TYPE 00 - SUFFIELD
This unique piece of 1968 history built to protect and save the lives of men and women travelled the globe in its endeavours. In the 80’s it began service with the oldest tank unit in the world- the 1st Royal Tank Regiment (1 RTR) of the British Army. It finally came to rest in Ralston, Alberta, Canada as part of the live fire training exercises conducted by the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS). What was once a Fighting Vehicle (FV432) has been repurposed into the live edge dial of this timepiece to continue its heroic endeavours alongside you.
The strap is equally unique. It is made from a vintage Royal Air Force (RAF) GQ 60 ft. utility parachute deployment bag. This was an issued stock item and not war reserved. It was serviced at RAF Hullavington, Wiltshire and dispatched to 47 Air Dispatch, RAF Lyneham for deployment from C-130 Hercules of RAF Support Command for heavy drop. It has four layers, bonded together with flexible polymer, making it waterproof, strong and probably one of the most pliable canvas straps available. Stitched in a light coloured thread with two canvas keepers, it is made to fray and wear slightly over time.
We’ve been crafting some of the world’s most unique, award winning and storied timepieces since 2011. Since this watch is handmade and unique to you we can 100% guarantee your watch will be 1 of 1. If you have any questions about our work please reach out!
TIMEPIECE DETAILS:
Movement: Hand engraved Swiss ETA 6498-1.
Functions: Manually wound, 18,000 beats/hour, 46 hour power reserve, hours, minutes, sweeping second hand at the 5, incabloc shock protection.
Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm (not including crown), 9.6mm height.
Caseback: Stainless Steel, secured by 4 stainless steel screws.
Dial: Machine-stamped Live edge of the actual FV432. The machine we use is a vintage manual machine from the production floor of Patek Philippe. We can only hope our dials will live up to the ones stamped before them.
Hands: Hand-finished White hour and minute hands. White second hand.
Front Crystal: Sapphire
Back Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Band: Hand-made Repurposed military deployment bag. See full description above in the second paragraph.
Packaging: Hand-made Custom cherry box. Made in Canada.
Warranty: 2 Year Warranty
Guarantee: We offer a one week compliment guarantee. If someone doesn’t love your watch within one week of wearing it…you’ve probably never left your house.
Build Time: Ships in approximately 8 weeks.
Love Time: Forever.
FV432 FACTS:
National Stock Number (NSN) - 2350998932406
Equipment Registration Mark (ERM) - 04FA82
Manufactured in 1967/1968 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England.
July 1, 1969 began service
April 2, 1985 joined 1 RTR as a support vehicle for the Chieftain battle tank
Serviced in Wetter, Germany December 1976
Serviced outside Dorthmund, Germany November 1990
January 18, 1992 transferred to BATUS to be used as a target for the British Army during live-fire training
The 1 RTR was forged in the adversity of WWI and is the oldest tank unit in the world. It has been deployed on all major conflicts since the end of WWII earning a reputation for fearlessness and professionalism. As part of the regimen for 5 years this FV432 probably rubbed shoulders with some of the best tanks and tankers of our time.
FV432APCs are the Swiss Army knife of vehicles as they can be converted into infantry, recovery or command vehicles, 81mm mortar carriers and ambulances using installation kits. Being fit for turrets is also a possibility.
Most watches lack soul…
...so at NOVO we've developed a process of infusing meaningful memorabilia into a unique timepiece that will tell a story for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a watch made from a tank?
Depending on the queue approx 4-6 weeks.
How are you better than other companies?
We’re not! We’re different. Our focus isn’t on mass producing anything. Our focus is transferring a customer’s story to his/her wrist or pocket.
What movement do you use for your watches?
We use a Swiss ETA 6498-1 for our watches.
What can I expect when I receive my watch?
An absolutely stunning timepiece that tells a story you connect to.
What do you mean “most watches lack soul”?
Mass-produced products lose the individuality and personality that hand-crafted watches exude. While mass-produced pieces are great for marking important moments in life, our hand-crafted watches infuse meaningful memorabilia and bring with them character that’s impossible to replicate.
One Of One
We 100% guaranteed that no one else will have a watch like yours.
Infused with history you can really feel.
History takes on a new meaning when you can hold it in your hand.
We Would Love To Work With You!
If you have any questions about our timepieces, processes or anything else feel free to email us! I’d love to work with you.
