DVNKIRK 1940 In memory of our fallen soldiers

Limited to 500 timepieces

Operation Dynamo was a hastily-organised plan by the British Admiralty to enable the British Expeditionary Force to escape annihilation. To do so, the BEF staged a fighting retreat to the coast and awaited the Operation Dynamo flotilla; a collection of 933 vessels, including civilian pleasure craft between 30 and 100 feet.

Operation Dynamo ultimately saved the lives of 338,226 British, French, Belgian and Polish soldiers during the rescue from 26 May – 04 June 1940.

The symbols

€499.00
This included :
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  • Includes a certificate of authentication for the crystals made of sand from Dunkirk Beach.
  • Includes luxury packaging and insurance coverage.
  • Worldwide delivery.
  • Return accepted up to 14 days after delivery (full refund).
  • Delivery within 10 working days
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Personalized engraving
Your timepiece will have the serial number : 094/500
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Mo-Fr 9 AM – 5 PM (Brussels Time)
within 14 days after delivery

dunkerque-1940-femme

Data sheet

Sexe
Women
Couleur
White
Tranches d'ages
Adult
Download the technical sheet link
General information
Guarantee 2 years
Weight 68,1 g
Movement
Origin Swiss
Type Quartz
Line Normtech
Caliber 762
Size 6 3/4 x 8 '''
Version 4 jewels / gold
Case
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm
Materials Stainless steel 316L
Glass Sapphire
Lug-width 18 mm
Seal 5 atmosphere (50 meters)
Case back
Materials Stainless steel
Closure mechanism Clip on
Surface condition Polished
Strap
Materials Leather - Stainless steel 316L
Color Blue/ Brown - Silver
Buckle Folding - Adjustable buckle
Bracelet length 185 mm - 225 mm
Surface condition / - Polished

INTRODUCTION

Dunkerque 1940on sale from September, is a limited edition of 500 watches, and marks the first of 14 different models to be created by Col&MacArthur that uniquely mark a crucial moment or episode in World War II.

Dunkerque 1940  is Col&MacArthur's tribute to the British and allied troops (notably the French 1st Army who over four days, and despite having no armour, fought the Germans to a standstill to halt the enemy advance) who bravely risked their lives to overcame almost impossible odds and turn what was a military defeat into a crucial morale-boost for the British population. The action underscored Britain's determination to defeat Germany at all costs.

Operation Dynamo was a hastily-organised plan by the British Admiralty to enable the British Expeditionary Force to escape annihilation. To do so, the BEF staged a fighting retreat to the coast and awaited the Operation Dynamo flotilla; a collection of 933 vessels, including self-propelled civilian pleasure craft between 30 and 100 feet.

Operation Dynamo ultimately saved the lives of 338,226 British, French, Belgian and Polish soldiers during the rescue from 26 May – 04 June 1940.

Col&MacArthur's Dunkirk 1940 perpetuates the memory of all those who were caught up in the “Miracle of Dunkirk”.

What began as a miserable blunder, a catalogue of misfortunes and miscalculations, ended as an epic of gallantry. We have a queer habit – and you can see it running through our history – of conjuring up such transformations. Out of a black gulf of humiliation and despair, rises a sun of blazing glory. J.B. Priestley

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 

At 6.57pm on 26 May 1940, Operation Dynamo was launched by the Royal Navy’s Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay, operating from the Dynamo room at Dover Castle on the English coast.

This operation, key to the Battle of Dunkirk, was the largest military evacuation of the Second World War. Over the course of nine days, and thanks to the heroism of thousands of mainly French soldiers, hundreds of thousands of British and a smaller number of French troops were evacuated from the harbour and beaches around "Dunkirk". This feat was made possible by a fleet of military vessels aided by a flotilla of private boats, known as the "Dunkirk Little Ships".

The last of these, Shikari, left Dunkirk at 3.40am on June 4th. The final military vessel arrived at Dover at 6.40am. Operation Dynamo was officially declared completed at 2.23pm the same day. The evacuation was declared a miracle by Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, prime minister to King George VI, father of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II. The famous operation was the inspiration for Churchill’s “We shall fight on the beaches” speech that he gave from 3.50pm until 4.14pm that day to the House of Commons.

Find out more about the symbol

"V" for Victory

"V" for Victory was used numerous times during the Second World War. Winston Churchill made use of it as a propaganda symbol signifying resistance to the Germans. Over the years it became a sign of peace which is still used to this day. In Morse code, the letter V is formed by ...— and was also used phonetically on BBC long-wave transmissions addressed to the French Resistance movement.
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JOHN E. ATKINS

John E. Atkins was the youngest British participant to be killed during Operation Dynamo. The 15-year-old showed enormous courage in volunteering to help with the evacuation on a boat. Before boarding and meeting his tragic fate, he sent a note to his mother:

« Dear Mum

We're under the Navey now we are going to France today and might never come back.  Don’t worry.
John »

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SO MANY LIVES SAVED

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Although initially Sir Winston S. Churchill had only planned to repatriate 45,000 soldiers from the Dunkirk pocket, 338,226 soldiers were actually rescued in just nine days thanks to an international collaboration between military vessels and civilian boats which formed the community of Little Ships.

A few years after the war ended, the city of Dunkirk decided to award the official Dunkirk Medal to all the veterans and civilians who took part in the historical evacuation.
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THE DUNKIRK MEDAL

A few years after the war ended, the city of Dunkirk decided to award the official Dunkirk Medal to all the veterans and civilians who took part in the historical evacuation. The city of Dunkirk contributed to the design of the Dunkirk 1940 model by making its archives available as well as sharing its expertise, which was invaluable in conceptualising the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo.
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Partnership with

dunkerque_logo.pngCity of Dunkerque
val_saint_lambert.pngLa cristallerie du Val Saint-Lambert
VG
Vnh Guillaume le 28/04/2022
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'ai récemment offert un exemplaire du modèle "Dunkerque 1940" à mon père, militaire, dans le cadre de son départ à la retraite, après 40 années au service de son pays. J'avais également fait graver au dos ses années de début et de fin de service. Etant dunkerquois d'origine, il fut extrêmement touché et ému par ce cadeau (et moi aussi par la même occasion) ! Un immense merci pour votre travail ! Vous avez rendu quelqu'un très heureux ! ?

source : Facebook
KO
Knuts Olivier le 28/04/2022
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Très content de cette montre Dunkerque c est la première mais pas la dernière professionnalisme classe et gentillesse a recommander

source : Google
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Laloux Frédéric le 14/04/2021
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Une expérience hors du commun.  Un service de qualité et d'une disponibilité époustouflante.  Nous souhaitions un cadeau pour un passionné de l'Histoire de la seconde Guerre mondiale.  La rencontre avec le modèle DUNKERQUE 1940 était idéal.  Le résultat est encore plus impressionnant que prévu.  La gravure personnalisée couronne la symbolique recherchée. L'émotion lors de la remise de la montre était au rendez-vous.  La vidéo de présentation sur grand écran et ensuite la remise de ce coffret fabuleux ont fait en sorte que le moment soit mémorable.

source : Facebook
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M. Matthieu le 24/02/2021
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Happy owner of a Dunkerque 1940 automatic watch, your watchmaking company produces watches of excellent quality. The service is irreproachable. Indeed, I have had all my questions answered and you even took the time to call me (while I was abroad) to give me advice on the maintenance of the watch.

The watch was delivered on time and in a beautiful box.

I will most certainly buy a commemorative watch from World War II. I am looking forward to seeing the collection grow little by little.

Do you plan to have watch boxes and winders?

See you soon!

Matthieu

source : e-mail
SM
Schmitt Malika le 24/02/2021
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Magnificent quality watch, the Battle of Dunkirk 1940 received in a very beautiful box?

Impeccable customer service and delivery.

Thank you again.

source : Facebook
HF
Heckmann Franck le 24/02/2021
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Super satisfied with my Dunkerque watch I highly recommend.

source : Google
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Geneve Thibault le 23/02/2021
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Quality watch! I ordered the Dunkerque which I think is superb. At last a brand that takes care to work on the details, right down to the protective case, which is extremely appreciable. I love watches and I have to say that I already know which one I'm going to take soon!

source : Facebook
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Martin Mickael le 23/02/2021
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I also received the beautiful Dunkirk for Christmas!

source : e-mail
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Delaunoy Alain le 02/02/2021
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Sometimes you are lucky in life ... a contest you know about and you know the answer and you win ... many have experienced this but when it affects a region you love above all else in France and it passionately affects a period of history you love it is the jack pot ... and knowing that you are a fan of beautiful watches and this one is beautiful. It is pure happiness ... thank you Col&Mac Arthur for this jewel of technology that this beautiful watch from Dunkerque ... thank you bcp from the bottom of my heart ... it is just magnificent.

source : Facebook
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Legrand Lionel le 23/11/2020
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Congratulations to the watchmaking house Col&MacArthur

source : Facebook
DE
Dujardin Eric le 20/11/2020
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Dunkirk 1940 : Splendid! Unbeatable value for money and pleasure!

Very very satisfied with my purchase. I'm from Dunkirk, so there's also the sentimental aspect. I'm sure I'll be emulated...

source : Google
WS
Wey Steve le 18/11/2020
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I ordered the Dunkerque with its stainless steel bracelet and what a splendid object (finish, quality, historical detail).

It was delivered to me in its box of similar quality to this one and on time.

I can only recommend this watchmaker.

Thank you Col&MacArthur.

source : Facebook
OE
Ofthegarden Eric le 19/10/2020
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Dunkirk 1940: Splendid! Unbeatable quality/price ratio for unbeatable pleasure!

Very very satisfied with my purchase. Being from Dunkirk, there is also the sentimental aspect which plays. No doubt that I am likely to be emulated...

source : Google
GY
Guyard Yohann le 19/10/2020
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Dunkirk Reception number 133. 

Refined and even more beautiful than in the photo. 

Many thanks to Col&MacArthur

source : Facebook
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King Kasuma le 19/10/2020
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Recently received a 1940 Dunkirk watch as a birthday present. Excellent invoice for the price, Thank you!

source : Google
DR
Dehaese Romuald le 12/10/2020
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Above all, the quality of service is irreproachable, the follow-up of the order is exceptional and the delivery is secure.

As far as the watch is concerned, it is just beautiful.

Being from Dunkirk, I could only acquire it.

It is our history and the history of my home town. 

The smallest detail leaves me speechless and can only let my imagination travel through time. 

If you want an object full of history and emotion, choose a watch from the Col&MacArthur collection.

Amazement guaranteed.

source : Facebook
NH
Naamneh Houssem le 24/07/2020
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Recently received a 1940 Dunkirk watch as a birthday present, Excellent invoice for the price, Thank you!

source : Google
BG
Brimeux Guillaume le 07/07/2020
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I bought the Dunkerque watch for its history and the quality of the watch. The watch is beautiful, neat and detailed. I highly recommend this brand that takes you on a journey through history and allows you to wear it at arm's length =)

source : Google
GS
Genard Sylvie le 02/07/2020
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I ordered the Dunkerque 1940 watch. A Christmas present for my husband who is a history buff. This watch ⌚ full of symbols is magnificent. Very beautifully made. The delivery took longer than expected but it is for Christmas so....

The wooden box in which the watch is stored is very beautiful.

I asked for a special engraving and here too it is very successful.

Thank you very much.

source : Google
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Ti' Ju le 14/06/2020
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I have just discovered this house through the exit of the 1940 Dunkerque watch. 

From Dunkirk, I wish to acquire this very successful, detailed and elegant example. 

I then made a request on the site and Mr Colen called me in person. This gesture is already proof of a customer relationship unlike any other nowadays. Proximity even through an internet approach is now possible!

Mr. Colen answered what I wanted to hear, so I placed the order (if I am not mistaken I should have the number 149!). It was my son who chose the engraving so I would be doubly attached to it. 

I can't wait to receive my watch...The hardest part will be having to wait until the end of September!!!!

source : Facebook