Hello everyone, I'm Oscar the brand director for Praesidus Watch Co. Thanks My Watch Reviews for the in-depth review; I appreciate the criticism and I hope you don't mind me bringing a bit more explanation to certain choices. First off, we also developed a 32mm version of the A-11 Spec 2 which meant we had to get a slimmer quartz movement so as to fit the smaller case size (and explains a bit the empty space in the 40mm case). As to why we chose a more expensive American movement - this was a project of our since a while; we used to offer more affordable Ronda Quartz collections but wanted to take a leap of faith into the Ameriquartz since the American Watch Industry is intimately linked to the brand's project & universe. I accept that this has brought on a higher price point than is desirable for some and, I'm working on providing more "bang" for the same price in the future. I'd also like to point out that, we're not necessarily proud of the movement is of itself; as pointed out its a rather standard quartz movement from a technical stand point. However, we're proud of what it represents: the start of a rebirth of the American Watch Industry after decades of collapse and de-industrialization. As a final side note - we do have a much more "authentic" A-11 collection called the A-11 Type 44. We went all in and comes with a swiss manual wind movement, acrylic glass and a choice of either 32 or 38mm much more adapted for those looking for the real thing with modern comforts. Anyways, if anyone has questions, feel free to ask them here - I'd be glad to answer anything! Once again thanks for the review & I'm glad for the honesty. Best, Oscar

I’m glad to have come across this video. I’ve been trying to collect at least one each of the original A-11’s. During my search I’ve ran across these Praesidus versions and have been curious about how well built they are.

Well well... i think that it is actually SUPERB, Praesidus Watch Co. excellent time pieces ,it is absolutely Refreshing to have the Brand Director, Mr. Oscar, extremely active in the comments. hats off to that 💯.

In 1972 I was on flying status in the USAF. Before every flight we were issued a few items, among which was the A-11 style watch of that era. In addition it had 24 hour numerals on the dial. We had to return the watch after the flight (I now wish I had "lost" the watch and paid the penalty in order to keep it, but alas). Indeed, on board the plane during the pre-flight checklist we had to "synchronize our watches" just like in the old movies. I have my eye on the Benrus DTU-2A/P Field Watch which to my eyes is very similar to my issued USAF watch. Thanks Mike!

Thanks Mike for bringing another watch to us enthusiasts that might otherwise have gone un noticed. I really like this watch, enough to buy one, I like simple uncomplicated watches and this one really hits the spot. I like the way the second hand hit all the markers in the outside video shots. My only concerns are the long term availability of replacement crystals with it not being sapphire and obtaining a suitable tool to remove the caseback for battery replacement. Think I might be buying one of these, it would look great on a distressed leather strap. 👍

Great review nice looking watch like the seconds hand hitting the markers. Cannot wait for the Bulova repair/service.

Nice review Mike…. I liked my A-11 but it was just too small. This watch answers that problem and I actually like it.

A great, professional review as ever Michael. I think for the manufacturers to name this a an A-11 and try to draw any parallels to the original Bulova A-11 is wrong on all levels in my humble opinion. If I was given the selling price as a budget, I could buy some good quality components on eBay and finish up with a mechanical watch of similar nature. Just my opinion though.

I bought one & I'm 18 years old I love the look and how easy it is to read

I really like the watch. Thanks for the review. Personally I prefer a quartz movement, purely for the accuracy. I have Omegas and a Longines from the 80's & 90's which still only gain about a min per year, with minimal servicing.

The second hand is perfectly lined up! I've noticed a lot of watches are always off a little bit.

If you haven’t already taken a dive into the Bulova 10AK, it’s quite a robust movement, and the hack mechanism is, in my opinion, superior to others of the time. Oh, and if you have the means, getting one cased in silver is especially cool. Regarding the Praesidus homage, congratulations Oscar. Love that you’re breathing new life into American watchmaking. Hope your venture is successful.

I'm a huge fan of the A-11 (and it's Korean War descendant, the A-17). I truly appreciate the Spartan utility if these watches and the overall practicality of a hacking 3-hander with no bells or whistles. I've been toying with the idea of picking up a Praesidus, as they seem to be well made with above average QC for the price range (that seconds hand was striking the hashmarks on the railroad track with military precision,pun intended). I am becoming increasingly fond of quartz watches as well, since the accuracy is better than all but the most expensive, and thereby unobtainable, mechanical watches. The seconds tick is just something you have to either learn to accept (for watch nerds) or don't really care about (for the other 99.99%of the population), but the set-it-and-forget-it nature of quartz watches makes them relatively hassle free, and that's not a small consideration. Sure, the movements aren't sexy to look at, but neither is the A-11, at least not in any traditional sense. These quartz field watches just ooze sensibility and practicality and that's a pretty good "Jeans and T-Shirt" aesthetic in and of itself. And watch collectors tend to have plenty of showier, shinier automatics to wear for showier, shinier occasions. This watch is a workhorse that you can wear to a blue collar job and not worry about. Try wearing a Rolex GMT Master II to the oil rig. Your anxiety level would be through the roof (metaphorically, of course. Even if I could afford a $20,000 watch, I could hardly justify the expense, nor would I want to. The pricing and hype seem predatory to me). Sorry. Long post just to say I kinda dig the watch.

First thing they’ve done it right is the second hand hit the hash marks precisely each tick.

Great review

Love the styling and the callback to history. I'm honestly shocked by how much empty space there was around that quartz movement, but I guess if you want that chunkier modern look, that's what it takes. I think given the choice I'd rather an original (or a dirty dozen), but I think Praesidus have done a good job here, one which will appeal to those that want the look with the convenience of quartz.

Personally, I have always felt that modern watches have become comically too huge. They look like desk clocks with watch straps! I prefer the smaller sizes of watches from the middle of the last century. And yes, I intend to buy a 32mm version of this A-11 watch. Very well done, Praesidus.

As far as age, I’m 35 years old and have been obsessed with these when they came out. There’s a few mechanical models as well.

Thanks for the video. Liked the watch.

Dial design, very nice. Quartz, understandable if a little disappointing as a choice. Appeal, probably nostalgia and history buffs. Size is too big for me.

Like the looks of this one Michael. I like military watches and "look a likes". Have they had that size case designed to fit bigger movements into? It never looks good with a big piece of "white" plastic jumping out at you when the back is removed. If the plastic spacer was olive green it may reduce the shock! I think I would buy one ..... mmmm ..... would I?... not if a beat up CWC G10 was about for the same money. Decisions, decisions. Good review Michael, well done!

on a side note, is it possible to do a disassembly of a steeldive sd1970 full teardown and oil up? I'm curious to see how to remove the bezel and repair it...

Nice video

These were like 114 a piece on black friday. Buy one get one free! Just have to sell a friend on it.

Nice, I like the band too :)

Thanks for posting Mike. I'm curious, is there different types of lume that last longer than others?

Usually these watch straps/bands are way too short, so it would be nice if it is long enough :)

I agree, it's a little too large, 37mm would be better. Praesidus has done a good job recreating the original and it looks great until you put it next to the Bulova and then ... well, I'm biased towards vintage! Although £175 is pricey for a quartz, you get a faithful tribute to a remarkable generation of watches (and men).

Nice looking watch shame about the movement! Thanks Mike keep safe fella

The quality of lume on it is *exactly* the same as that of this century's discontinued Seiko 5 generation, even if Seiko rebranded it.

Not sure I like the quartz movement. Like homage electric guitars, I wonder when someone will “rough it up” to look old… definitely won’t pay 200 US plus tax and shipping for a quartz watch. nice review!

32mm with a mechanical movement & you've got a deal.

Reminds me of the S. African CWC military copies - utter junk, but at least you have somewhere to keep your loose change! That quartz movement would, however, have made a very affordable A-11 Type 44, but instead they've done it with a Swiss mechanical movement and stuck a £454 price tag on it. The obvious thing to do, therefore, is keep looking around for an original. That sort of price for a modern copy is a mickey take.

So about €200,- I guess. That's a lot of money for a quatsch watch..., still it looks nice.. I have a 1,50 € watch, one and a halve €...Found it in the recycle shop, two of them actually. New it was 49€...I has the same kind of stuff inside :) and OOZOO. Bought a NATO with it and a battery, un-stitched the NATO and made it longer... So now it is a 2€ watch I guess. It looks great white dial with black numbers, and the date it has too, that's why it was 49€ new I guess.

I like the "style" and design of the watch however, the price for the size of the quartz movement, besides the obvious similarities with Japanese quartz movement that is sold for less then 2€ , I bet that "American" made could easily be replaced by a run of the mill Chinese copy quartz... with that said, this watch is a hard "you shall not pass" from me...

좋아요

Really taken aback that a homage watch is quartz. Seems somewhat silly

An expensive price point for a quartz watch. no way!!!! IF that was mechanical like the original. yes I could justify paying over $200 for that

But £240? Hmmm……

:)

OMG 😳! What a let down! I was slightly critical of it half way through the video, but by then end all I can say is that I am not a fan. Sorry Mike.

expensive as fuck

All that wasted space inside the case. Very gimmicky! I prefer a mechanical watch. Maybe a little less accurate than a quartz, but it is a lot more accurate than a quartz with a flat battery!