The ‘D-Day Watches’ Crafted from WWII Helmets and Normandy Beach Sand
In today’s world, where clocks are everywhere—from pockets to screens—Col&MacArthur offers more than just time; it offers a piece of history. This watchmaker is renowned for integrating unusual materials into its timepieces, such as Pearl Harbor seawater and meteorite moondust, to tell unique horological stories.
To honor the D-Day landings, the brand launched a collection featuring watches made from authentic materials linked to US soldiers, including helmet metal, haversack fabric, and sand gathered from Normandy’s beaches.
Historical Materials in Modern Watches
“People are not buying this watch because it tells the time,” said Sébastien Colen, CEO and co-founder, on a call from Belgium. “It’s because it is bringing them back somewhere in the past.”
Colen, a former energy executive, spent three years developing the Normandie 1944—a luxury watch with a dial made from metal salvaged from an M-1 helmet, the standard-issue helmet of the US Army during WWII.
The helmet, acquired from a military memorabilia trader in Dallas, Texas, was carefully flattened using a press to preserve its original markings and imperfections, rather than being hammered.
The press-formed metal was cut into circular pieces for dials, which were then fitted into 43-millimeter cases at Col&MacArthur’s studio in Liège, Belgium.
“People are not buying this watch because it tells the time. It’s because it is bringing them back somewhere in the past.” — Sébastien Colen, CEO
Craftsmanship Rooted in Legacy
By using authentic World War II materials, these watches offer a tangible connection to the past, combining meticulous craftsmanship with powerful historical significance.
Summary: Col&MacArthur creates luxury watches from genuine WWII helmet metal and Normandy sand, blending precise craftsmanship with historic artifacts to immerse wearers in the memory of D-Day.
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