A Col&McArthur commemorative watch neither freezes nor idealizes war: it keeps alive the values that emerged from it. Vigilance, resilience, freedom… these are convictions worn every day on the wrist, to remind us that our time is both a legacy and a responsibility.
Heroic deeds of the Second World War, 1940 – Watches of resilience and solidarity
In 1940, all seemed lost. Europe was reeling, France was collapsing, and England found itself alone against the German Luftwaffe. Yet it was in that year that two decisive events embodied human tenacity.
Spitfire 1940 – Heaven and Earth, Courage and Selflessness
During the Battle of Britain, British aircraft repelled German attacks. Churchill paid tribute to the pilots: “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” But behind these “few,” there were also thousands of others: mechanics, logistics personnel, and more than 180,000 women of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). Radar operators, signal operators, analysts—they guided the fighter planes and ensured their survival.
The World War II Spitfire 1940 watch embodies this history in its design. Its dial features the cockpit airspeed indicator, with a multi-platform architecture for maximum legibility. And, positioned at 60 seconds on the horizon line, the WAAF acronym commemorates the swift and pivotal commitment of these women, ready even before the start of the conflict. Every detail speaks of precision, aerial courage, and the unseen support without which no victory would have been possible.
Discover the World War II Spitfire watch
Dunkirk 1940 – Salvation through solidarity
That same year, 338,000 British and French soldiers encircled on the beaches of Dunkirk were evacuated during Operation Dynamo. A military defeat transformed into a heroic rescue thanks to a flotilla of improvised ships, both civilian and military.
The Dunkirk 1940 World War II watch etches this moment of resilience in steel: beach coordinates are inscribed on the back, and medallions evoke the regiments. It serves as a reminder that courage is not only spectacular: it is sometimes ordinary in the worst scenarios, and yet decisive.
Discover the Dunkirk World War II watch
A turning point in World War II, 1941 – The watch of shared responsibility
On December 7, 1941, a rain of bombs fell on the American base at Pearl Harbor. More than 2,400 lives were lost, and the fleet was devastated. President Roosevelt called it “the date which will live in infamy.” But beyond the tragedy, the event marked the United States' entry into the war: World War II crossed the Atlantic.
The lesson of Pearl Harbor transcends the military context. It is a stark reminder that no one can believe in isolation: nations are interconnected, and turning a blind eye to threats is tantamount to exposing oneself to the worst repercussions. Courage demands recognizing the complexity of an interconnected world and responding to it with clear-sightedness rather than looking away.
The Pearl Harbor 1941 World War II watch expresses this gravity. Its dark dial, understated design, and 316L stainless steel case embody vigilance and determination. More than a commemoration, it acts as a warning: refuse indifference, accept your share of responsibility.
Discover the Pearl Harbor World War II watch
Legacy of the Second World War, 1989 – The watch with the sparkle of freedom
Although the Second World War ended in 1945, its shadow loomed for decades. The division of Europe, sealed by the Berlin Wall, was one of its most significant legacies. In 1989, its fall marked another turning point: the regained freedom of a people and the hope of a reunited continent.
The Berlin 1989 World War II watch contains an authentic fragment of the Berlin Wall, embedded in the dial. The inscription "Freiheit" (freedom) appears there like a discreet oath. This unique watch serves as a reminder that freedom is always fragile, that it must be earned and preserved, and that it must be passed on with care.
Discover the Berlin World War II Heritage Watch
To bear the memory of the Second World War, to embrace the legacy
Col&McArthur watches inspired by World War II honor the acts that, in the darkest hours, revealed the best of humanity.
- The courage of the pilots and ground support personnel in 1940.
- The collective resilience of Dunkirk.
- A reminder of global responsibility at Pearl Harbor.
- Freedom regained in Berlin.
Wearing such a watch is to embrace this chiaroscuro: to acknowledge that shadows exist, but to choose to remember the bursts of light that have pierced them. Each tick on the wrist reminds us that history is not static: it compels us to pass on these values, so that light may continue to prevail in future generations.
