry-level watch? What’s a good watch under $1,000? This is the most common question we get, and we love this question because it suggests that the W.O.E. platform is opening up people to the world of mechanical watches, something that we are clearly passionate about. If your takeaway from W.O.E. is that you need a Rolex to be a cool guy, you’re missing the point. We believe the man makes the watch, not the other way around. A badass wearing a Hublot is still a badass, just as a dweeb wearing a Rolex MilSub is still just a dweeb. It’s about who you are, not the watch you’re wearing. Read: Best Watches Under $1,000 - Ask The Experts (Photo Credit: James Rupley) There are plenty of great watches under $1,000 and other publications have compiled lists that feature both established manufacturers and micro-brands alike that offer serious value. That said, our answer to this question is simple: Seiko. If you like “Watches of Espionage” then you will love this brand. When it comes to tools actually used in the field, you’re likely to find a Seiko on a professional’s wrist. Seiko, after all, is the “Toyota of watches”– they’re cheap and reliable utilitarian tools. For the same reasons Toyotas are a common sight in modern conflict zones, Seikos have adorned the wrists of hard men in hard places for decades. If you’re looking at dipping your toe in the proverbial pool of mechanical watches, this is a great place to start, and even end. Arabic Dial Seiko (Photo Credit: James Rupley) The follow-up question is always, "which model?" We hesitate to provide an answer to this because it’s a deeply personal choice. You can scroll through our collection and others and see where we have landed, but it’s best to take some time and look through the website to see what speaks to you and what’s within your budget. The best way to land on the right reference is to find a Seiko dealer near you, try some on, and ask questions. You can get an entry-level Seiko for well under $300 and I cherish mine just as much as I do my most expensive Rolex. Unfortunately, one of the downsides to Seiko is that the bracelets are the weak point. They have a specific “jangle” and can feel like they’re of much lesser quality than that watch they’re attached to. So use some of that leftover coin to buy a few straps and change them out frequently to figure out what you like. All the W.O.E. products are designed to be worn/used with a Seiko or a Rolex. We will do a follow-on Dispatch at some point with some tips on buying watches with value in mind. What advice do you have for someone looking to join the CIA? The second most common question we get is, "How do I join the CIA?" While the purpose of this platform isn’t to inspire the next generation of public servants, we are quickly learning this is a byproduct of W.O.E., which is great. If you want to join the CIA, don't message someone anonymously claiming to be former CIA. Keep this goal private and practice discretion. The Agency values discretion, hence the label of a quiet professional. Here are a few pieces of advice for those interested in the operational side of the house. Become a master of a trade. CIA hires former teachers, investment bankers, plumbers, businessmen, SpecOps, doctors, lawyers, and even professional athletes. Become unique and accomplished. Have a compelling story that will interest the CIA recruiter. You can apply right out of college, but your chances of being accepted and thriving at the Agency will greatly increase if you have unique work/life experience. Travel. Live, work and study abroad. The one common trait of 99% of CIA Case Officers is that they have significant prior overseas experience. Your job is to understand geopolitics and empathize with individuals different from you. This can only truly be learned and demonstrated through experience. Even if you aren't interested in joining the CIA, we still think we would all be better off if we travel and experience different cultures. Learn a language. Any language is advantageous, but the harder the better. Russian, Mandarin, Persian/Farsi, Korean etc. Turn on the news and see where the current/future conflicts are. The languages spoken in that area are generally of high interest and will make a CIA recruiter happy. Keep your nose clean. You don't have to be a saint (I saw the inside of a jail cell a couple times growing up and made more than a few bad decisions). But if you do drugs, stop. Don't drink and drive. Pay your taxes. Don't commit felonies. This is all good advice for joining the CIA, but even better advice for life. READ. This one is important. Read every book/article on the intelligence business you can find. This will help you figure out if it is right for you and where your interests are aligned. The current generation has a wealth of information at their fingertips on the Intelligence Community, including on the CIA’s own website. Take advantage of this information and do your research. If you are a foreigner, find an unattributable internet portal and google "CIA walk in." Lastly, a career as a Case Officer is more than just a job, it’s a calling and a way of life. You have to be all in and cannot treat it like a 9-to-5. CIA is not perfect, but I loved my time working in the building and in the field. It is not always an easy lifestyle and comes with unique challenges, but it is a great opportunity to serve your country, see the world and live a life worth living. Happy hunting. What watch did you wear most operationally? In my initial Hodinkee article, “The Connection Between Watches and Espionage,” which was in many ways W.O.E.’s debut to the larger watch community, I wrote about wearing my titanium Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Day during a military coup in Africa. The opening story was a relatively mundane night, no heroic activities, just a standard night as a Case Officer operating in Africa. The only reason I even remember that watch that night was that it was relatively new, and the luminous numbers stuck out. In fact, I could have written that story about countless nights wearing several watches. W.O.E.’s personal IWC Mark XVII and Africa Division challenge coin. (Photo Credit: James Rupley) But, looking back at pictures of the years I was at CIA, the most common watch on my wrist appeared to be an IWC Mark XVII. It is a great and versatile watch that can fit in with a suit and tie at a diplomatic function in Europe or jeans and a dirty t-shirt in the African bush. It is also not overly flashy and would not draw undue attention. W.O.E.'s IWC with W.O.E. DNC strap prototype (Photo Credit: Michael Shaffer / @capitolsunset) Truth is, I did not put much thought into my watch while overseas; it was a tool I used regularly. This IWC has three letters engraved on the back, only one of which is one of my initials. The engraving caused some problems during a training exercise and then when I was (REDACTED) pulled into secondary for additional “screening” (interrogation). Fortunately, I had come up with a cover story for the three letters as the initials of a fictitious father prior to the training exercise and it was not a significant issue. It was a good lesson and reminder that the smallest details matter in the world of espionage. W.O.E.'s Breitling Aerospace (Photo Credit: Tom Brenner) A close second was the Breitling Aerospace that I received as a gift from King Abdullah of Jordan. This is an entirely practical watch given the digital feature set. The digital timer was particularly useful and was used to log activities during surveillance operations in African capitals, time debriefings of ISIS members, and to record legs of Surveillance Detection Runs. How do Case Officers, Special Operations personnel, etc. afford a Rolex? First, not every HUMINT collector or military “operator” wears a mechanical timepiece, let alone a luxury watch like Rolex, Breitling or Tudor. It is easy to get this impression given the content at W.O.E., as there is a clear selection bias for the stories we tell. While this was largely true in the mid-20th century when many of these watches were issued and/or easily purchased at the local PX, today the vast majority of "operators” rely on cheap and effective digital tool watches. That said, there is a strong watch culture in both the military and intelligence circles, and the percentage of individuals that have mechanical and even luxury “tool watches” likely exceeds that of the civilian counterparts of the same socioeconomic status. The reason for this is just as much (if not more) culture than anything else. (Photo Credit: James Rupley) Second, not all mechanical or even luxury timepieces cost $10,000. As discussed above, quality Seiko tool watches can be purchased for well under $1,000 and brands like Breitling, Panerai, IWC, Tudor and many others can be acquired second-hand for a fraction of the inflated prices of Rolex. So how do we afford them? The short answer is, the same as everyone else. Contrary to many Hollywood representations of CIA officers, the majority of Case Officers I worked with did not come from elite Ivy League backgrounds or wealthy families. They work hard and save up. If you have spent the last 10-20 years in an operational capacity, you have likely spent several years deployed to a conflict or other hardship post and the government has compensated you (relatively) appropriately. While you will not become rich from this calling, you will likely have earned enough disposable income and it can be used at your discretion to fund your hobbies and interests. Many choose to use some of the funds to purchase a watch. (Photo Credit: James Rupley) One example of this is the “war zone watch.” While a government salary does not support an extensive watch collection, when officers deploy to war zones for an extended period, their pay can almost double while their personal expenses are minimized. After returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, or one of the undeclared expeditionary locations, many officers take a portion of their savings and purchase a watch to discreetly commemorate the accomplishment. Further, as much as we all can’t stand the black box of who gets priority on the Authorized Dealers (AD) “waiting list”, the stores and sometimes even individual sales associates have significant leeway with whom they prioritize as customers. Some ADs in Northern Virginia and metropolitan areas near large military bases prioritize clientele from military and government agencies. Why are you anonymous? I get the impression that a lot of people think the main reason behind W.O.E. being anonymous is because of OPSEC (operational security). In reality, when I left CIA, I requested that my association with the Agency be declassified. This was approved with certain stipulations/restrictions. W.O.E.’s hands busy influencing. (Photo Credit: James Rupley) The real reason “W.O.E.” is anonymous is twofold. First, “Watches of Espionage” is not about one person, it’s about our entire community. “W.O.E.” is the curator or the “guide” on this journey, but it’s not just about me. I insert some of my own experiences and stories for context or to demonstrate a point but that’s it–it’s strictly to add additional information. In fact, if you read the articles where my personal experiences are mentioned, I am not the hero; they’re relatively mundane experiences of a CIA Case Officer. Secondly, I value my privacy. I don’t want to be famous or an internet celebrity in either the watch or tactical community. That’s just not for me. Additionally, being anonymous ironically allows me to be more authentic in my presentation of my watch collection and love of timepieces. Posting expensive watches on social media can often accurately be interpreted as a “flex” or show-off and can quickly fall into “cringe” territory. Being anonymous allows me to show whatever I want without any of the added recognition. What watch would you recommend for a woman in the field? “W.O.E. Mansplains What Watches Women Should Wear” is what I would call this article. Truth is, I am not qualified to really comment on this topic. Check out Brynn Wallner who runs a platform called Dimepiece Co. if you are a woman interested in getting into watches. She does a great job curating content specifically for women and is a disruptor in this industry. Homeland, not an accurate portrayal of female Case Officers (Photo Credit: HBO, Homeland) Traditionally there have been men’s and women's watches. To simplify a complicated topic, men’s watches are generally larger and women’s smaller. Recently there has been a movement to remove gender from watches and make them all unisex. While we won’t take a position on this hyper-sensitive debate, we will say that there is no reason a woman couldn’t and shouldn’t wear a traditional men’s timepiece. Mrs. W.O.E.'s current go-to timepiece is a Tudor Black Bay 58, one that many may say is a traditional men’s watch. Likewise, some men appreciate and even prefer smaller timepieces that some may perceive as women’s watches. More power to you. Wear whatever you want. What is your grail watch? A “grail watch” is the ultimate watch for a collector, something that they would never sell if they were able to acquire it. Like the “holy grail”, this watch is often unattainable, or incredibly unlikely to obtain. It is more of a fantasy than a realistic goal. Photo Credit: Tudor Collector, Ross Povey W.O.E.’s grail is a military-issued Tudor Submariner, specifically a South African military-issued Tudor Sub from the 1970s. While I have no affinity for the South African Defence Force (especially from that time frame), I have spent much of my life living and working on the continent and would find the connection meaningful. Pictured above is one of the few known watches, a 1974 South African Navy Issued Black Tudor Submariner 7016. I want to do a full deep dive Dispatch article on this, if nothing else to build my knowledge base. Why do you not have a G-Shock in your collection? The Casio G-Shock is a great watch and if you are in a tactical or operational position, it’s hard to beat as a tool watch. For deployed paramilitary officers or uniformed military personnel conducting direct action and kicking in doors it is a fantastic tool. The same for Garmin, Suunto, Timex and the plethora of other digital pieces. There are some downsides, most notably the requirement for a battery, but they are cheap and relatively indestructible. Additionally, G-Shocks also have a cult following in the watch community and there are many collectible references and collaborations. So why doesn’t W.O.E. have one in the toolbox? While it is ideal for military personnel, the Casio G-Shock is a clear “tell” for Americans to wear overseas. For Case Officers, who mostly operate in capital cities while under cover (i.e. posing as something they aren’t) this watch can make one stick out as much as a gold Rolex Daytona. A decade ago I was posted overseas in a major African capital. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were dying down, but the “Global War on Terror” was still in full swing and a priority for the USG. Department of Defense personnel had flooded into Africa to conduct overt military assistance to host country nations. One night I was out for drinks with an early local contact at a high-end hotel when a group of civilian-clothed USMIL personnel walked in. Tactical? (Photo Credit: Casio) My contact, who was not yet aware of my Agency affiliation, eyed the group as they took their seats at the bar and proudly said, “There are some of your spies, you can always spot American spies, they have beards and wear large plastic watches on the inside of their wrists.” I don’t remember what watch I was wearing that night, but I do know it wasn’t a large black tactical watch. It would have been something that supported my cover as an American (REDACTED). Navy SEALs conducting VBSS while wearing G-Shock, likely DW-6600 (Photo Credit: US Navy) We have detailed the role digital watches play in espionage and regardless of one’s horological interests or occupation, a cheap and reliable digital timepiece is a must in any collection. My go-to is a Timex Ironman, which I use for PT and other water activities when I want to record specific times. Would you wear another unit’s unit watch? Does this qualify as stolen Valor? We have written extensively about unit watches and there are some cool references like the SAS Explorer II that sometimes show up for sale or auction. While it is unfortunate that some operators choose to part with these meaningful timepieces, we also understand that life circumstances change, and the astronomical secondary market can become irresistible. Special Air Service Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570 (Photo Credit: Sotheby’s) Short answer is yes, I would wear another unit’s watch and I do not view this as stolen valor. For example, if someone gave me the SAS Rolex Explorer II (I couldn’t afford or want to spend the asking price), I would wear it. In fact, the watch ending up with a true collector who appreciates the history and meaning behind a unit watch is probably a good thing. The caveat to all of this is that it all comes down to intention: if someone uses the watch to attempt to convince someone that they served in a specific unit when they did not, of course that is taboo. But there are far easier and more effective forms of stolen valor than spending a small fortune on a collectable timepiece. What are your opinions on smart watches? This is a fascinating topic and something I will dive into deeper in a future Dispatch, a lot to unpack here. First, in general we are not against smart watches, in my post-government life I have worked in emerging technology and the benefits of “wearables” including smart watches are immense. Even though they are contrary to much of what we put out at W.O.E., smart watches are great tools, providing immediate and actionable data to increase your health, productivity, and situational awareness. Apple Watch (Photo Credit: Apple) That said, for people in the business of espionage, smart watches and the internet of things (IoT) have profound counterintelligence implications and are not ideal. For one, wireless devices are not permitted in SCIFs (sensitive compartmented information facility) so they are not even an option for most while at work. Secondly, as previously documented, smart devices are certainly not a spy’s best friend. When wading through a Middle Eastern souk trying to detect and avoid hostile intelligence services, wearing a beacon with a microphone that tracks your every move, on your wrist or in your pocket, simply is not acceptable. Secret Australian government installation on the Strava heat map showing routes of staff movements logged in the app. (Photo Credit: Daily Mail / Strava) In late-2017, open-source fitness tracker data was used to reveal the location of sensitive military locations in countries including Syria, Niger, and Afghanistan. A reliable timepiece is a necessity to ensure you conduct your operational act (agent meeting) at the exact time and place without leaving behind a digital footprint that can be pieced together by a competent hostile intelligence service. Sometimes it’s best to do things the old-fashioned way. Again, this is a great topic and something we will flesh this out in more detail in a future Dispatch. Read More: CIA Officers And Apple Watches What is a modern MACV-SOG Seiko? As documented in the Dispatch: Vietnam MACV-SOG Seikos: Setting The Record Straight, “SOG Seikos” are one of the greatest historical examples of “Watches of Espionage.” They are procured using black budget funds and issued to SOG operators as sterile and untraceable equipment. Seiko’s cult-like following combined with military historians’ fascination with SOG has made the MACV-SOG Seikos incredibly collectable (i.e. expensive). While the prices of the MACV-SOG Seikos have recently skyrocketed to well over $1,000 if you can even find them, for those interested in purchasing a modern version, the SNK381K1 is as close as it gets. At 37mm, it is smaller than most modern watches, but throw it on a green nylon strap, add a tactical compass, and you can play the part. W.O.E.’s personal modern MACV-SOG, Seiko SNK381K1 If you really want to signal to others that you are a tactical watch bro, wear it on the inside of your wrist like John Stryker Meyer did in Vietnam. Like most Seikos, it is relatively affordable and you should be sub-$200 all in. Pretty cool watch. Do you plan to restock straps, cases etc? Yes, all of our products are hand made in the US/UK so they take time and cannot be mass produced. We are working on some unique and innovative things for 2023 and will announce them in the newsletter. We should have a large release of W.O.E. Travel Pouches in late January/early February and we are really excited about the leather straps later in February. The next release of the W.O.E. Zulu Alpha Strap is TBD. Sign up for “Notify Me When Available” for anything that interests you. (HINT-HINT) More to come! Thanks for the support. Read Next: The Connection Between Watches And Espionage This Dispatch has been reviewed by the CIA’s Prepublication Classification Review Board to prevent the disclosure of classified information.
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The Pragmatic Journey of a SEAL Through Watch Collecting
By Benjamin Lowry One thousand yards of open ocean undulated gently between US Navy SEAL David Hall and the dim lights of the Haitian shoreline....
Read OnBy Benjamin Lowry One thousand yards of open ocean undulated gently between US Navy SEAL David Hall and the dim lights of the Haitian shoreline. Wearing little more than woodland cammies, a Boonie hat, and a modified hunting life jacket, Hall glanced at the luminescent display of his Luminox watch and slipped quietly into the temperate waters of the Caribbean Sea. While warm, the water was acrid, stinking of ammonia and decomposition. As he began finning, open fires burned suspiciously on the proposed invasion beaches, their faint glimmer visible in the eyes of the two other SEALs finning away to Hall’s right and left. Hall and swim buddy, just before the Haiti operation. A fortuitous low-lying fog hung over the water at the insertion point, making their approach virtually undetectable. After a military coup in 1991 ousted Haiti’s first democratically-elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a Clinton-led United States initiated Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994, a military and diplomatic intervention intended to restore order and democracy to the embattled island nation. Hall’s US Navy SEAL Team EIGHT was tasked with conducting detailed reconnaissance of several Haitian beachheads to ensure the safe landing of an impending US Marine Corps invading force. Approximately 200 yards in, Hall’s swim buddy became entangled on a submerged fishing net that was being pulled in by an unseen dugout canoe. Hall closed in to assist his struggling swim buddy, miraculously freeing him while remaining unseen by the two Haitians in the boat. Once freed, Hall and two other SEALs swam to chest-deep water before being surrounded by several dugouts manned by Haitian civilians tasked with locating and reporting exactly this type of activity. In the kind of pitch blackness only offered by the sea on a moonless foggy night, one of the enemy dugouts drifted close enough to sense the presence of Hall’s three-man element. Thanks to four years of high school French, Hall understood well enough when one of the fishermen whispered, “Homme, qu’est-ce que tu fais dans l’eau?” (“Man, what are you doing in the water?”) in a lazy blend of French and Creole. Hearing the selector switches of his teammates' silenced MP5s click from “safe” to “fire” and feeling their backs move against his own, Hall remembered their orders. Anyone who discovered the SEALs or otherwise endangered the mission was to be killed as quietly as possible. After a painfully-long pause from both parties, the civilian fishermen thought better of the engagement and silently paddled into the night without another word, the rapidly beating hearts of the SEALs still in their throats. It turns out Luminox Original Navy SEAL watches were actually worn by SEALs. With around six years in the Teams, Hall had already deployed to the Mediterranean as well as the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield, but the brief Haitian conflict, and this near miss on a moonless Haitian beach, presented his first up-close taste of war. Throughout his initial SEAL training and qualification as well as thousands of training hours at SEAL Teams TWO and EIGHT, Hall crafted a visceral understanding of the relationship between mission success and having the right tool for the job. Watches were then and are now yet another essential tool, as important to the mission in many cases as an operator’s weapons. But for Hall, who quickly asked me to call him Dave when we met via Zoom, watches represent a lot more than that. I met Dave (@davehall1911) through my Instagram account, @SubmersibleWrist, when he reached out to share a few photos of his time in the Teams. Afghanistan 2005, Casio Pathfinder on the wrist When W.O.E. asked me to write something for the Dispatch, I immediately thought of Dave. As one of the world’s least tactical people, I would never compare my resume to Dave’s, but my experiences as a search and rescue team leader in the US Coast Guard as well as my time as a commercial diver mean we share an intimate understanding of tool watches in the maritime environment. Setting aside his decorated 20-year career in Naval Special Warfare for a moment, Dave is a dyed-in-the-wool watch enthusiast just like the rest of us. The first “real” watch Dave remembers acquiring was a Citizen Aqualand C023 he purchased with carefully-pinched pennies from a summer lifeguarding job in northern Illinois. Looking back, the humble depth-gauge-enabled Citizen stands as the first installment in a tale of service, adventure, and armed conflict, punctuated by some of history's most iconic watches. BUD/S And An Improbable Tudor “Snowflake” Submariner, Ref 9401 Hall’s Tudor “Snowflake” Submariner, Ref 9401, SEAL Trident, USN Mk II Kabar At BUD/S or Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 1987, Dave quickly made friends with a San Diego local and classmate. Dave’s friend, who would eventually serve as his dive buddy in what was then Third Phase, showed Dave around the area and also introduced him to his uncle, a dealer of military surplus. As graduation from one of the military’s most elite training programs loomed, Dave’s buddy’s uncle mentioned his recent purchase of 100 of the last of the West Coast Teams' issued Tudor Submariners in an unmarked cardboard box from a US Navy Defense Reutilization Marketing Office (DRMO) surplus auction. Thirty-three years later, Dave clearly remembers paying his friend’s uncle $300, no small sum for a junior enlisted sailor in 1988, for two of the well-worn Tudor Submariners, keeping one and gifting the other to a family member. BUD/S Graduation 1988, Tudor Submariner on the wrist. Dave remembered seeing similar watches often worn with a brass W.C.C. survival compass on simple nylon straps on the wrists of legendary SEALs around BUD/S. One such operator who left an impression was RJ Thomas, a Vietnam SEAL who famously repelled two hundred VC fighters from his downed helicopter with an M1911 pistol, racking up 37 confirmed kills between 3 and a staggering 150 yards and injuring countless others. Hall's Tudor Submariner along with a few other relics from the Vietnam Era. For a young Dave Hall, his “Snowflake” Submariner could not have been any cooler and synonymous with the legendary operators the fledgling frogman hoped to emulate. Dave wore the Tudor for his graduation from BUD/S and throughout his career for lighter duty and the types of ceremonies and events that call for a dress uniform. All these years later, Dave still has the watch and wears it alongside a brass W.C.C. compass on a simple nylon strap, just as God and the SEAL Teams intended. Seiko Automatic Dive Watches, Stacks Of Casio G-Shocks, Pathfinders, & A Luminox Hall graduating SEAL Sniper School with a handshake from legendary Marine Scout Sniper, Carlos Hathcock. Seiko on the wrist. With the Rolex and Tudor Submariners of old all but phased out and either retained by crafty SEALs like Dave or sold at DRMO auctions, the SEAL Teams of the 80s and 90s issued a mix of Seiko automatic dive watches including the 6309 and later the 7002 as well as several generations of the venerable Casio G-Shock and Pathfinder. Dave remembers all of these utilitarian watches fondly, though he makes note of the sheer volume of G-Shock watches he went through in his career, often wearing one on his attack board and another on the wrist during combat dives. When the battery died or something failed, he simply tossed it and grabbed another from his unit’s supply officer. Hall dive training in 1991 in Scotland. Citizen Aqualand on the wrist. Along with the Citizen Aqualand of his youth, which he often wore operationally, Dave favored the utilitarian automatic Seiko divers of the era. Dave reached for his Seikos in situations that did not require the perfect stopwatch timing and self-illuminating capabilities offered by digital watches, opting for the legendary Japanese brand on the range, when parachuting, or for other land-based training evolutions. Chesapeake, VA, Range training, 1995. Seiko on the wrist. For the nerds in the room, which I assume is all of you, Dave mentioned that the strap of the 90s East Coast SEAL Teams was a simple velcro model with a depth-compensating spring-loaded buckle that once accompanied a Tekna diving wrist compass. Despite the legendary status of Seiko and G-Shock within the Teams, when Dave made the aforementioned big swim into Haiti in ‘94, he was wearing the then-brand-new Luminox Original Navy SEAL he had privately purchased. And while enthusiasts may snicker at the often-corny Luminox Navy SEAL marketing, Dave remembers enjoying the brightness of the tritium illumination on that particular mission while admitting the watch was more fragile compared to the Seiko, Citizen & Casio models upon which he normally relied. The OMEGA Seamaster Chronograph 2598.80 Hall's OMEGA Seamaster Chronograph. In 1996, Dave purchased his first luxury watch, an OMEGA Seamaster Chronograph reference 2598.80, in celebration of the birth of his first child. When asked, Dave indicates it was this very watch that he wore the most operationally, with hundreds of jumps, combat dives, and real-world combat missions and gun fights to its name. The Seamaster Chronograph of the era paired the iconic design language established by the Pierce Brosnan Bond Seamaster with its distinctive wave-engraved dial and added chronograph functionality by way of the robust but thick Valjoux 7750. Intriguingly, the watch made the first of two appearances by Dave’s watches in popular media, starring in the final scene of an episode of Navy SEALs: In Harms Way, a documentary series produced by Gordon Forbes for the Discovery Channel. And while Dave lists the OMEGA, now most often worn by his wife Tracey, as the number one operator watch of his career overall, the evolution of combat following the 9/11 terrorist attacks would call for new tactics and equipment, including a GPS-enabled Suunto Dave wore on a day of intense combat that would change his life. Freefall training in Spain, 1997. Omega Seamaster Chronograph on the wrist. An Early Suunto GPS Watch & A Very Long Day In Baghdad In 2004, with the Global War On Terror (GWOT) in full effect, Dave was stationed at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO (SDVT-2). Envisioned in the Second World War, the modern SDV is a miniature wet submersible capable of deploying from ships or submarines and carrying small teams of US Navy SEALs far greater distances than even a Navy SEAL can swim. For a particular SDV mission upon which Dave opts not to elaborate, he and a few other SEALs were issued an early watersports-themed Suunto watch offering rudimentary but useful GPS functionality at the cost of needing regular recharging. Given the growing intensity of combat operations in Iraq’s major cities, experienced SEALs from SDVT-2 and elsewhere were often sent to augment other SEAL Teams deployed in the Middle East. Transitioning from 10 to 15-hour dives in shark-infested water to the heat, chaos, and urban combat of Baghdad’s streets is no small task but is the kind of thing a senior operator like Dave was accustomed to after 15 years in the Teams. On one particular mission, Dave and three other SEAL snipers were attached to a regular US Army unit and tasked with providing overwatch for an intersection known as a launch point for insurgent mortar teams. The mission seemed simple enough. When the insurgent mortar team showed up, the SEAL snipers would do what they do best from the relative safety of their urban hide. Hall in Iraq before his injury. Note the Suunto GPS watch on the wrist. A few hours after being locked into the eighth floor of an urban high-rise by a sketchy local source, the team observed four insurgent pickups in the alleyway below loaded with RPGs and fifteen armed men clad in black. Soon after, a massive vehicle-borne improvised explosive device or VBIED exploded down the street, ripping the front of an Iraqi police station to shreds and igniting an intense, multi-stage ambush. With rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire erupting in every direction in the street below, Dave and his team made for the roof to bring the fight to the enemy and give the dozens of wounded Iraqi police officers at least a fighting chance of survival. A former instructor at Naval Special Warfare’s sniper school, Dave remembers engaging the enemy fighters from the rooftop along with the other SEALs and soldiers in their small element, doing enough damage for the insurgent force to switch its focus from the badly-damaged police station to killing Dave and his team. Impressively, despite their small numbers, the accuracy of the SEAL snipers and soldiers on Dave’s team kept an enormous insurgent force at bay for a tense two and a half hours. Eventually, an enterprising enemy fighter emerged from an adjacent rooftop and threw a perfectly-aimed Russian hand grenade into the midst of the SEALs and soldiers on the rooftop. Baghdad, Iraq. View from the Baghdad rooftop where Hall was injured. In a reflexive attempt to get clear of the explosion, Dave jumped in the general direction of a lower tier of the roof, barely missing a ladder on the way down. Landing awkwardly, Dave felt his right knee crumple under his body weight and a combat load of over 65 lbs of gear. Despite also hitting his head in the fall, the image of looking down and seeing the bottom of his dusty Merrell hiking boot looking up at him from his almost completely amputated lower leg is as clear for Dave today as it was in 2004. With several other members of the team also injured, including a soldier who had his foot completely severed, the team retreated under fire to the eighth floor. Dave vividly remembers crawling on his stomach over the roof using the wounded soldier’s blood like a slip and slide. Eventually making his way to a corner of the 8th floor, Dave put his back to the wall and covered the stairs, well and truly pissed and still in the fight. With the enemy well aware of the team’s position, RPG explosions rocked the seventh and eighth floor of the concrete building from all sides, piling concussive brain injuries one after another for Dave and his team in the enclosed space as the building filled with thick black smoke from burning enemy trucks. Dave’s Suunto was also still in the fight, something he remembers well because he checked the time often in the ensuing two-and-a-half hours before rescue ultimately came in the form of armored vehicles. Incredibly, after several surgeries and extensive physical therapy, Dave returned not only to the Teams but to war less than a year later to deploy to Afghanistan, ultimately retiring from a storied career in 2007. Hall as a junior Team Guy, wearing a Citizen Aqualand. Dave’s history, which I have only begun to touch on in this abbreviated format, is truly incredible, spanning the breadth of the transition between the US Navy SEALs of the 70s, 80s, and 90s that were still heavily influenced by the Vietnam War and the development of the modern operator we associate with the SEALs of today. But what surprised me most about Dave was the total lack of ego and openness with which he approached the idea of talking to someone like me about his life, war, and watches. Today, Dave remains deeply connected to the SEAL Teams and the special operations community at large, spending much of his time volunteering as the president of the Silent Warrior Foundation, a not-for-profit that provides funding for mental health services, emergency financial help, scholarships, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment for injuries that are often related to TBIs in particular. Ian Brown (@tacshot1) wearing Dave's Tudor on the set of SEAL Team on Paramount Plus Traumatic brain injuries, which are often related to mental health issues and veteran suicides, are close to Dave’s heart. Thanks to one of his friends who works on the show, Dave’s focus on TBIs ultimately led to yet another appearance in film for one of Dave’s watches in a recent episode of SEAL Team in an episode dealing with TBI-related stigma in the SEAL community. In the episode, an old-timer frogman prominently wears Dave’s Tudor Submariner, an incredibly accurate move by the prop department and further evidence that beyond his laurels as an elite special operator, Dave is also a watch guy (almost) just like you and me. Just don’t ask him how much he wants for his Tudor Sub. If you’d like to support Dave’s efforts with the Silent Warrior Foundation, please check out their website. About The Author: Benjamin Lowry is a US Coast Guard veteran and commercial diver turned watch writer. These days, Ben splits his time between writing and video production in the watch industry and managing @SubmersibleWrist, a watch spotting account dedicated to military and commercial divers. Read Next: Espionage & Family: A Tale Of Two Watches
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W.O.E. Holiday Gift Guide, 2022
In preparation for the holidays, we provide the W.O.E. stamp of approval on the following products/companies/groups. We have closed up “shop” for the year but...
Read OnIn preparation for the holidays, we provide the W.O.E. stamp of approval on the following products/companies/groups. We have closed up “shop” for the year but will be back next year with leather straps, more W.O.E. Travel Pouches, a new coin and a few more exciting things in the works. Please sign up for “Notify Me When Available” for anything that interests you. In the meantime, check out the following items as gifts for loved ones, friends or yourself. Watches: Arabic-Dial Seiko, SNKP21J1: This has become the “W.O.E. hype watch.” In fact, it is attainable and can be purchased for a couple hundred dollars on Amazon or other online retailers. A great gift for a loved one. Tudor Ranger: 39mm simple field watch. At approximately $3,000 depending on the configuration, this is a great affordable luxury tool watch. Perfect if you are looking to splurge on a timepiece for a spouse, child or parent. CWC SBS DIVER ISSUE (QS120-DD): A great overall quartz tool watch with British Ministry of Defense heritage. Available for £582.50. Wind Vintage: In the vintage watch world, Eric Wind is the OG. Wind Vintage specializes in high-end timepieces (primarily watches before 1990 and above $15,000) and focuses on condition, condition, condition. If you are looking to surprise W.O.E. with a Christmas present, please consider this Rolex “James Bond” / “Big Crown” Submariner reference 6538 with "Four-Line Dial.” The Grey NA.TO: TGN is a community of like-minded individuals who believe in using their tools. Hosts Jason Heaton and James Stacey break down their love for adventure, their addiction to watches, and also discuss travel, diving, driving and gear. A subscription to The Grey NA.TO includes a strap (grey, of course), stickers and access to additional content. At $100 a year, a unique gift for someone who has everything. The Observer Collection: Whisky Wallet. Marine-turned-photographer/designer, Robert Spangle has some unique designs for everyday travel items. The Whisky Wallet is a compact card wallet ideal in a dinner jacket. It owes much of its DNA to traditional Inrō containers and packs a slim expandable coin pocket. $200 Watchistry: When it comes to Marine Nationale watches, Watchistry (literally) wrote the book. He also has some great merchandise in his store, including the MN Enamel Mug. (Check out the books also) $19.00 Field Ethos Journal: The Everything Mug. It ain't cheap, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for. “Your grandchildren will be drinking from it.” $150 Watch Straps: When it comes to straps, we are the opposite of monogamous. We are promiscuous. In addition to our W.O.E. Zulu Alpha strap, W.O.E. will be releasing leather straps in 2023. In the meantime, check out a few ones that we like to rock. Zulu Alpha: Beyond the W.O.E.-ZA Collaboration, ZA has a range of straps to check out. $50-$145 Zane's Handmade: Handmade Horween leather straps crafted by a recent US Mil veteran. $85-95 Soturi Design: Cordura Straps. Designed for living and built to last, the Victory strap is both rugged and refined. Inspired by Cordura’s military heritage, we chose this material as a nod to the fabric’s proven performance in many of the world’s toughest environments. $135 Saga Trading Co.-Peplor: Leather strap with raindrop camo pattern. Strichtarn, or more commonly “raindrop camo” pattern, was adopted by East Germany in the mid- 1960s. Since then, it has seen use by Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, South Africa, and Uzbekistan. $155 Art: Bad Art Nice Watch: Commission a piece on your favorite watch. Check out the one he did for the Jordanian Breitling. King Kennedy Rugs: We have no idea who runs this company, but his rugs are incredible. Check out these “Vintage Rolex Hand Woven Rugs” rugs from Afghanistan. $325 Prairie Fire Art Company, "Resistance" WWII OSS Jedburgh Art Print: In 1944, the Jedburgh teams of the American OSS and the British SOE (including French officers) dropped into Nazi- occupied Europe to organize, train and lead into battle the resistance forces of France, the Netherlands and other European nations. This painting depicts an American Jedburgh officer meeting members of the French Resistance. The officer wears a Gallet Clamshell Chronograph - a popular choice with American aviators and special operations officers in Britain during the lead up to the invasion. Ad Patina: The best in the game when it comes to vintage watch advertisements. Prices vary. Justin Sowders: Want to commission a piece of horological art? Sowders is your guy. He’s developed a unique style that’s unlike anything else in the space. He’s done pieces that now hang in the halls of HODINKEE and Citizen HQ, and maybe above your fireplace next. Price on request. Knives: Half Face Blades: Half Face Blades was founded by Andrew Arrabito, Navy SEAL (ret.), to meet the need for high-quality, “go-to” knives and axes – usable, personalized, functional, versatile tools that work for every person in every walk of life. Half Face Blades knives are designed with the distinction and ruggedness required for the work they are intended to do. Each knife is calculated to meet requirements gained by experience, by testing knives and axes, by using them over time at sea and in remote wildernesses. Brad Cavner signature series. $375 Emerson Commander: The ultimate utility knife, designed to go anywhere, anytime, and to get the job done, the Commander is the ultimate “all-rounder.” Whether you're on patrol, hunting that white-tailed buck or stripping wires to run electrical in the “she-shed,” the Commander does it all with ease. $269.85 Dynamis Alliance - Winkler Knives: Razorback, a staple in W.O.E.'s EDC. Books- A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them, Matt Hranek: Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona every single day for 35 years until his death in 2008. The iconic timepiece, probably the single most sought-after watch in the world, is now in the possession of his daughter Clea, who wears it every day in his memory. Franklin Roosevelt wore an elegant gold Tiffany watch, gifted to him by a friend on his birthday, to the famous Yalta Conference where he shook the hands of Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill. JFK's Omega worn to his presidential inauguration, Ralph Lauren's watch purchased from Andy Warhol's personal collection, Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex worn during the first-ever summit of Mt. Everest . . . these and many more compose the stories of the world's most coveted watches captured in A Man and His Watch. Matthew Hranek, a watch collector and NYC men's style fixture, has traveled the world conducting firsthand interviews and diving into exclusive collections to gather the never-before-told stories of 76 watches, completed with stunning original photography of every single piece. $28.49 A Die Hard Christmas: A true story. All John McClane wants for Christmas is to reunite with his estranged family. But when his wife’s office holiday party turns into a deadly hostage situation, he has to save her life before he can get home in time for Christmas! The unconventional fan-favorite movie Die Hard is now an illustrated storybook- complete with machine guns, European terrorists, and a cop who’s forced to rely on all his cunning and skills (and the help of a fellow officer) to save the day. Based on the classic “Night Before Christmas” poem and filled with whimsical illustrations, this cleverly reimagined homage is destined to become a holiday classic. Depth Charge, Jason Heaton: Julian “Tusker” Tusk, an American archaeologist, is excavating a shipwreck half a world from home when a research boat catches fire and sinks, killing an old friend. The tragedy sets in motion a dangerous quest for truth that pulls Tusker into a sinister plot spanning 75 years, from World War II Ceylon to modern day Sri Lanka. Along the way, he matches wits with a psychopathic mercenary, discovers a long lost ship with an explosive secret, and falls for a beautiful marine biologist who is at least as strong as he is. In the end, Tusker finds that the truth may lie at the bottom of the sea, with only one way back to the surface. Depth Charge is an old school thriller in the tradition of Fleming, Maclean, and Cussler, with an eye for detail, cunning villains, and narrow escapes. The story is full of wartime secrets, the intersection of religion and politics, and the arcane world of deep technical diving. It takes readers from the smoky halls of 1940s London to the volatile, seductive heat of Sri Lanka and sixty fathoms under the Indian Ocean. Try not to hold your breath. $14.39 Watch Annual: A book for watch lovers, by watch lovers. A reflection of 2022 in watches; celebrating the best of design and complication — and a reference for years to come. An honor for W.O.E. to be featured in the 2022 Watch Annual. Our submission was the Tudor Pelagos 39, in my opinion the best luxury tool watch from this year. £29.99 Selling the Crown: The Secret History of Marketing Rolex, Brendan Cunningham, PHD: During World War II, a new front opened in the battle between the Axis and Allied powers: propaganda. Little-known archival records reveal that in the postwar period, British veterans of covert warfare applied their experiences in a new arena: advertising. This is the inside story of those who marketed Rolex, one of the most valuable and secretive brands in world history. The company's reputation for luxury and exclusivity was built, in part, using the strategies and tactics that were sharpened through secretive global conflict. Vickers Guide: The firearms and content in Vickers Guide have been sourced and curated by Larry Vickers – twenty year U.S. Army Special Operations veteran and combat marksmanship instructor, 1911 custom builder, and firearms industry consultant. Photography and publishing by James Rupley, who also happens to have taken most of the professional shots on Watches of Espionage. Starting at $98.00 Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed: You may have heard about the recent debut of the B-21 Raider. That stealth bomber is made by Northrop Grumman, they lost the contract to competitor Lockheed, which developed planes like the SR-71 and plenty more that only a few know about. Skunkworks is the secretive division of Lockheed that works on developing aircraft one step ahead of everyone else. This book is the best bit of insight on what happens inside Skunkworks. It’s a quick and fun read. Starting at $5. Terminal List Series, Jack Carr: Applying the experience and emotions from real-world combat to the pages of his novels, Jack Carr brings unprecedented levels of authenticity to the political thriller, taking readers on a behind the scenes journey into the mind of a modern-day special operations soldier, dispensing an ancient form of justice in today’s modern geopolitical landscape. Some great watch content also! First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11, Toby Harnden: America is reeling; Al-Qaeda has struck, and thousands are dead. The country scrambles to respond, but the Pentagon has no plan for Afghanistan - where Osama bin Laden masterminded the attack and is protected by the Taliban. Instead, the CIA steps forward to spearhead the war. Eight CIA officers are dropped into the mountains of Northern Afghanistan on October 17, 2001. They are Team Alpha, an eclectic band of linguists, tribal experts, and elite warriors: the first Americans to operate inside Taliban territory. Their covert mission is to track down Al-Qaeda and stop the terrorists from infiltrating the United States again. The Main Enemy: The Inside Story of the CIA's Final Showdown with the KGB: A landmark collaboration between a thirty-year veteran of the CIA and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, The Main Enemy is the dramatic inside story of the CIA-KGB spy wars, told through the actions of the men who fought them. Based on hundreds of interviews with operatives from both sides, The Main Enemy puts us inside the heads of CIA officers as they dodge surveillance and walk into violent ambushes in Moscow. This is the story of the generation of spies who came of age in the shadow of the Cuban missile crisis and rose through the ranks to run the CIA and KGB in the last days of the Cold War. The clandestine operations they masterminded took them from the sewers of Moscow to the back streets of Baghdad, from Cairo and Havana to Prague and Berlin, but the action centers on Washington, starting in the infamous "Year of the Spy"--when, one by one, the CIA’s agents in Moscow began to be killed, up through to the very last man. Hot Sauce: Tabasco: Tabasco is an American brand of hot sauce made from vinegar, tabasco peppers (Capsicum frutescens var. tabasco), and salt. It is produced by McIlhenny Company of Avery Island in south Louisiana, having been created over 150 years ago by Edmund McIlhenny. Priceless. *W.O.E. has received no financial compensation for the above products and these are NOT/NOT sponsored. Please do your own research before making any purchases.
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Espionage Art & Vintage Watch Advertisements
W.O.E. Releases MACV-SOG Watch Print – Original Art by Watches of Espionage This week on the W.O.E. Dispatch, we examine the inspiration behind the new...
Read OnW.O.E. Releases MACV-SOG Watch Print – Original Art by Watches of Espionage This week on the W.O.E. Dispatch, we examine the inspiration behind the new W.O.E. artwork and the link between comic book-style art and our community. MACV-SOG Watch Print #1: The first print is an artistic rendition of what an internal Counter Insurgency Support Office (CISO) advertisement for the MACV-SOG Seiko would have looked like in 1967. The art depicts the Seiko 5 Sportsmatic reference 6619-8060, the first of the three widely accepted Seiko references carried by SOG personnel during the Secret War in Southeast Asia. The art is an homage to both vintage watch advertisements and historic artwork commemorating CIA operations. W.O.E. designed the piece to honor our community and the tools used by those who came before us. It focuses on the watch, but more importantly it tells the story of the people who used it to accomplish their mission-critical tasks. The 11x17 inch matte poster is designed to be displayed in an office, nursery, man cave or gym. The art will look great whether it’s pinned up in your team room or framed in a boardroom. You don’t have to own these Seikos to respect the role they played in horological –and military– history. W.O.E.s personal Seiko 5 Sportsmatic reference 6619-8060, Photo Credit: James Rupley For the first piece, we honor the Vietnam Era Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG or just SOG) Recon Elements and the issued Seiko watches that adorned their wrists in the jungles of Southeast Asia. While the piece depicts authentic equipment carried by MACV-SOG, it takes some artistic liberties. The most interesting element of the art is that it contains easter eggs: little details not immediately recognizable but known to a few. See if you can find them.For additional information on MACV-SOG Seikos, see Dispatch #3: MACV-SOG Recon Elements Required a Tough Tool To Support Operations, So They Turned To Seiko Photo Credit: James Rupley Origin: This series of artwork builds on two of our passions: comic book-style art and vintage watch advertisements. Art plays a significant role in the National Security community. This juxtaposition may seem surprising: a serious trade with real world consequences depicted in comic book form stands in stark contrast to the harsh reality of the business. But there is a long history of the intersection of artwork and Military, Intelligence and Special Operations. Instagram account @artofespionage focuses on this exact niche. The CIA Museum produces limited edition posters to commemorate historic moments, generally only available to employees and VIP guests. If you are fortunate enough to visit CIA Headquarters, you will notice this artwork displayed in the museum and in the hallways. Mi-17 JAWBREAKER: The CIA Museum produced the following poster to commemorate the initial Northern Alliance Liaison Team –codenamed JAWBREAKER– who entered into Afghanistan in late 2001. The posters were provided to CIA employees, VIPs and select members of the public during a June 2019 ceremony at CIA Headquarters. W.O.E.’s personal collection A-12 Oxcart: Produced by the CIA Museum to Commemorate the CIA’s Development of the A-12 OXCART as the U-2 spy plane’s successor, which became operational in November 1965. Cole Pennington’s personal collection DOD Comic Books: Further, the Department of Defense/Military has also used comic book-style artwork in training manuals, including the “M-16A1 Rifle: Operation and Preventative Maintenance Comic Book for Soldiers in Vietnam” by Will Eisner. CIA Recruitment Poster: According to spy historian Keith Melton, this poster was produced as a recruiting tool post-9/11. This is an International Spy Museum Reproduction. “THE C.I.A. WANTS YOU / HELP US WIN THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM” W.O.E. Personal Collection Vintage Advertisements: At W.O.E., we’re fascinated with vintage watch advertisements and we have several of them hanging on the walls in our homes. Advertisements are a snapshot of how a company viewed its target market, end user, and image for their watches in a given period. You most likely know the famous Rolex series, “If you were . . . you’d wear a Rolex”. This slogan is one of the most iconic of the bunch, but each brand has put significant thought into advertising communications and many of them are now collectable items. After all, Rolex recruited top talent from the Intelligence Community to shape their communications and advertising campaigns, as outlined in the book Selling the Crown: The Secret History of Marketing Rolex by Brendan Cunningham. W.O.E. personal collection Friend of W.O.E., @adpatina, has developed expertise in vintage horological ads, and developed a robust business around seeking out old vintage advertisements and masterfully framing them for the world’s leading collectors. James Bond Omega Advertisement, Framed by Ad Patina(Photo Courtesy of Ad Patina) Photo Credit: Michael Shaffer / @capitolsunset Further Reading: MACV-SOG Recon Elements Required a Tough Tool To Support Operations, So They Turned To Seiko CIA’s JAWBREAKER Team And A Rolex Submariner Use of “Watches of Espionage” on associated artwork is trademarked.
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SEAL Team Six and a U.S. Navy-Issued Seiko Turtle
SEAL Team Six and a U.S. Navy-Issued Seiko Turtle For this edition of the W.O.E. Dispatch, we spoke with Kyle Defoor, a former Navy SEAL...
Read OnSEAL Team Six and a U.S. Navy-Issued Seiko Turtle For this edition of the W.O.E. Dispatch, we spoke with Kyle Defoor, a former Navy SEAL Special Mission Unit combat veteran, about his U.S. Navy-Issued Seiko 6309-7049. Kyle Defoor’s Seiko on a Prometheus Design Werx Ti-Ring Strap along with his SEAL Trident, Red Squadron and American Flag patches he wore in Afghanistan. Kyle Defoor has devoted the past 30 years to mastering his craft as a Navy SEAL sniper and decorated combat veteran. He understands the value of practical tools. Clothing, gear, guns and motorcycles are carefully assessed for specific utility and tossed out if they don’t meet the ever-increasing standards. Naturally, Defoor has several watches in his toolkit; but one stands out–a late 1970s U.S. Navy-issued Seiko 6309-7049. In the world of “Watches of Espionage”, this watch has it all: documented provenance connected to two well-known SEALs, operational use on multiple continents, and a story about passing down a watch from father to son. Originally the Seiko was issued to revered SEAL Rudy Boesch in the late 1970s, and then Defoor acquired it in 1996 when his father purchased the watch at an auction supporting the UDT-SEAL Association and gave it to him. He wore the watch in training and operational deployments, including the early years of the war in Afghanistan. The watch wears the scars collected over 40 years of hard use. And to this day, Defoor still wears it as he trains the next generation in firearms and tactics as founder of Defoor Proformance Shooting. Defoor’s Seiko 6309-7049 Seiko watches have a long history with the Special Operations community, specifically their dive watches, which were favored by members of Naval Special Warfare units. While Tudor Submariners were common during the Vietnam War and issued by some Teams into the 1980s, Seiko Divers were standard issue for the SEALs from the 1970s until the mid-1990s, when they were replaced by digital G-Shocks. Nicknamed the “Turtle” due to the recognizable shape of the case, the watch is purely designed with utility in mind. For example, the recessed screw down crown at 4 o’clock works with bulky dive suits and– as Defoor notes– while doing pushups. It’s rated for 150 meters, and that’s good enough for a SEAL, and so is the Caliber 6300 inside. The Turtle was a logical choice for Frogmen in the late 1970s. Defoor's Seiko 6309-7049 Defoor’s reference has what’s known as a “Suwa dial,” and it’s prized by collectors. Suwa dial Turtles were produced from 1976 until circa 1981, and features an “S” above the 6 o’clock marker and the “Japan 6309-704L T” on the bottom of the dial. At 45mm wide and 13mm thick, it is a large watch but wears comfortably due to the short lugs. The day and date complication along with the bi-directional 60-click bezel makes this a practical tool watch fit for rugged use. An automatic movement negates the risk of battery failure, a constant concern for SpecOps. Kyle Defoor Defoor, a sniper and decorated combat veteran, spent 10 years in the Navy SEALs including deployments with SEAL Team 6, 2 and 8. Deciphering the details of Defoor’s career can be difficult because he rarely goes into detail publicly on his service and instead uses vague descriptions of his work like “a trip to Afghanistan” to describe his involvement in some of the most pivotal operations in the early years of that conflict, or “some time in Bosnia” for hunting Balkan war criminals in the 1990s. A self-described “redneck from Alabama,” Defoor has the confidence to be expected of someone with his background, but the rare quality of genuine humility. Defoor enlisted in the Navy when he was 18 years old and after completing BUD/S and earning his Trident, he was assigned to SEAL Team 8. Defoor’s first exposure to real world operations occurred when he deployed to Bosnia to hunt Persons Indicted for War Crimes (PIFWIC) for their actions during the Yugoslav Wars. In July 1996, Defoor attended the Navy SEAL reunion in Little Creek, Virginia, which included a fundraiser for the UDT-SEAL Association. One of the items auctioned to support the association was former Master Chief Petty Officer’s Rudy Boesch’s issued Seiko Diver, ref. 6309-7049. Kyle’s father, fresh off a successful gambling trip in Tunica, Mississippi, was visiting Defoor and also attended the reunion. Flush with cash from the blackjack table, he was eager to purchase an early birthday gift for his son-turned-Frogman and outbid other former SEALs and UDT for the Seiko. Defoor estimates his father paid $500 for the watch, which was a sizable amount from Defoor’s perspective at the time. This was a meaningful gift for a host of reasons, but especially because of the value the Special Operations community places on honoring those who came before us. Tradition and heritage matter. Defoor noted that many of his BUD/S classmates purchased Rolex Submariners to commemorate their graduation, but his humble background meant that he wasn’t able to purchase such an expensive watch. Receiving the Seiko was a memorable moment for Defoor – not only was it a gift from his father, but it came with important provenance. In the mid-1990s, Boesch was a legendary figure in the Naval Special Warfare community, and years later became well-known to the general public due to his participation in the reality show Survivor. Defoor and Boesch in 2013. For years, Defoor asked Boesch for a picture with the watch, joking that a documented picture would allow him to sell it for auction down the road. In what became a running joke, for years Boesch would rebuff Defoor’s attempts and offer a beer instead. In 2013, Boesch finally relented and took the picture with Defoor at a Navy SEAL reunion. Rudy Boesch enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old and had a 45 year career in Naval Special Warfare, making him the longest serving SEAL at the time. He was originally an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) Frogman prior to joining the newly-formed Navy SEALs in 1962. Boesch earned a Bronze Star for his actions during two combat deployments in Vietnam with SEAL Team 2. After Vietnam, Boesch returned to Little Creek, VA with SEAL Team 2 and it was there that he was issued this Seiko in 1979. Boesch told Defoor that he wore the Seiko until his retirement, but was not a huge fan of the watch as he found it too clunky. After his retirement in 1990, the tool was put unceremoniously in a drawer until the UDT/SEAL Association asked him to donate an item for the 1996 auction. Rudy Boesch in Vietnam as a member of SEAL Team 2 in 1968 After receiving the Seiko, Defoor serviced it at a local Virginia Beach jeweler and wore the watch during Sniper School, then took it on additional deployments to the Balkans where he conducted recce operations in support of the hunt for PIFWCs. At the time, the Navy had transitioned from automatic Seikos to issuing digital G-Shocks, but Defoor stuck with the Seiko. In 2000, he screened for Navy Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team Six), which put him in a unique position as a member of the now-famed Red Squadron. That was in September of 2001. When Defoor deployed to Afghanistan shortly after September 11th as an assaulter and recce sniper, the Seiko came with him. Defoor earned the Bronze Star with Valor for actions in Operation Anaconda, a March 2002 battle in the Shahi-Kot Valley targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban forces. Defoor conceded that while the watch was a constant companion during training cycles and deployments, there were times that he used a G-Shock when he knew exact timing was mission essential. He knew the Seiko’s bidirectional bezel was a liability when diving as a knock and resulting accidental advancement could cause a SEAL to overestimate the time he had left underwater. Ironically, in the early 2000s, SEALS found themselves spending more time in the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan than underwater. Defoor in Afghanistan in early 2002 While Defoor’s career is notable by any standard, his legacy will likely be in the training realm. After leaving the military, he founded “Defoor Proformance Shooting,” and has devoted his life to preparing the next generation of warriors and developing tools for those on the front lines. Defoor is a leader in the firearms and tactics space and trains thousands of students each year from the U.S. military, law enforcement and government agencies, and is also involved with product development as a consultant for Tenicor, Bravo Company USA, Staccato Firearms and Vortex Optics. In addition to operational deployments, the watch has been a constant presence in Defoor’s life and a conscious choice for more personal, but no less important, events. It was on his wrist as he rode his motorcycle across the country, walked his daughter down the aisle to hand her off to another SEAL and in the delivery room for the birth of his son. Preparing to one day hand the watch down to his son, Defoor recently purchased a Sangin Neptune. Kyle, thank you for sharing your story with W.O.E and for everything you have done and continue to do for our community. Read Next: The Pragmatic Journey Of A SEAL Through Watch Collecting
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Vietnam MACV-SOG Seikos: Setting the Record Straight
MACV-SOG Recon Elements Required a Tough Tool To Support Operations, So They Turned To Seiko Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG...
Read OnMACV-SOG Recon Elements Required a Tough Tool To Support Operations, So They Turned To Seiko Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG or just SOG) recon men required a robust and non-attributable timepiece to accomplish their mission. They turned to Seiko, known as the ‘Toyota of Watches’. Three distinct Seiko references in total were used by MACV-SOG operators. We spoke with former SOG legend John Stryker Meyer–“Tilt”--about the role these Seikos played in the missions he took part in. As with anything clandestine, there’s plenty of misinformation and speculation out there. Meyer served as a primary source that helped us cut through the hearsay and get to the facts surrounding the shadowy MACV-SOG Seiko references. When it comes to tools actually used in the field, there are few watch manufacturers more present than Seiko. Seiko, after all, is the “Toyota of watches”– they’re cheap and reliable utilitarian tools. For the same reasons Toyotas are a common sight in modern conflict zones, Seikos have adorned the wrists of hard men in hard places for decades. One of the most well-known examples of Seiko’s presence in the intelligence and SpecOps world is the Vietnam-era “MACV-SOG Seiko,” procured using black budget funds and issued to SOG operators as sterile and untraceable equipment. Seiko’s cult-like following combined with military historian’s fascination with SOG has made the MACV-SOG Seikos incredibly collectable. In an effort to go deeper and seek the truth, we spoke with former SOG legend John Stryker Meyer–“Tilt”-- about his experience with the MACV-SOG Seikos, and he would know–he was issued one. Meyer and Lynne Black Jr. in November 1968 with their CISO-issued Seikos. Note, the watch is worn on the inside of the wrist on his strong hand, a habit he picked up in training. (Photo Credit: Meyer) John Stryker Meyer is a former Green Beret and legend in the special operations community. He’s devoted much of his later life to preserving the SOG heritage and documenting his experiences for future generations. Even after 50 years, he still remembers his Seiko well. It was one of the many tools he used to carry out his duties and execute the mission. When it came to equipment, SOG recon men were issued the most innovative tools, often custom tailored for clandestine and covert reconnaissance. Meyer received his watch from S4 unit supply specialists after arriving “in country” in April 1968. There was no fanfare, the issue process of the watch was no different from that of a CAR-15 rifle, a tiger stripe camo uniform and a PCR-25 radio: it was part of the standard kit. Meyer believed that the watches were issued in 1967, but of course when dealing with minute details from so long ago, it’s hard to say with certainty. Unfortunately, after the Vietnam conflict Meyer lost his watch while body surfing in the early 1970s, but it was likely the first of the three models, ref. 6619-8060. Meyer recalls the Seiko being issued on a black tropic strap and due to the bright glow of the tritium dial, he wore the timepiece on the inside of his right wrist, noting that “the luminous dial was so bright that SOG recon men had to cover it with gloves or black electric tape at night.” Meyer preferred the watch over the Rolex Submariners many of his fellow SF soldiers purchased, because of the bright tritium lume and the practical day/date function. It was a tool, and as he recalled over a half century later, “even in the pitch black jungle, I knew when to make communication checks with the airborne command aircraft– usually at midnight, or at 2 a.m.” For MACV-SOG operators like Meyer, timing was everything. Meyer said that some of his fellow Recon Company soldiers added a Waltham Clock Company (W.C.C.) compass to the strap, but he preferred the traditional compass around his neck. When asked about some of the myths surrounding the Seikos, including the notorious internet rumor that they were provided as rewards for capturing an enemy POW, Meyer simply called it “bullshit.” He admitted, in a casual manner that only someone with firsthand experience is qualified to divulge, that the real reward for capturing a POW was $100 and a week R&R, not a Seiko watch. (Of note, in 1968, $100 could buy you over a dozen Seiko 5s.) Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG or just SOG) was an elite Special Operations unit during the Vietnam War from 1964 until 1972 and was responsible for carrying out unconventional warfare tactics. The group was multi-service, with personnel from U.S. Navy SEALs, Air Force and Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance, but relied heavily on Green Berets from the 5th Special Forces Group. SOG missions included covert and clandestine operations, reconnaissance, sabotage, wiretaps and intelligence collection in South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. SOG’s success was in part due to their make-up: one to two Americans partnered up to nine indigenous troops. In order to accomplish their covert and deniable mission, SOG required unique training, authorities and equipment, including durable and sterile timepieces. Vietnam, 1968. Pictured; left to right; Sau - Vietnamese Team Leader, Meyer, Hiep - Interpreter, Black (Photo credit: Meyer) SOG Seiko 5s: There are three generally agreed Seiko references that were carried by SOG personnel during the conflict: 6619-8060 from circa 1967, 6119-8100 from circa 1968 and 7005-8030 from circa 1970. There is some indication that the first reference (6619-8060) were purchased by soldiers on the economy and the latter two were issued from 1968 onward. While this may have been the case, according to Meyer, he was issued his watch in early 1968, which would suggest 6619-8060 were also issued, at least in small numbers. Conrad “Ben” Baker–a man who Meyer would later describe as SOG’s “Q,” a reference to the fictional character responsible for outfitting James Bond with the latest gadgetry– was Deputy Director of Counter Insurgency Support Office (CISO). In this role, Baker managed the procuring of equipment for SOG forces and was respected by the troops. He is credited with developing and procuring tailor-made equipment: everything from SOG knives, clothing, indigenous rations and most relevant for this discussion, watches. Baker, who was based out of Okinawa, would ultimately settle on the Japanese-produced Seiko as the supplier for watches. While their Japanese production–not USMIL–issuance–offered some plausible deniability, the rationale behind the decision may have been budgetary, rather than a spooky cover story. Years later, Baker would tell Meyer, “at one point, every team wanted 12 or 13 Rolex watches, the Oyster model I believe. They got Seiko watches instead that cost $6 or $8 apiece.” There are confirmed examples of MACV-SOG forces owning each of the three references, and while most modern day pictures show nylon straps, historical photos mostly show black tropical straps, something Meyer remembered as more “plastic” than rubber. Seiko Sportsmatic 5, Ref. 6619-8060, circa 1967: Known for the graphite sunburst dial, the 36mm steel case features a 21 jewel 6619 movement and depth rating of 50 meters. 6619-8060 (Photo credit: Hodinkee Shop) Seiko 5, Ref. 6119-8100, circa 1968: This second reference is almost indistinguishable from the previous reference, with slight changes to the dial, a chrome case and “Seiko 5” on the dial. It has a chrome-plated case and a steel caseback. Issued watch of Kyle Dean, who served in Vietnam in 1969. (Photo Credit: Running Recon: A Photo Journey with SOG Special Ops Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail) Ref. 7005-8030, circa 1970: Round in shape and with a black dial, the third reference has a date only feature and was issued in smaller numbers until MACV-SOG’s deactivation in April 1972. It is highly sought after by collectors. CISO Deputy Director Conrad “Ben” Baker and his personal 7005-8030 (Photo Credit: Jason Hardy) In addition to these references, there are indications that other models were issued by CISO, including at least one documented 1968 Seiko 6106-8100 dive watch. Meyer also confirmed that many of his comrades purchased Rolex watches from the PX that were to be used as a potential bartering tool during escape and evasion. While the prices of the MACV-SOG Seikos have recently skyrocketed to well over $1,000, for those interested in purchasing a modern version, the SNK381K1 is as close as it gets. At 37mm, it is smaller than most modern watches, but throw it on a green nylon strap, add a tactical compass, and you can play the part. Tilt, thank you for sharing a part of your story with us and for everything you have done and continue to do for our community. It was an honor to meet you in person and present you with the “W.O.E.” coin. This Dispatch is in honor of the 1,582 Americans who are Missing and Unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War, of whom over 50 were Green Beret’s from the Secret War. If you would like to support them and their families, please consider a donation to the National League of POW/MIA Families. -- If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our free weekly newsletter for further updates HERE. Read Part II: SOG Seikos - Vietnam MACV-SOG Watches, Part II
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