Really appreciate the amazing feedback on this video guys, a LOT of hard work went in to making it. If you enjoy it please be sure to leave a Like and a comment - and share it with anyone who might enjoy it too 🙏
I met Tom Rise at saint mere eglise in 2019, and of course took a photo of him. When I got home I discovered the history with his watch and bought the watch. Yes, there are not many left. In 2019, there were probably 200 veterans left. That's why I visited Omaha beach camping in 2019 just to meet some veterans. Unfortunately, cannot send picture on tube. Unforgettable week at Omaha. Have a nice trip in 2024🙂
@sbromose1 that's incredible, I'd love to have met some of the veterans and thanked them for everything they sacrificed for future generations such as ours
God bless Tom Rice and all those other brave men who’s name we don’t know and never will know. You can read all the books and watch the movies and series like Band of Brothers which I avidly have, but just hearing the story of one boy who was not only brave enough to jump out of a plane in heavy flak fire, but then to do it again at age 97. Well that speaks volumes. They call it “The Greatest Generation” and I see no evidence to dispute that. Fantastic episode Simon.
100% Michael those guys were true heroes and I often wonder how our generation would've responded in the same situation. Thank god most of us haven't had to. Appreciate the kind words as always buddy 🙏
Im a Brit and there are no words that can ever be said that in any way compensates these brave hero's for their ultimate sacrifice. They gave their tomorrows so we could have our todays! In this selfish self absorbed self serving world we have conjured from their sacrifice it needs to be remembered that democracy isn't free, it has to be paid for with the blood of young men and women who never had the opportunity to live full lives, full of experience and love, allowed to age gracefully and pass on their wisdom.
Thanks so much man, really appreciate the kind words and completely agree about the importance of remembering their sacrifice. Glad you enjoyed the video and I hope I earned your sub 🙏👍
Cheers Lewis, I really enjoyed making it and I'm glad you enjoyed watching it. Sadly it hasn't had the views I like to think it deserves so please share with anyone you know that's interested in both watches and history!! 👍
Excellent video and history lesson told with respect and consideration for the fallen. I own the Rec Spec Vietnam Mac V Sog version made Praesidus and it's a brilliant facsimile of the original Seiko 5 versions . Great video and thanks 😊
Thanks man 🙏 I hope I did justice to the story! I've never really been in to military/field watches but I fell down a big rabbit hole while researching the A-11!
Absolutely - I love watches with a story or a personal connection. One of the few pieces that's so far evaded me is the Speedy and that's another one I'd love to own for it's Apollo pedigree.
Hamilton watch had great impact to the world due to it was a watch used by the most powerful military in the 20th century. I have two Hamilton watches and it is one of my favorite watch brans besides Rolex/Tudor and Swatch.
If Tom Rise had a Hamilton watch like the one Praesidus made as a-11, it would probably be an FSSC 88 -W-800 Navy watch with movement 2987. It looks a lot like the Waltham a-11. It is possible that Tom Rise had a Waltham and not a Hamilton. But in WW2 you probably just got a watch you had in stock for D-Day. We'll probably never find out. I got this Tom Rise Hamiliton watch from Praesidus and even though I doubted whether it was the kind of watch Tom Rise had, I thought very well of the watch and the history. I was at Normady 2019 , what a great day.
It could well have been a Waltham though in the interviews with Tom Rice he always recalled it being a Hamilton and knew the price of it - which suggests he bought it rather than it being issued. The 2019 commemorations in Normandy must've been an incredible event to be at. I've already booked to be there on the 80th anniversary in 2024 but sadly most of the veterans have now passed.
@@Escapement24 It was a good story, thoughtful and well produced. Of course you should have many more views, but the RU-vid algorithm pushes garbage at everyone. Keep up the good work 👍
Thanks man, yeah it's frustrating that the content you work hardest on often gets the least views. The main thing is that those who see it enjoy it, and if it leaves enough of an impression then some might share it. Appreciate the support 🙏🙏🙏
Field watches should not be more than 38mm. World War II watches ranged from 32mm to 38mm. Most A-11s were 32mm which is very small. A field watch is designed to go under a field jacket and field shirt sleeves. Ideal size would be 36mm like another iconic field watch called Rolex Explorer. A 42mm watch is not a field watch. It's a dive watch.
