If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): military skull watch

Mr.Jones Watches has just released this special edition of their Last Laugh Watch:

The time on this watch is displayed on the skull's teeth - the upper jaw shows the hours and the lower the minutes. The watch is a link to the tradition of the memento mori - an object designed to remind us that life is brief and we should seize the moment while we're here.

This new version of The Last Laugh watch from Mr. Jones Watches features specially commissioned artwork by British Tattoo Artist Adrian Willard, “the design comes from the Mexican Day of the Dead festival. The festival focuses on gathering to remember friends and family who have died. Many gifts and offerings are handed out including sugar skulls that are given to both the living and the dead. It has become a very popular image in the tattoo world over the years and has replaced the regular skull in the mainstream tattoo trends.”

above left: the original Mr. Jones Last Laugh Watch and right, the Tattoo version

Specifications:
Case: PVD coated 316L stainless steel
Strap: Black leather with turquoise stitching
Width (3 o'clock to 9 o'clock): 37mm
Height (from lug to lug): 46mm
Mechanism: Single jewel quartz
Waterproof: 5ATM
Guarantee: 12 months

buy it here

Instrument BR01 Airborne- The Talisman watch by Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross, known for their specialized military and instrument watches has recently released the Talisman Watch. This special limited edition Bell & Ross watch is not available to view on their website or to purchase from their site and production is limited to only 500.

The inspiration:
The BR 01 Airborne is an anthem to the extraordinary saga of military paratroopers. This new watch is a tribute to those brave young men who fought in one of the toughest army corps, particularly the US Airborne divisions.

The Airborne divisions were born during the Second World War. They were the first to be exposed to danger and the first ones to face death. Their most famous motto was “Death from Above” symbolised by a skull that was a reminder to them of both their power and vulnerability.

Since then, the symbol has spread to other military regiments. It is often embossed on uniforms patches or on fighter planes. The skull is a constant reminder of the omnipresence of death on each military mission.

Above: Grumman F14 Tomcat Squadron 103 « Jolly Rogers » - Skull and Crossbones

The Watch:
The new BR 01 AIRBORNE model is directly inspired by a historical military symbol and is the most unique watch in the BR 01 collection.

"The BR 01 Airborne reinvents the notion of the talisman, and personifies the very spirit of these outstanding men. It is a genuine tribute to the noblest of military values as well as to the bravery of soldiers who face death on a daily basis to defend their country."

Day and Night views of the watchface:

Below are high res images, please click on them to enlarge:

Night:

Technical specs:
* Movement: Automatic mechanical ETA 2892.
* Functions: Hours, minutes.
* Case: 46mm diameter. 316L glass bead blasted steel with black finishing type carbon powder coating.
* Dial: black. Photoluminescent hands and skull for optimum night readability.
* Glass: anti-reflection sapphire crystal.
* Water-resistance: 100 meters.
* Bracelet: rubber, leather or heavy-duty synthetic fabric

Thanks to The Watch Quote for images and info. And, of course, to Bell & Ross.

The watch was unveiled recently at BASELWORLD and will be available through chic boutique Colette beginning on June 8th, 2 days after D-Day.

Bell & Ross official website