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Col&MacArthur’s D-Day Watch Blends History with Ethical Debate

A timepiece forged from WWII relics stirs controversy. Can a watch truly capture the weight of history—or does it risk exploiting the past?

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
In this picture we can see the soldiers were wearing helmet, shirt, trouser and shoe. At the bottom...
In this picture we can see the soldiers were wearing helmet, shirt, trouser and shoe. At the bottom we can see the wooden boxes and cylinders. In the background we can see many trees. At the top there is a sky. In the bottom right there is a watermark.

Col&MacArthur’s D-Day Watch Blends History with Ethical Debate

Col&MacArthur, a watchmaker renowned for its unique materials, is commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day with a special edition watch. The 'Normandie 1944' timepiece incorporates authentic artifacts from the historic event, sparking ethical debates and legal considerations.

The brand has crafted the watches using metal from US soldiers' M-1 helmets, supplied by MTR via Detlev Louis, and fabric from M-1928 haversacks. A small capsule of Normandy sand, collected legally from a road near Sword Beach, is also included in each watch. The dial features a historical map of Omaha Beach.

Col&MacArthur is pondering whether to use stained parts of the haversacks on the straps' reverse side, raising questions about authenticity and respect for historical artifacts. The Kickstarter campaign, which has already surpassed $86,000, could reach $100,000, triggering the development of a new collection commemorating the Battle of the Bulge.

With a history rooted in British military tradition, Col&MacArthur has previously produced watches for various Royal Guards regiments. The 'Legacy' edition of the D-Day watch is priced at $1,749 and limited to 1,944 units, while the standard version is $699.

Col&MacArthur's D-Day watch, the 'Normandie 1944', is a poignant tribute to the historic event, blending horological storytelling with authentic artifacts. As the Kickstarter campaign nears its target, the brand contemplates its next historical collection, navigating ethical considerations and legal constraints along the way.

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