Praesidus has gotten themselves into a unique position. They’re introducing their designs, of course, but they’re also coming out with specific editions built to honor a soldier. A few years back, they created a Tom Rice A-11. Building on that success, they’re now crowdfunding the Praesidus A-11 Vince Speranza.
So, we have to ask, who is Vince Speranza? He’s a 96 year old combat veteran who made a name for himself as a machine gunner at the Battle of the Bulge, and has received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. Some of that information shows up on the engraved caseback, as well as the representation of a bullet.
That bullet feature is the one thing that would give me pause on the Praesidus A-11 Vince Speranza. It stands up a good way from the caseback, which means that it’s going to be digging into your wrist, or it’s going to end up putting the watch at an angle. Either way, seems like it might be a bit uncomfortable. It looks cool,. but an engraving of some sort may have worked better for comfort.
Flip the Praesidus A-11 Vince Speranza, and it’s a familiar watch – it’s the A11 we’ve been seeing for a few years now. It’s got that vintage military look, with the font used for the numerals reinforcing it, as well as the yellow-filled leaf hands. It’s a tidy look, and belies the very modern NH35A movement tucked away inside the 38mm case.
As I mentioned, the Praesidus A-11 Vince Speranza is hitting Kickstarter sometime soon. When does it launch? Seems nobody knows. You can however go to the site and reserve a spot for $1 that will net you an earlybird $275 spot for a NH35 movement, or $450 for a Swiss movement. praesidus.com
Tech Specs from Praesidus
- Model: A-11 Vince Speranza Limited Edition Case: 38mm 316L Stainless Steel
- Hands: Super Luminova
- Glass: Double Domed scratch resistant Sapphire Water Resistant: 10 ATM
- Movement: SWISS/Japanese Automatic 24 Jewels NH35A
- Dial & Lume: Applied Indexes. Super-Luminova Indexes & hands
- Strap: M1919 Barrel Strap (the one with the holes) & Machine Gunner Strap (the other one)
- Assembled in: USA
