The Tudor, G-Shock, Seiko, & Omega Watches Actually Used By Naval Special Warfare - For decades, Navy SEALs lived in the shadows as quiet professionals, an often unheralded weapon in the US Military arsenal.

A Look At The Watches That Served Our Soldiers  On Tuesday, 06 June 1944, nearly 160,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel and stormed the beaches of northwestern France, initiating a carefully coordinated plan that would ultimately lead to Allied victory in Europe. Long before the digital age, what tool helped orchestrate an invasion that shifted the outcome of the war? The humble wristwatch. In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we discuss the watches used by service members on D-Day and throughout World War II, including the A-11, the US Army’s ORD DEPT watches, the iconic Dirty Dozen references, and more. Because in war, time matters.  Enjoy episode twenty-one of W.O.E. TV.  Happy Hunting,  -W.O.E.

The Navy SEAL, Medical Doctor, & Astronaut’s G-Shock, Omega, & Rolex Watches Last month, SEAL turned NASA astronaut Jonny Kim blasted off into space aboard a Russian-made Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft. Soon after, Kim floated through a hatch into the International Space Station. These crew changeouts are relatively straightforward, taking place two to three times a year. But Jonny Kim is not a normal astronaut, and the watch on his wrist for his first space flight wasn’t just any old Casio; it was a steel Rolex Daytona, only one of the serious timepieces worn by the former Navy SEAL, Harvard-trained medical doctor, and astronaut. Kim wearing a steel Rolex Daytona onboard the International Space Station. (Photo Credit: NASA) In this Dispatch, we’ll discuss Jonny Kim’s impressive background as well as his watch collection, because even for a real-life Captain America, a watch is never just a watch. From G-Shock to Omega to Rolex and even an obscure Russian-made watch, Kim’s watch history parallels his incredible resume, with each new watch representing a different chapter in the astronaut’s history. What is even more impressive is that, despite his success, Kim’s upbringing was anything but easy. Hard Times Make For Hard Men Jonny Kim was born in Los Angeles in 1984 to South Korean immigrant parents who opened a liquor store in South Central. Kim’s father worked six days a week while his mother served as a part-time substitute teacher. In an interview with Jocko Willink, with whom Kim served in the SEAL Teams, the astronaut describes his father as an abusive alcoholic. Saying Jonny had a difficult upbringing is an understatement. Things came to a head when his father was killed by police after threatening his family with a gun. Jonny, who was 16 years old at the time, set his sights on the US Navy and becoming a SEAL, kicking off an incredible career trajectory that is mirrored by his evolution of watches. The SEAL Teams & G-Shock Jonny Kim wearing a G-Shock DW6600-1V while serving with SEAL Team 3 in Iraq. Arguably, the most iconic modern-day SEAL watch isn’t a fancy Rolex or Tudor Submariner, but the humble Casio G-Shock. When Kim graduated with BUD/S Class 247 in 2004, he would have been issued a DW6600-1V, one of the most commonly issued Naval Special Warfare (NSW) watches at the time, and one of only four G-Shock references to have received an NSN or Nato Stock Number. Two decades prior, NSW had transitioned from Seiko dive watches to the newly introduced G-Shock that offered a host of digital timekeeping functions in addition to being more durable and affordable than the analog divers of the time.   Quickly qualifying as a special operations medic and sniper, Kim conducted over 100 combat missions over two deployments to the Middle East. In addition to the Bronze Star with V device and numerous other awards, Kim received the Silver Star, the United States’ third-highest decoration for valor, for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy gunfire while rescuing injured members of an Iraqi partner force. As a young SEAL, Kim used the G-Shock DW6600, a watch made famous by the 2014 film American Sniper. In the film, SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, with whom Kim served in Iraq, is portrayed by Bradley Cooper, and the humble but effective G-Shock makes several prominent onscreen appearances. Like most SEALs, Kim likely viewed the watch as nothing more than a tool, no different from his weapon or NVGs, but the future astronaut’s use of a G-Shock as a tool of warfare appears to have launched a lifelong appreciation for the utility of watches that would follow him throughout his incredible career. Becoming A Medical Doctor & Applying To NASA Being a decorated SEAL wasn’t enough, so Kim became an MD after studying at Harvard. Stepping away from his time in the Teams, Kim was accepted into the Seaman to Admiral program in 2009, completing his undergraduate studies at the University of San Diego in only three years before returning to the Navy as a commissioned officer. Inspired by his time working as a combat medic, Kim then entered Harvard Medical School, where he qualified as a medical doctor. Inspired by Scott Parazynski, another M-D who later became an astronaut (and wore an Omega X-33 in space), Jonny Kim applied to NASA and was selected from a pool of over 18,000 applicants in 2017, electing to delay his emergency medicine residency to become an astronaut. Kim training at NASA while wearing a Rolex GMT-Master II. (Photo Credit: NASA) He kept busy, adding Naval Aviator and Flight Surgeon to his already-stacked resume while working on his qualifications as an astronaut. Kim came into the limelight when he was announced as a member of the Expedition 72/73 crew to the International Space Station. It is during this period that Kim seems to have become more invested in watches, wearing several Rolex models as well as the Omega unit watch produced for the SEAL Teams. An Omega Seamaster Unit Watch For Navy SEALs Kim wearing the SEAL Seamaster on the ISS. (Photo Credit: NASA) As we have discussed in a previous Dispatch (HERE), in 2024, Omega produced a unique version of its Seamaster Unit Watch for current and former SEALs, complete with the Trident on the caseback. Of course, Kim couldn’t resist, and he wore the watch throughout much of the pre-space travel training pipeline, opting for the metal bracelet. The SEAL Trident on the Omega Seamaster caseback. (Photo Credit: Wolf Forty Designs) Kim’s SEAL Seamaster is also among the first we’ve seen in the wild, meaning the former sniper must have had his finger on the trigger when the announcement went out within the community, the kind of forethought that shows he’s a real watch guy. True to the Use Your Tools ethos, Jonny’s Seamaster isn’t relegated to formal occasions or his Navy dress uniform, instead seeing action during NASA’s nonstop training operations in the leadup to Kim’s first space flight in 2025. Update: After spending his first couple of weeks onboard the ISS wearing Rolex models, Kim also debuted the SEAL Seamaster in space on 20 May 2025, likely marking the first time one of these unit Seamasters has left the Earth’s atmosphere. The SEAL Seamaster is non-date and has a matte-finished case and bracelet. Rolex & The International Space Station At some point during the lead-up to Jonny’s first space flight in early April, we noticed a shift from the aforementioned Omega SEAL Seamaster to Rolex, with several different Rolex models eventually making their way onto Kim’s wrist. In the arena of space flight, Omega rightfully receives much of the attention and marketing benefit, but Rolex is another brand that has been historically favored by astronauts going back to the Apollo days. Whether Kim’s jump to Rolex was motivated by the Crown’s space travel history or not, his first Rolex was a good one, with the SEAL-turned astronaut first opting for a Pepsi GMT. Rolex GMT-Master II 126710 Kim wearing a GMT-Master II on an Oyster bracelet. (Photo Credit: NASA) The first Rolex on Kim’s wrist was a GMT-Master II “Pepsi” on an Oyster bracelet. As a model family, the GMT-Master, which dates back to 1959, is the Rolex most closely associated with astronauts, with at least one example having been worn on the Moon by Edgar Mitchell during Apollo 14 in 1971. The GMT’s complication also makes a lot of sense for an astronaut working in space. The ISS subscribes to UTC/GMT for its timing needs, but it’s reasonable to assume an American astronaut like Jonny might like to know his family’s home timezone or the time of day at NASA’s Houston headquarters. The GMT-Master II is capable of tracking three time zones and would, for someone interested in using a mechanical watch in space, serve as a useful tool. Kim’s Rolex GMT-Master II is likely the 126710. The W.O.E. community was quick to catch on when NASA photos showed Kim wearing the GMT during training, and we wondered whether the SEAL-turned astronaut might be bringing the Rolex Pepsi with him to outer space. Rolex Daytona 126500 Kim wearing his Daytona in the final days before he blasted off for the ISS. (Photo Credit: NASA) Despite initially appearing dedicated to his GMT-Master II, in the final days leading up to Kim’s space flight in early April, he was photographed wearing yet another Rolex, this time the legendary and much sought-after Daytona chronograph. It’s not as prolific a watch in space travel history, previously worn in space on two documented occasions, but the appearance of a second Rolex in Kim’s arsenal was a surprise and a powerful indicator of the astronaut’s inclusion in the watch community. Jonny Kim’s Rolex Daytona could be the reference 126500 that comes in at $16,000 retail. Like the GMT, the Daytona provides a utilitarian argument because of its mechanical analog chronograph, theoretically offering a backup stopwatch that could prove useful for certain critical functions in space travel. Again referencing the Omega Speedmaster, which was used to famously time a critical 14-second engine burn during Apollo 13’s daring return to Earth, a capable chronograph can still be a useful tool even when it is housed within a $16k watch. When Kim arrived on the International Space Station on 08 April 2025, it was the Daytona on his left wrist, leaving us to wonder whether the GMT-Master II was tucked away in a W.O.E. Travel Pouch somewhere else onboard. Rolex Submariner 126610 Kim wearing a remarkable second Rolex in space, this time the Submariner Date. (Photo Credit: NASA) Days after arriving at the ISS, Kim did indeed debut another Rolex model beyond his Daytona, but rather than the expected GMT-Master II, it was a remarkable third Rolex, a Submariner Date. Astronauts working on the ISS are allotted a tiny amount of personal items, allegedly as little as 3.3 lbs. Using a significant portion of that allotment to carry not one but two Rolex models into space is further evidence that Kim isn’t just a guy wearing a Rolex to show off on the golf course but rather a dedicated student of the Use Your Tools ethos. Kim’s Submariner is likely a reference 126610. Perhaps even more than his GMT or Daytona, the Submariner makes a lot of sense for Jonny Kim, as the Submariner occupies a position of cultural importance for current and former SEALs, with many frogmen over the years saving up for a Rolex Submariner to commemorate a reenlistment, significant deployment, or promotion. Shturm (Штурм) 75967452 Kim and his Russian crewmates wearing an obscure Shturm unit watch. As Kim began final preparations for his launch to the International Space Station in Kazakhstan, he wore another, more obscure watch on the outside of his spacesuit. We suspected it was Russian-made, given that Kim was riding to the ISS on a Soyuz spacecraft and wearing a cosmonaut's suit, but we couldn’t initially identify the watch as being from any of the more prominent Russian watchmakers. The watch itself was also intriguing, with a vaguely Submariner-style case with a ceramic bezel and what appeared to be the Soyuz MS-27 mission insignia at twelve o’clock. A special version of the Shturm (Штурм) 75967452 was worn by Kim on his way to the ISS. After posting the watch, an eagle-eyed member of the community on the W.O.E. LinkedIn page correctly identified it as a Shturm, apparently a unit-specific version of reference number 75967452. According to a hasty Google translation of the product page, the watch is 43mm, housed within a titanium case, and powered by a mechanical Seiko caliber. We’re guessing wearing this particular watch wasn’t up to Kim, but it’s still interesting to see Roscosmos investing in a custom watch and even supplying it to American astronauts. Jonny Kim For President Is Jonny wearing a Rolex Datejust in this image, a staggering fourth Rolex? Given that Kim has already worn two of his Rolex models and his Omega Seamaster in space, will we see the GMT-Master II appear on the ISS on Kim’s wrist at some point, marking a likely unprecedented four mechanical watches taken into space by a single astronaut in a single space flight? In addition, we’ve seen Kim wearing what appears to be a Rolex Datejust with his NASA flight suit, meaning the astronaut could be the owner of four Rolex models. Viewed by any measure, Jonny Kim is an impressive human being, having served with distinction in the SEAL Teams before attending medical school and ultimately becoming a NASA astronaut. At W.O.E., we believe that watches are tools and talismans, useful objects capable of serving as a home for shared experiences that can and should accompany you through all of life’s adventures, a point of view Jonny Kim, the former SEAL, medical doctor, and astronaut, can clearly get behind. While we don’t know anything about Kim’s politics, we are already casting our vote for Jonny as the President of the United States in 2028. If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for our weekly free newsletter for further updates HERE. Read Next: A Navy SEAL Turned Mercenary & A Rolex Submariner

For criminals, moving large amounts of illicit cash through transnational networks presents a serious problem. Cash is bulky, heavy, and difficult to explain away if you’re caught holding the literal bag. Bolstered by rising secondary market prices for luxury timepieces from brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe, bad actors have increasingly looked to watches as a form of liquid currency that can be moved around the world more easily. In our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we discuss how criminal organizations, terrorists, and spies use luxury watches to launder money and move illicit funds. Enjoy episode nineteen of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

Look back at pictures of conflicts from the past six decades, and you are bound to see one thing: Seiko watches on the wrists of military personnel, often on both sides. For the same reasons that the Toyota Hilux and Land Cruisers are commonly spotted in war zones—relatively low cost and legendary reliability—Seiko watches have adorned the wrists of hard men in hard places for decades. But it wasn’t always this way. In our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we discuss Seiko’s rise among the military and special operations while also identifying key models with close ties to our community. Enjoy episode eighteen of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

After over three decades of wearing Rolex watches in some of history’s favorite spy films, James Bond made an unexpected leap to Omega starting in 1995’s GoldenEye. What might have appeared like a genius marketing coup for Omega was actually the work of a single savvy designer helping to guide Bond’s character into a new era of 007 films. In our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we share the complete story of how James Bond became an Omega man before providing a play-by-play of every Omega watch worn by Bond over the past thirty years. Enjoy episode seventeen of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

At the intersection of W.O.E. and Breitling watches is Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL turned CEO of Blackwater, history’s most notorious military contractor. After losing members of his team in a plane crash in Afghanistan, Prince commissioned a custom Breitling Emergency with Blackwater’s logo on the dial. More than just a watch, the Blackwater Breitling Emergency contained a potentially life-saving radio beacon. To quote Prince: “Companies give loyalty gifts; this is a loyalty gift that could save their life.” In our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we share the untold story behind the Blackwater Breitling Emergency while discussing the rise of private military contractors during the Global War on Terror. Enjoy episode sixteen of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

While many modern service members trust Digital Tool Watches (D.T.W.) in the performance of their duties, there is a growing subset of the military, SpecOps, and the Intelligence Community leaning into the combination of utility and mechanical intrigue presented by analog watches. There’s a lot of marketing B.S. out there, and whether you’re actually in the military or simply interested in a solid timepiece fit for service, it can be challenging to know where to start. In our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we share some of our top picks for military watches intended for the most common operational environments: land, sea, and air. Looking at a wide variety of price points and brands from around the world, this video is a primer for military watches fit for the Use Your Tools lifestyle. Enjoy episode fifteen of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

Backed by a significant history of producing military watches dating back to the First World War, Omega quietly continues to produce customized “Unit Watches” for select government organizations and military units including the US Navy SEALs, US Secret Service, Danish Frogman Corps, and more. Intriguingly, despite being one of the world’s largest watch brands and no stranger to mass marketing, Omega’s unit watch program isn’t officially acknowledged. In the newest episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we pull back the curtain on Omega’s modern unit watch program, using specific examples and intel gathered from the world of SpecOps to show that at least for Omega, the Use Your Tools ethos is alive and well. And no, you can’t have a custom unit Seamaster for your local watch meetup. Enjoy episode fourteen of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

Take a look at any photo of a special operator during the Global War On Terror, and there’s a decent chance they will be “inside-wristing”, meaning wearing their watch on the inside of the wrist. But why is this the case? Does wearing a watch this way add genuine utility or is this simply a trend among the LARPing crowd? In the newest episode of W.O.E. TV, we discuss the legitimate benefits and cultural factors behind wearing a watch this way. To be clear, if you’re someone who wears a watch this way to be “tacti-cool”, we’re not here to change your mind, simply to inform. We don’t make the rules. Enjoy episode thirteen of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

For CIA Leadership Analysts seeking to learn everything they can about a world leader, even something as seemingly insignificant as a wristwatch can play a role in assembling a complete profile to be shared with key decision-makers including the president. Whether it’s Kim Jong Un’s IWC, Putin’s insane luxury watch collection, or a Panerai favored by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, remember: A watch is never just a watch.   In the newest episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we discuss the watches worn by several prominent world leaders. Leaning into our experience from the world of intelligence, we provide examples of the types of insights that can be gleaned from the watches world leaders choose to wear on their wrists. Enjoy episode twelve of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

Global watch crime is an enterprise worth an estimated 1.9 billion dollars in 2024. Almost daily, watches from Rolex, Richard Mille, and Patek Philippe are stolen—sometimes violently—from the wrist of a tourist or businessman. But what can you do about it? In the newest episode of W.O.E. TV, we’ll discuss this alarming trend and provide tips for how to travel with a luxury watch. While criminal watch gangs pose an undeniable risk, with a certain amount of forethought and some common sense, it’s possible to enjoy your watches around the world. Don’t be a soft target and always use your tools. Enjoy episode eleven of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

 Is Jennifer Fairgate's Watch A Clue? In 1995, an unidentified woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a luxurious Oslo hotel. Was “Jennifer Fairgate” an assassin, spy, or a troubled woman looking to disappear? Her watch, a Citizen Aqualand, could be the clue to solving a complex puzzle that reads like a Hollywood thriller. In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we explore a mystery death in Oslo. For our latest episode of W.O.E. TV, we adapt one of our all-time most popular Dispatch articles into a mini-documentary about a three-decade-old mystery. This one has it all. From a single gunshot ringing out behind a locked hotel door to possible Soviet espionage or organized crime connections to a legendary dive watch that could be the key to unlocking the true story behind Jennifer Fairgate’s death. Enjoy episode ten of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

The Watches Of Die Hard, Home Alone, & Lethal Weapon As we move into the holiday season, we have a special treat for you: a look at Christmas movies and tactical watches. This is a fun one and a clear sign that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Tradition matters at Watches of Espionage. It’s what builds culture and forms the pillars of our community. During the holiday season, tradition means appreciating the cinematic masterpiece that is Die Hard as well as Home Alone and other Christmas classics. As always, watches are the lens through which we view everything from historical events to films. As it happens, some of our favorite holiday films also prominently feature watches that are significant in our community. In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we stay true to our roots, exploring these iconic holiday films in the way we know best, through the lens of national security and—of course—the watches worn on screen. Enjoy episode nine of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

Whether watch nerds like it or not, the smartwatch is here to stay. Apple sells more Apple Watches in a quarter than the entire Swiss watch industry does in a year. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch and many Garmin models offer significant lifestyle benefits including fitness tracking, communication, navigation, and sleep monitoring. To the average person, being connected and having all of this data at all times is convenient. However, for CIA Officers and special operators who rely on anonymity to securely conduct clandestine operations, these networked devices are a counterintelligence vulnerability and a potential opportunity for exploitation by bad actors. In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we share the counterintelligence risks of wearing Apple Watches and other smartwatches, using real-world examples to show how these connected devices can have deadly consequences. Enjoy episode eight of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

In 2001, Special Forces icon Billy Waugh celebrated his 72nd birthday in the remote mountains of Afghanistan while working for CIA in the search for Osama Bin Laden. While his age was unusual for the tip of the spear, this was far from Waugh’s first rodeo. From his service in Vietnam with MACV-SOG to fighting in the Global War On Terror with the CIA’s Ground Branch, Waugh was a larger-than-life character who became a legend in SpecOps and the Intelligence Community. In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we tell the story of Billy Waugh’s life and some of the watches he wore including a Seiko 6309, a Rolex GMT-Master, and a solid-gold Rolex President Day-Date. Enjoy episode seven of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

SpecOps, Spies, & Military Watches In Movies Watches play a significant role in films, and an accurate depiction of a character often includes a watch they might actually wear. This is especially true in movies focusing on the military and intelligence. Whether we’re talking about mercenaries, arms dealers, CIA Officers, or Navy SEALs, a thoughtfully selected timepiece can complement a fictional character, lending a sense of credibility and bridging the gap between reality and Hollywood—especially for those in the know. Watches in popular films are also influential. Believe it or not, we know plenty of real spies and operators whose watch choices were influenced by movies. Take for example the Omega Seamaster and its connection to James Bond. Even though Omega pays big bucks to be the watch of choice for 007, the Seamaster has still become a go-to option for real-life intelligence officers, a classic case of life imitating art and vice versa. In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube channel, we discuss some of the most accurate and intriguing depictions of watches in movies relevant to our community. Enjoy episode six of W.O.E. TV. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

Myth Or Reality? In the Intelligence and Special Operations community, a Rolex is often mentioned as a tool for escape and evasion, serving as a recognizable item of value that can be traded for a ride to the nearest border or a seat on the last plane out of a war-torn country in an emergency. But has a Rolex ever been used for this purpose or is this simply a myth, a tall tale told over beers? In our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we delve into the myths and realities of trading a Rolex for your life. The concept is simple: Should you find yourself in need of immediate help, the watch can be utilized as a form of currency that can be traded for a few hours of shelter in a basement, a ride to the nearest international border, or a seat on the next plane out of a war-torn nation. A Rolex is easier to carry and less likely to be misplaced than ounces of gold or stacks of hundred-dollar bills. This all tracks, but has it ever happened in a real operational scenario?  In this episode, we look to history, pop cultural anecdotes, and our own experiences to discover whether a Rolex has ever actually been traded for an intelligence officer or a special operator’s life. Happy Hunting, - W.O.E.

What Watches Teach Us About Political Messaging, Propaganda, & Manipulation In one month, the American public will elect the next President of the United States. In honor of another historic presidential race, our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel discusses the small but significant role played by the watches worn by US Presidents and the current candidates for Commander-in-Chief. Whether it’s Donald Trump’s collection of solid gold luxury watches, a Cartier on the wrist of Vice President Kamala Harris, or a humble Timex on the wrists of George W. Bush or Bill Clinton, watches are a subtle tool to communicate with constituents and influence potential voters. To be clear, W.O.E. is an apolitical platform. Our analysis of political figures and their watches is presented as an informational exercise not intended to align with one side or the other. If seeing a particular president or their watch upsets you, we recommend you take some deep breaths and consider spending more time outside. Don’t let the internet ruin your day. No matter where you fall politically, it’s important to keep in mind that every aspect of a president or candidate’s appearance—including the watch on their wrist—is carefully curated and intended to send a message. Remember, a watch is never just a watch. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.

Affordable Yet Capable Digital Watches Favored By SEALs, Special Forces, & Intelligence Officers It’s hard to believe we’re already on our third video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel. There’s been a steep learning curve in adapting to the new platform, but the response has been surprising and humbling. THANK YOU for your support and stay tuned. We have a lot of great stuff in the pipeline. While W.O.E. often focuses on analog mechanical tool watches, the reality today is that the majority of special operators utilize affordable digital watches including the G-Shock, which has also been widely issued across the US Military in particular. Our third video provides an in-depth look at G-Shock, affordable digital watches from Japan that have earned a place on the wrists of elite military operators and intelligence officers since the 1980s. Whether you’re a seasoned luxury watch snob or a G-Shock fanboy, you can’t argue with the utility and unmatched durability offered by even the most inexpensive G-Shock models. -W.O.E.

The Incredible Story Of Todd Beamer, A Rolex, & United Flight 93 It has been two weeks since we launched the W.O.E. YouTube channel with our first video, “Sketchy Dudes Wear Breitling - We Don’t Make The Rules”. The response has been humbling, THANK YOU! While the first one was more of a lighthearted look at the relationship between a brand and its sketchy end-users, our second video tackles a more serious topic, sharing the incredible story of Todd Beamer, an ordinary man who rose to the occasion when United Flight 93 was hijacked on September 11th, 2001. After terrorists took control of the aircraft on the morning of 9/11, Beamer quickly contacted authorities: "If I don't make it, please call my family and let them know how much I love them… Are you ready? Okay, Let's roll." Incredibly, Beamer’s gold and steel Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph was found among the debris from Flight 93, serving as a solemn reminder of the brave sacrifice of the passengers onboard United Flight 93 on 9/11. This video was created in honor of the 2,977 people who died on September 11th, 2001 as well as Todd Beamer’s wife, Lisa, and their three children. -W.O.E.

We are excited to announce the establishment of the Watches of Espionage YouTube channel with our first video “Sketchy Dudes Wear Breitling - We Don’t Make the Rules”. At Watches of Espionage, we are dedicated to exploring the intersection of military, intelligence, national security, and the world of horology. Whether we like it or not, many people can’t or won’t read in 2024, meaning video is an important platform for creating independent content without significant investments and subjective input from brands or other impartial players. There are now hundreds of watch-related creators on YouTube doing a great job influencing the masses with perfect hair, tailored hipster jackets, and ironic glasses, but we are here to do something different. The stories we tell in the W.O.E. Dispatch are produced for, by, and about our community. Our videos will follow suit, taking some of our favorite topics and presenting them in a novel and engaging way for the space. We’ve been interested in video for some time but were methodical to ensure we got it (mostly) right. Our first video delves into one of our favorite subjects, exploring the significant overlap between sketchy dudes and Breitling watches. While it sounds douchey, video-savvy friends of ours have informed us it’s important for y’all to like, subscribe, make comments, and hit the bell icon to receive notifications when we release new videos, which we hope to do every two weeks or so. We’ve been blown away by your support since starting W.O.E. and truly hope you enjoy our new YouTube channel. If you have any ideas for future videos or general comments, we are confident you’ll express yourself in the comments. If you're not into video, don't worry, our weekly Dispatch content will continue to be at the core of what we do.  Thank you for the support, we are 100% community-funded and could not have done this without you. Happy Hunting, -W.O.E.