Former CIA Paramilitary Officer Billy Waugh passed away at the age of 93 exactly one week ago; but we don’t mourn his death–instead we celebrate his incredible life of service in the best way we know how–through his timepieces. William “Billy” Waugh is the Forest Gump of CIA and Special Forces with a larger than life personality and an uncanny knack for adventure. At the conclusion of WWII he attempted to enlist in the United States Marine Corps at age 15. His age got in the way, but three years later, in ‘48, he successfully enlisted in the United States Army, launching a career that would become nothing short of legendary in the Special Operations community.  (Photo Credit: James Rupley) In the very year Waugh enlisted, North Korea, along with Israel, became recognized nations. The US-led Berlin Airlift was underway in response to a Soviet blockade, and Czechoslovakia had fallen to communism. By the time Waugh retired in 2005 at age 75 from the CIA, the entire geopolitical landscape had been dramatically reshaped–and Waugh’s half a century of service had played a part in that change. He deployed to the Korean, Vietnam, and Afghanistan wars as well as numerous covert operations throughout the globe. Waugh’s Rolex, Photo Provided by Waugh’s widow through Ric Prado and Tom Marshall. Waugh wore several watches throughout his career, including at least three iconic Rolexes and a Seiko 6309. They were crucial parts of his kit and can be seen on his wrist from pictures in Vietnam, Sudan, Cuba, Afghanistan, and in his retirement as he speaks to the next generation of warriors.  Like many stories here at W.O.E., it’s never strictly about the watches. The watches we cover are simply a token–a memento–that stand in to represent incredible tales of servitude and sacrifice. Billy Waugh’s watches are no different. They represent key moments in a life dedicated to the Special Operations community. The Missing Rolex, Vietnam: In 1954, after serving in Korea, Waugh earned his Green Beret and joined the 10th Special Forces Group in Bad Tölz, in what was West Germany at the time. The same year the Vietnam war kicked off, and Waugh found himself right at the center of the conflict for a number of years. Eventually Waugh joined Special Forces A-team A-321, an “Operational Detachment Alpha” serving with 5th Special Forces Group.  The ODA conducted a night raid on a Viet Cong compound in Bong Son, in Binh Dinh Province. The area was littered with Viet Cong, North Vietnamese and other Communist forces including the Chinese and that left Waugh and his teammates thoroughly outnumbered. A fire fight broke out and the ODA was hit hard. Most of Waugh’s teammates were injured in the fight, including Waugh. He described the situation in his book, Hunting the Jackal. Waugh as a young Special Forces Master Sergeant, 1964 (Photo Crédit: Hunting the Jackal) I took another bullet, this time across the right side of my forehead. I don’t know for sure, but I believe the bullet ricocheted off the bamboo before striking me. It sliced in and out of a two-inch section of my forehead, and it immediately started to bleed like an open faucet. It sounds like the punch line to a bad joke, but you know it’s a bad day when the best thing about it is getting shot in the head. Miraculously Waugh was still alive, but in bad shape.  All that mud had baked on me like a crust. The leeches were everywhere. The bones on my leg were sun-baked. The dried blood on my forehead made it tough to see, but I didn’t need my eyes to understand I was naked. They’d (the North Vietnamese Army) come across that paddy and stripped me of my clothes, my Rolex watch, my gear–everything.  Eventually Waugh's teammates found him and brought him to safety. The road to recovery was long, but for his valiant efforts, he was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart.  While we can’t say for sure, this Rolex was likely a Submariner ref. 5513 or GMT ref. 1675, both popular in the SF community and could then be purchased for “a month's salary.”  Waugh (left) in 1969 wearing what is potentially a replacement Rolex on a fabric strap and compass. (Photo Credit: Unknown) After recovering, Waugh got back in the fight and joined the shadowy Military Assistance Command-Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). Plenty of his work in this capacity is still classified, but it’s known that he helped train up Cambodian and Vietnamese forces in unconventional warfare tactics that would help disrupt the Ho Chi Minh trail supply route and stymy the efforts of the Viet Cong. Additionally, Waugh became highly skilled in High Altitude Low Opening parachute jumps, known as HALO. This insertion platform allowed operators to enter hostile territory virtually undetected. Waugh led the last special reconnaissance mission in ‘71; Waugh and his teammates used the HALO platform to enter a denied territory held by the NVA.  Custom Gem-set Gold Rolex Day-Date: Waugh briefly retired from military service when the Vietnam War wound down and took a job with the United States Postal Service. But Waugh wasn’t meant for the USPS. He had more to give to the world of Special Operations. Before he knew it, he was back in the fold.  In the mid-1970’s Edwin Wilson, formerly CIA, recruited Waugh and a few of his former teammates to train up Libyan special forces. Waugh thought this was a CIA-backed operation, but it turned out Wilson was acting outside an official capacity. Waugh's saving grace is that he was indeed recruited by CIA prior to his transition to Libya for Wilson’s project. The CIA tasked him with photographing and reporting on any interesting activity that he noticed while he was there. The USSR was heavily invested in Libya and was of interest to US security. He photographed and observed the soldiers he was training and various Surface-to-Air missile sites.  Waugh’s Gold Rolex Day-Date with aftermarket diamonds. (Photo Credit: member of W.O.E. Community) It was here that he reportedly purchased a gem-set gold Rolex Day-Date. According to a member of the W.O.E. community, Waugh told students of a recent Special Forces 18A course that he “purchased it in the late seventies in Libya for 13-14k.” But Waugh was well aware of the rise in value of Rolex watches. “Ya better believe that goddamn thing is worth about $25k or more now!” Waugh exclaimed when discussing the watch.  Waugh’s Rolex, Photo Provided by Waugh’s widow through Ric Prado and Tom Marshall. We’ve had pictures of this watch for over a year but didn’t publish them for a simple reason: we surmised the authenticity of the watch may have been questionable.  However, we reached out to several vintage watch experts who said they believe the watch is likely real but modified with aftermarket diamonds on the bezel and dial. This style of modification was relatively common during the period. Rolex even launched its own service creating bespoke pieces for discerning clients in the ‘60s and ‘70s with custom gem-setting.  While we can’t establish a concrete history of the watch, the diamond-set gold Rolex is perfect for an old school SF operator.  Waugh was also famous for wearing an SF pendant on a gold chain and gold rings.  This watch can be seen frequently on his wrist after retirement, the bracelet is stretched and scratched after decades of hard use. (Photo Credit: Nick Stubbs / US Air Force / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain) Post Libya: After his Libya stint Waugh was assigned to the Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands to survey and report on Soviet maritime activity in the area. In 1991 he returned to Africa, this time to Khartoum, Sudan to survey and track Usama Bin Laden, who was relatively unknown to the public but of interest to the US intelligence. Waugh’s assignment was to survey the activities and patterns of life of Bin Laden. According to a contact that discussed the assignment with Waugh, he would “conduct his surveillance under the guise of going for a jog around the living area of bin Laden and his guards, frequently ‘flipping those bastards the bird or pretending to shoot them by pointing finger guns and imitating pulling the trigger’ while they watched him conduct his run. Waugh mentioned pushing up the request to kill bin Laden as it didn’t make sense to him to burn more time watching him. That request was denied and he wrapped up his surveillance shortly thereafter.”  Waugh in Cairo, Egypt late 1990s (Photo Credit: Waugh) The subject of much of Waugh’s book, Hunting the Jackal, is Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, known as “Carlos the Jackal.” Waugh was assigned to track him down after Sanchez had evaded a number of intelligence agencies around the world after committing murder in a number of countries and playing a role in terror attacks. Waugh set up a surveillance site, tracked and photographed The Jackal for some time before turning over the intelligence to the French, who conducted the capture mission.  Rolex 1675 “Pepsi” GMT-Master: Rolex GMT on Waugh’s wrist in retirement. (Photo Credit, Recoil Magazine and Tom Marshall) We have previously said that a GMT-Master is the perfect watch for a CIA Case Officer, and this is especially true for an old school operator like Billy Waugh.  This reference is likely from the 1970s around the time Waugh would have been recruited by the CIA.  Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm the details of when he acquired the watch and if it was worn operationally in any capacity, though given Waugh’s life, it is reasonable to assume this is the case. Waugh has been photographed wearing the watch, including during a recent interview with Recoil Magazine. Rolex GMT on Waugh’s wrist in retirement. (Photo Credit, Recoil Magazine and Tom Marshall) September 11th, 2001: After the September 11 attacks, Waugh, then 71, deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the CIA’s Northern Alliance Liaison Team –codenamed JAWBREAKER.  The Rolex was left at home and Waugh can be seen wearing a digital Suunto watch, similar to that worn by CIA team leader J.R. Seeger, as documented in “Digital Watches Of Espionage.”  As previously discussed, the digital tool-watch was a far more effective tool for the modern day fighter, even a SOG veteran like Waugh.   Despite his age, Waugh was well suited for the initial mission into Afghanistan, given his time tracking Usama bin Laden in Sudan in the ‘90s and his decades of combat and intelligence experience.  He would celebrate his 72nd birthday in Afghanistan. Gardez, Afghanistan January 2002, wearing a Suunto (Photo Credit: Hunting the Jackal, Waugh) In total, Waugh would be awarded one Silver Star, four Bronze Stars for Valor, four Commendation Ribbons for Valor, fourteen Air Medals for Valor, two Combat Infantryman badges and eight Purple Hearts.  We can also assume Waugh was awarded numerous classified commendations from CIA. As previously discussed, this reflection is less about Waugh’s watches and more about the man who wore them.  Billy Waugh served the nation with the most difficult assignments for both the US Army Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency.  This is our way to memorialize that service and honor his sacrifice. Fair Winds and Following Seas Waugh sky diving in Cuba wearing a Seiko 6309 at an astonishing 89 years old. (Photo Credit: Annie Jacobson)  For additional information, read Waugh’s “Hunting the Jackal” and watch the interview with Waugh by Recoil Magazine.  Thank you for Tom Marshall and an unnamed member of the W.O.E. community for providing pictures and additional background on the pieces. Read Next: Vietnam MACV-SOG Seikos: Setting The Record Straight   

The Shield Protects the Crown:  W.O.E. is a watch snob–or at least I was. For years, I looked down on Tudor as an inferior tool watch existing in the shadow of its big brother Rolex. I never understood why someone with a Rolex would purchase a Tudor.  After all, Tudor is a poor man's Rolex, or so I thought. Most haters are motivated by insecurity, but my views were simply shaped by ignorance. I didn’t know much about Tudor and was unaware of Tudor’s long standing relationship with the Intelligence and Special Operations communities, a personally relevant intersection.  I comfort myself by saying this ignorance was understandable as Tudor left the U.S. market in the 1990s and did not return until 2013.  But this excuse is weak at best for a former CIA officer who spent years overseas window shopping for watches in boutiques around the world. Tudor still existed in some capacity or another in the most unexpected markets. For instance, it never pulled out of China, and has been selling the Prince Date and Prince Date Day for almost half a century in select Eastern markets. These watches never made it to the US, even after Tudor returned in 2013. Retired Navy Adm. William McRaven wearing Tudor Pelagos. (Photo Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters) To be fair, when I worked at CIA, I was far from a watch nerd.  I did not read Hodinkee, watch Bark and Jack YouTube videos, or follow watch pages on Instagram. I loved watches and used them regularly, but my knowledge was entirely surface-level. My interests were driven by conversations with others, the appearance and feel of the watch on the wrist, and its practical utility.  I was either the purest or most superficial watch enthusiast on the planet, you decide. There’s a purity in knowing just enough to enjoy watches for what they are rather than deliberate over them.  Navy SEAL Philip "Moki" Martin issued Tudor Submariners (7928 - left) and (7016-right) (Photo Credit Hodinkee, James Stacey)  Like many who go on to a career at the tip of the spear, growing up I devoured books on National Security and Special Operations.  Prior to 9/11, much of that literature revolved around the Vietnam War and a handful of Cold War-era CIA memoirs.  Frequently referenced in these books were “Rolex watches.” While some of these were undoubtedly Rolex Submariners and GMTs purchased from the PX, in reality many of these were likely issued Tudor Submariners (7928 and others), understandably mistaken as Rolex since they had “CASE BY ROLEX GENEVA ORIGINAL OYSTER” engraved on the caseback, not to mention the Rolex crown in relief on the crown of the watch, or the Rolex logos engraved on the bracelet clasp. In fact, many of these watches were nearly identical to their Rolex counterparts except for the movement and dials. Moki Martin in Vietnam as a Navy Seal, Tudor 7928 on the wrist (Photo Credit: Moki Martin) Today, I have multiple Rolex watches in my collection and the watch industry connections to easily buy a new Rolex at retail (flex). But I elected to go with Tudor for two out of my last three watch purchases.  As discussed in “Ask W.O.E. Anything,” my ultimate grail is not a Rolex, but a military-issued Tudor Submariner. Last week, some of the world’s largest and most important watch brands released new timepieces during a trade show dubbed “Watches and Wonders” in Geneva, Switzerland.  Tudor made some significant headway including the release of Black Bay 54 and an updated Black Bay 41 with a striking red bezel, and more importantly some technological and cosmetic advancements that will permeate the entire collection in due time.  Newly released Tudor Black Bay 54 (Photo Credit: Tudor Product shot) We’ll leave the reviews of new references to the professional watch nerds, but we want to step back and provide our understanding of Tudor’s current position in the market and, perhaps more importantly, how it relates to our community. Tudor entered 2023 as the undisputed leader in the luxury tool watch space, with luxury watches crudely defined as watches costing over $2,500. I am and always will be a Rolex man with a particular interest in pre-ceramic sports watches, but Tudor is the future for tool watch enthusiasts. This is the way. Rolex- Jewelry or Tool Watch? Rolex Explorer II (Photo Credit: James Rupley) To understand this change, one must first understand how Tudor’s big brother, Rolex, has evolved over the previous two decades.  The late 2000s introduction of the ceramic bezel marked a turning point for the brand.  Since then, Rolex has trended towards a sleeker, more polished look. While enthusiasts will lament the good ole days and say Rolex has sold out, from a business perspective, this was clearly the right move.  A recent Morgan Stanley report concluded Rolex is the largest stakeholder in the Swiss watch industry, with an estimated 29% of total sales at retail. Over the subsequent 15 years, there has been a significant increase in demand for Rolex watches, which has resulted in models becoming near-unobtainable at retail prices. It’s simple, demand outstrips supply. Even if you are able to acquire one from an authorized dealer, the customer experience is less than satisfactory, with months of waiting on an opaque “list” kissing the ass of a sales associate.  With secondary prices at times twice retail, it is hard to justify the “use your tools” mentality while wearing a new Rolex GMT, which might be worth more than your car. We won't go as far as to say that a Rolex is a piece of jewelry rather than a tool watch; however, this widely held perception is understandable. Black Bay 58 on W.O.E. Jedburgh Strap (Photo Credit: James Rupley) Tudor- The Shield Protects the Crown In sharp contrast to Rolex, and by design, Tudor has returned to its roots.  In 1926, Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex’s founder, created Tudor as a more affordable alternative. Many international SpecOps and maritime units–including those from Argentina, the US, Israel, France, Canada, South Africa, and even Jamaica– adopted the Tudor Submariner as their tool of choice in the second half of the 20th Century.  Today, Tudor’s association with Rolex allows Tudor to embrace its tool watch heritage and compete with brands in the $3,000-$5,000 market. One only has to look at the logos to understand the relationship between the two brands. Tudor's logo is the shield, Rolex's is the crown. The crown is worn by kings, the shield is carried by soldiers. The "shield protects the crown" and the Warrior-King reps both.  Marine Nationale issued Tudor 9401 on French diver - mid-1970s (Photo Credit: Tudor/MN) Some say that “Tudor of today is what Rolex was in the mid-20th century,” but a more accurate statement would be that Tudor of today is what Tudor was in the mid-20th Century.  While other brands have capitalized on the latest trends (Tiffany blue everything?) and moved upmarket, Tudor has stuck to its roots: premium yet relatively “affordable” tool watches. Few luxury brands are more aligned with the ethos of W.O.E. and the belief that you should use your tools. Look at Tudor's marketing materials and you will see men and women on expeditions, deep sea dives, alpine climbs, and even Special Operations maritime units (guns obviously excluded). Dallas Alexander JTF2 Tudor Pelagos (Photo Credit: Shawn Ryan Show) Further, Tudor appears to quietly support “unit watches” for some of the most elite SpecOps units, including one that was recently shown on the wrist of a former Canadian JTF2 sniper, Dallas Alexander, during an interview on the Shawn Ryan Show.  These collaborations are even more meaningful as the predecessors of these units wore Tudor MilSubs (Tudors were issued to the Royal Canadian Navy). Many others have not been seen in the public domain, like this U.S. Secret Service Counter Assault Team (CAT) "HAWKEYE" Pelagos. U.S. Secret Service Counter Assault Team (CAT) call sign- HAWKEYE Unit Watch -Posted with approval from owner (Anonymous)  In sharp contrast to Rolex, I recently visited the Tudor boutique in New York and they had every reference available for sale, with the two exceptions of the FXD and the relatively-new Pelagos 39. It is sad that this is notable, but that is the reality of the watch market today. 2022 marked a historic moment for Tudor and we believe that the brand has entered 2023 as the undisputed leader in the luxury tool watch category.  Tudor’s 2022 releases of the Back Bay Pro and the sub-$3k Ranger with a strap was a gangster move and the encore of the near-perfect titanium Pelagos 39 was the finisher. Black Bay 58, Pelagos FXD, Pelagos 39 (Photo Credit: you already know) As a general practice, W.O.E. does not focus on watch reviews.  Mostly this is because the traditional watch media is better suited for analyzing new releases, movements, etc.  Often this is just regurgitating marketing material from the company and ultimately concluding that the watch should be “one millimeter smaller/larger” or some other minute change that would impact very few. That said, here is our analysis of what we believe are the top three “tool watches” produced by Tudor: the Pelagos 39, Pelagos (FXD/LHD), and the Black Bay 58. Pelagos/LHD/FXD- Apex Predator:  Jason Heaton - “In a sea of dive watches, the Tudor Pelagos is an apex predator.” Jason Heaton said it best, “the Pelagos and LHD are the apex predators of the Tudor dive watches, the best modern mechanical dive watches on the market.” Rated to 500 meters with a helium escape valve, a beefy 42mm case, a date window, a titanium bracelet with a patented extension system, and a complementary rubber strap with a wetsuit extension, the Pelagos is everything you need in a watch. The Pelagos is also offered in a left-hand configuration (LHD) and a purpose-designed FXD developed in partnership with the French SOF unit, the Commando Hubert, something we will dive into in a future Dispatch. Complaints: There aren't many.  The watch has a lot of entirely unnecessary features, but you could say the same about most tool watches and they do not take it overboard.  As a periodic resort diver, W.O.E. knows enough about the helium escape valve to know I will never need one. Also, 42 mm is larger than most present-day watches but it does wear smaller than the specs suggest. Black Bay Fifty Eight- a new classic: Black Bay 58 in the African Bush, 2022. (Photo Credit: W.O.E.) This is a classic legacy piece with not-so-subtle nods to Tudor's Big Crown Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner past with the lack of crown guards, red triangle on the bezel at 0/60, and gold accents, giving it an almost patinated look, but not overdone. An absolute staple in any collection whether you are a man or woman, a badass Navy SEAL Green Beret sniper, or a keyboard warrior.  Something that can be worn on the beach, in a boardroom, or even the African bush. Complaints: The faux riveted bracelet is a little much and drilled lug holes would be gangster. Pelagos 39 - a modern Tudor Submariner:  Pelagos 39- W.O.E.'s Personal (Photo Credit: Rupley) The P39 seemingly came out of nowhere and went on to become the undisputed 2022 dive watch champion.  While dubbed a smaller version of the 42mm Pelagos, in reality, this is more of a modernized titanium Tudor Submariner than a smaller Pelagos.  Titanium has a signature look and is reminiscent of tools that get used. The SR-71 Blackbird is one of them.  Of the three watches I purchased over the past year, this is what has been on my wrist the most.  Unfortunately, given the high demand, these are still incredibly hard to find due to limited allocations to each dealer, but we expect this to subside in the near future. Complaints:  The lume on the hands is faint; it is hard to understand how this passed the final Quality Control in Geneva and should be a simple fix.  The requirement to use the titanium end links with the rubber strap results in an odd look.  The 21mm lug-to-lug is completely unnecessary but hardly noticeable with a solid fabric strap (like the W.O.E.-ZA Single Pass). Would a date option be nice? Yes. Would a GMT hand be cool? For sure, but for the Pelagos 39, the functionality is in the simplicity.   20mm W.O.E.-ZA Strap on the 21mm Pelagos 39 (James Rupley) Final Thoughts: There are plenty of other great Tudors in the lineup, including the Black Bay Pro and the GMT which are both popular in the W.O.E. community and we encourage you to check them out.  While smaller than we generally prefer, the newly released Black Bay 54 is intriguing in its nod to the vintage 7922 and improvements from the BB58. Use this list as a starting point, but don’t let us influence your opinions.  Visit a nearby boutique and you can pretty much guarantee that they will have at least some models to try and take home that day if you so choose.  Sadly, in-store availability isn’t guaranteed, but that is the harsh reality of buying watches in 2023. Regardless of what you decide, get out there and use your tools.   -- If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our free weekly newsletter for further updates HERE. This article has been reviewed by the CIA's Prepublication Classification Review Board to prevent the disclosure of classified information.   Read Next: The Pragmatic Journey Of A SEAL Through Watch Collecting  

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 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. Frank Greco wearing a “SOG Seiko” on a black tropical strap on the range in Vietnam, 1970. (Greco: Running Recon: A Photo Journey with SOG Special Ops Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.) 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