THE SUFFIELD - 1968 Blasted
TIMEPIECE DESCRIPTION:
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!
The FV432 that we created our dial from rubbed fenders with the best of the best in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment of the British Army 😳. In the 80’s it began its service with the RTR and was built to protect and save the lives of men and women as it travelled the globe in its endeavours. Eventually old age forced the FV to retire finally laying rest in Ralson, Alberta, Canada as part of a live-firing training exercise conducted by the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS).
We were lucky enough to acquire the lid of the Fighting Vehicle and what was once its top hatch has been repurposed as the live edge dial of this timepiece. The beautiful colour of the dial was a colour uncovered after removing the layers of paint applied over the years and features a subtle sparkle from the hand shaving process crossing into our sealing process. Even if we tried it would be close to impossible to replicate the look of this dial OR keep your friends from ogling it.
Strap on this beautiful piece to continue its heroic endeavours alongside you.
TIMEPIECE DETAILS:
Movement: ETA 6498-1 with a Geneva stripe finish.
Functions: Manually wound, 18,000 beats/hour, 46 hour power reserve, hours, minutes, sweeping second hand at the 5, incabloc shock protection.
Case: 316L Stainless Steel, 41mm (not including crown), 9.5mm height.
Caseback: 316L Stainless Steel.
Dial: Live edge of the FV432 stamped using vintage Patek Philippe dial stamp.
Finishing: Polished case with a subtle satin finished around the bezel and on the lugs.
Hands: White wire hour and minute hands. White second hand.
Front Crystal: Sapphire crystal.
Back Crystal: Mineral crystal.
Water Resistance: 5ATM.
Band: Hand-made Horween leather
Packaging: Beautiful hand-made one-off wood packaging.
Warranty: 2 Year Warranty.
Build Time: Ships in 3-4 weeks
Love Time: Approx forever. Actually, forever.
OUR 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.
FV432s 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.
Note: Every dial will have different characteristics and colouring. Although each will be unique and different, they’ll all be beautiful.
Most watches lack soul…
...so at NOVO we've developed a process of infusing your meaningful memorabilia into a unique timepiece that will tell your story for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a custom watch?
Depending on the complexity between 8 - 10 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. And tears. And love.
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 the actual memorabilia representing your moments and bring with them character that’s impossible to replicate.
What kind of material do you work with?
We work with anything! We’ve worked with NFL helmets, MLB cleats, train tracks, military tanks, branding irons, iPhones, and more. Every watch is different so feel free to call or email to chat more about your specific material and see what we can do with it. Email steve@novowatch or call 888-782-2607.
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.
SAVE SPACE
We all have those things that hold meaning that we can’t throw away but don’t have room for. Let us make a watch from it.
PASS IT ON
Each timepiece is crafted to last for lifetimes and tell your story for generations. It’s a legacy built for your wrist.
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.