Praesidus

The Praesidus Pathfinder 44 Bastogne Edition marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a pivotal World War II event. This battle, fought primarily in Belgium, centered on Bastogne—a strategic crossroads defended heroically by the 101st Airborne Division during a brutal siege from December 22 to 26, 1944. Despite being under-equipped and low on ammunition, the division held their ground until air support and supplies arrived, breaking the siege.

This watch commemorates their valor, incorporating a piece of camouflaged parachute material used by the 101st Airborne in the region. Each dial features this historic fabric, honoring the division’s resilience and the critical airdrops that turned the tide on December 26, 1944. It also bears the iconic phrase “Surrender? NUTS!”—the defiant response of Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe to a German surrender demand.

Designed with the A-11 Tom Rice Spec case, the Pathfinder 44 includes material from a T-5 parachute manufactured in June 1943 by the Highstown Rug Co., offering a tangible connection to the bravery of the US Airborne forces.