Watches of Espionage
Online journal exploring the intersection of watches and the military, intelligence and national security. Our tools are built the same way - with purpose.
W.O.E. Dispatch
Our Latest Articles
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Best Quartz Watches for the W.O.E. Community
In this Dispatch, we provide a list of our top picks for analog quartz watches representing a wide array of categories and price points, all tailored to the needs of...
33 commentsBest Quartz Watches for the W.O.E. Community
In this Dispatch, we provide a list of our top picks for analog quartz watches representing a wide array of categories and price points, all tailored to the needs of the W.O.E. Community.
Read More33 comments -
W.O.E. YouTube: Real Spy Gadget Watches of the ...
In sharp contrast to the laser-firing Omega Seamasters or buzzsaw-bezel Rolex Submariners of cinematic spies, there is a surprising real history of watches containing concealed cameras, microphones, and other gadgets...
W.O.E. YouTube: Real Spy Gadget Watches of the CIA & KGB
In sharp contrast to the laser-firing Omega Seamasters or buzzsaw-bezel Rolex Submariners of cinematic spies, there is a surprising real history of watches containing concealed cameras, microphones, and other gadgets being fielded by intelligence services around the globe.
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French SpecOps, Tudor FXD, & The Commando Strap
How Z.A. Straps & W.O.E. Developed A Strap For The Commando Hubert’s Tudor Unit Watches In the Watches of Espionage space, the Tudor Pelagos FXD reigns supreme as the apex...
11 commentsFrench SpecOps, Tudor FXD, & The Commando Strap
How Z.A. Straps & W.O.E. Developed A Strap For The Commando Hubert’s Tudor Unit Watches In the Watches of Espionage space, the Tudor Pelagos FXD reigns supreme as the apex predator of dive watches. Developed in partnership with the Commando Hubert Combat Swimmers, the French equivalent to the US Navy...
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Using a Garmin Smartwatch as a Tool with Coast ...
In July of last year, a USCG Rescue Swimmer named Scott Ruskan did something incredible. Dropped off by his helicopter near a kids' summer camp in Kerrville County, Texas, Ruskan...
14 commentsUsing a Garmin Smartwatch as a Tool with Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan
In July of last year, a USCG Rescue Swimmer named Scott Ruskan did something incredible. Dropped off by his helicopter near a kids' summer camp in Kerrville County, Texas, Ruskan coordinated the rescue of 165 children cut off from first responders and the rest of civilization by rising floodwater. The...
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Watch Industry SITREP - May 2026
May was a big month. From intriguing watches at SOF Week to a custom Bremont for new Martin-Baker ejectees to Putin’s recent watch ban to unit watch auction news to...
5 commentsWatch Industry SITREP - May 2026
May was a big month. From intriguing watches at SOF Week to a custom Bremont for new Martin-Baker ejectees to Putin’s recent watch ban to unit watch auction news to Bond’s first chronograph and, as always, a heapin’ helping of watch crime. You know what time it is? It’s SITREP...
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CIA Memorial Wall: The Watches of Fallen CIA Of...
Memorial Day honors all military members who have died while serving in the US armed forces. On this day, we also reflect on the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice...
7 commentsCIA Memorial Wall: The Watches of Fallen CIA Officers
Memorial Day honors all military members who have died while serving in the US armed forces. On this day, we also reflect on the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Central Intelligence Agency. Some I knew personally, some by reputation, and many others were lost years before I...
Read More7 comments
Top Rated Straps
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Glomar Explorer - Hook And Loop Watch Strap
Modeled off the traditional hook-and-loop dive watch strap, the Glomar Explorer is a premium single-pass adjustable adventure strap for those...Regular price $47.00Regular priceSale price $47.00 -
A subtle nod to history’s most famous spy, our Bond Five Eye straps honor the OG’s influence on the world...Regular price $35.00Regular price
Sale price $35.00 -
Five Eye Nylon Watch Strap - Stripe
See solid colors HERE. The “Five Eye” (FVEY) is our modern interpretation of a standard military-issued nylon strap. We developed...Regular price $35.00Regular priceSale price $35.00 -
Five Eye Nylon Watch Strap - Solid
See stripe colors HERE. The “Five Eye” (FVEY) is our modern interpretation of a standard military-issued nylon strap. We developed...Regular price $35.00Regular priceSale price $35.00
New Release
Discover Our Handpicked Favorites, Where Time Meets Curated Elegance, Ensuring Your Style Is Always A Time Masterpiece
Meet W.O.E
W.O.E.® is run by a former Case Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) with a passion for timepieces. The job of a Case Officer is to recruit spies and steal secrets to collect strategic intelligence. While the location and the mission changed over the years, the one thing that remained the same was the presence of a reliable timepiece on the wrist. In the world of espionage, time matters.
During an intelligence operation, mere seconds can mean the difference between life and death, imprisonment or (potentially worse) failing to collect strategic intelligence. So, it's no surprise that the intelligence business foreign intelligence collection, covert action and counterintelligence is inextricably linked to reliable, even luxury, timepieces.
“W.O.E.” was established in 2021 to fill a gap in the horology content space, to focus on the human element of timepieces and the story the tools tell. In many ways, the watch is just a medium to the human element.
Videos by Category
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W.O.E. YouTube: Real Spy Gadget Watches of the ...
In sharp contrast to the laser-firing Omega Seamasters or buzzsaw-bezel Rolex Submariners of cinematic spies, there is a surprising real history of watches containing concealed cameras, microphones, and other gadgets...
W.O.E. YouTube: Real Spy Gadget Watches of the CIA & KGB
In sharp contrast to the laser-firing Omega Seamasters or buzzsaw-bezel Rolex Submariners of cinematic spies, there is a surprising real history of watches containing concealed cameras, microphones, and other gadgets being fielded by intelligence services around the globe.
Read More -
W.O.E. YouTube: Watches of Artemis II & Space E...
In this video, we discuss the watches used as tools by astronauts both then and now, because even beyond Earth’s atmosphere, a watch is never just a watch.
2 commentsW.O.E. YouTube: Watches of Artemis II & Space Exploration
In this video, we discuss the watches used as tools by astronauts both then and now, because even beyond Earth’s atmosphere, a watch is never just a watch.
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W.O.E. YouTube: The Rolex Explorer II of a CIA ...
Elliot Ackerman is a former Marine Infantry Officer, MARSOC Raider, and CIA Paramilitary Officer who later became a best-selling author. The one constant throughout Elliot’s incredible life of service was...
5 commentsW.O.E. YouTube: The Rolex Explorer II of a CIA Paramilitary Officer, Marine, & Best-Selling Author
Elliot Ackerman is a former Marine Infantry Officer, MARSOC Raider, and CIA Paramilitary Officer who later became a best-selling author. The one constant throughout Elliot’s incredible life of service was the Rolex Explorer II on his wrist.
Read More5 comments
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