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Putin’s War on Watches
Recent press reporting claims that visitors meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin are now required to surrender their watches. According to the report, the restrictions now extend to all watches, including...
Putin’s War on Watches
Recent press reporting claims that visitors meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin are now required to surrender their watches. According to the report, the restrictions now extend to all watches, including smartwatches and traditional mechanical timepieces.
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The W.O.E. CAT Strap - COMING SOON
The CAT Strap is our refined evolution of the classic RAF-style nylon strap, redesigned with upgraded materials and thoughtful details for everyday wear. Like every custom tool we make, the...
The W.O.E. CAT Strap - COMING SOON
The CAT Strap is our refined evolution of the classic RAF-style nylon strap, redesigned with upgraded materials and thoughtful details for everyday wear. Like every custom tool we make, the CAT Strap comes with a history lesson, in this case referencing an often overlooked chapter in aviation and intelligence.
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W.O.E. YouTube: The Watches of Putin, Zelensky,...
In this video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we analyze the watches worn by key figures on both sides, as well as the story of a connected timepiece being weaponized...
W.O.E. YouTube: The Watches of Putin, Zelensky, & the War In Ukraine
In this video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we analyze the watches worn by key figures on both sides, as well as the story of a connected timepiece being weaponized with deadly effect. Because in war, a watch is never just a watch.
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Heart of the Beast: Brad Pitt, a Rolex Submarin...
Last week, Paramount released the first production stills from Heart of the Beast, an upcoming survival drama starring Brad Pitt as James Belmont, a retired Army Special Forces soldier and...
Heart of the Beast: Brad Pitt, a Rolex Submariner, & Military Working Dogs
Last week, Paramount released the first production stills from Heart of the Beast, an upcoming survival drama starring Brad Pitt as James Belmont, a retired Army Special Forces soldier and Delta Force operator stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with his military working dog, Odin. Even before the photos surfaced, I...
Read MoreSpec Ops
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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...
W.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.
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US Secret Service Unit Watches - Tudor, Omega, ...
As always, watches are our prism to view current events and national security. The USSS has a deep history with watches and is arguably one of the leaders in unit...
US Secret Service Unit Watches - Tudor, Omega, Rolex, & More
As always, watches are our prism to view current events and national security. The USSS has a deep history with watches and is arguably one of the leaders in unit watches. While in the grand scheme of things, a watch may seem like an insignificant detail, it does say a...
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W.O.E. YouTube: Shooting 10,000 Rounds with a T...
The pervasive theory in the world of watch collecting is that shock and vibrations from shooting regularly can damage or even disable a mechanical watch movement. We decided to test...
W.O.E. YouTube: Shooting 10,000 Rounds with a Tudor Pelagos FXD
The pervasive theory in the world of watch collecting is that shock and vibrations from shooting regularly can damage or even disable a mechanical watch movement. We decided to test it out. Last year, we purchased a new Tudor Pelagos FXD and gave it to our friends at GBRS Group...
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Vintage Rolex, Modern Tudor, & a Frogman’s Legacy
Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, a solitary black-and-white photograph of a man named Ron Damon sent me down a path of discovery...
Vintage Rolex, Modern Tudor, & a Frogman’s Legacy
Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, a solitary black-and-white photograph of a man named Ron Damon sent me down a path of discovery that ended with a full heart and a new watch, which, to be clear, is definitely not why we’re here....
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Should You Collect Unit Watches?
Over the past several years, there has been a marked increase in unit watches produced for military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies around the world. As issued analog watches have...
Should You Collect Unit Watches?
Over the past several years, there has been a marked increase in unit watches produced for military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies around the world. As issued analog watches have nearly disappeared and Digital Tool Watches now dominate operational use, unit watches have emerged as the clearest enduring expression of...
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Bubu: The Final Passage of a Swiss Combat Diver...
"I am a former Swiss combat diver and have found a (unfortunately broken) watch in my belongings. Is that something that interests you?" were the first two lines of an...
Bubu: The Final Passage of a Swiss Combat Diver’s Doxa
"I am a former Swiss combat diver and have found a (unfortunately broken) watch in my belongings. Is that something that interests you?" were the first two lines of an unusually short e-mail that I had received out of the blue in November 2024. No “hi, I found you through…”,...
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Intel
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Putin’s War on Watches
Recent press reporting claims that visitors meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin are now required to surrender their watches. According to the report, the restrictions now extend to all watches, including...
Putin’s War on Watches
Recent press reporting claims that visitors meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin are now required to surrender their watches. According to the report, the restrictions now extend to all watches, including smartwatches and traditional mechanical timepieces.
Read More6 comments -
The W.O.E. CAT Strap - COMING SOON
The CAT Strap is our refined evolution of the classic RAF-style nylon strap, redesigned with upgraded materials and thoughtful details for everyday wear. Like every custom tool we make, the...
The W.O.E. CAT Strap - COMING SOON
The CAT Strap is our refined evolution of the classic RAF-style nylon strap, redesigned with upgraded materials and thoughtful details for everyday wear. Like every custom tool we make, the CAT Strap comes with a history lesson, in this case referencing an often overlooked chapter in aviation and intelligence.
Read More8 comments -
W.O.E. YouTube: The Watches of Putin, Zelensky,...
In this video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we analyze the watches worn by key figures on both sides, as well as the story of a connected timepiece being weaponized...
W.O.E. YouTube: The Watches of Putin, Zelensky, & the War In Ukraine
In this video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we analyze the watches worn by key figures on both sides, as well as the story of a connected timepiece being weaponized with deadly effect. Because in war, a watch is never just a watch.
Read More -
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 -
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...
CIA 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 -
Third Option Foundation Fundraiser - USA Five Eye
New Release: Available now. At W.O.E., we were honored to be able to donate over $40,000 to Third Option Foundation after two runs of the Third Option Foundation Five Eyes...
Third Option Foundation Fundraiser - USA Five Eye
New Release: Available now. At W.O.E., we were honored to be able to donate over $40,000 to Third Option Foundation after two runs of the Third Option Foundation Five Eyes in 2024 and 2025. As we have done in the past, for every strap sold, we’ll donate $20 directly to...
Read More11 comments
Culture
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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...
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 the W.O.E. Community.
Read More35 comments -
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...
Using 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...
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 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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Space Watches: Marketing The Final Frontier
For watch brands, space travel remains one of the most powerful and proven marketing vehicles because it combines engineering, national pride, and our obsession with exploration into a narrative far...
Space Watches: Marketing The Final Frontier
For watch brands, space travel remains one of the most powerful and proven marketing vehicles because it combines engineering, national pride, and our obsession with exploration into a narrative far more compelling than traditional luxury advertising. More importantly, watches in space are still, at least to some extent, actual tools....
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Graduation Watches for the W.O.E. Community
For prospective graduates of service academies, military training pipelines, colleges, trade programs, or even high school, we would argue that a watch is among the most meaningful gifts you could...
Graduation Watches for the W.O.E. Community
For prospective graduates of service academies, military training pipelines, colleges, trade programs, or even high school, we would argue that a watch is among the most meaningful gifts you could give or receive, but it can be tough to know where to start. Intended for parents, friends, or family members...
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The Watches of General Dan “Razin” Caine
From the precision airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in June to the surprise capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, to the ongoing conflict in Iran, General Dan Caine...
The Watches of General Dan “Razin” Caine
From the precision airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in June to the surprise capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, to the ongoing conflict in Iran, General Dan Caine has been a constant at the pointy end of military affairs. As these historic events unfolded one by one, Caine...
Read More5 comments
Video
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W.O.E. YouTube: The Watches of Putin, Zelensky,...
In this video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we analyze the watches worn by key figures on both sides, as well as the story of a connected timepiece being weaponized...
W.O.E. YouTube: The Watches of Putin, Zelensky, & the War In Ukraine
In this video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we analyze the watches worn by key figures on both sides, as well as the story of a connected timepiece being weaponized with deadly effect. Because in war, a watch is never just a watch.
Read More -
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.
W.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...
W.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 -
W.O.E. YouTube: Rolex GMT-Master: A Tool of the...
At Watches of Espionage, the Rolex GMT holds a special place, making the recent discontinuation of the Pepsi GMT-Master II an unwelcome surprise. Unveiled in 1954, the GMT-Master was designed...
W.O.E. YouTube: Rolex GMT-Master: A Tool of the Military, Spies, & Pilots
At Watches of Espionage, the Rolex GMT holds a special place, making the recent discontinuation of the Pepsi GMT-Master II an unwelcome surprise. Unveiled in 1954, the GMT-Master was designed as a utilitarian tool for pilots and jet-set business travelers with a second-time zone function, but the Rolex GMT also...
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W.O.E. YouTube: Which Watch Would James Bond Re...
When it comes to Watches of Espionage, James Bond is the elephant in the room. There is a significant gap between the realities of intelligence collection and Hollywood's depiction, but...
W.O.E. YouTube: Which Watch Would James Bond Really Wear?
When it comes to Watches of Espionage, James Bond is the elephant in the room. There is a significant gap between the realities of intelligence collection and Hollywood's depiction, but 007 has had an indelible impact on watch culture within the Intelligence Community, and we know several real-world practitioners whose...
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