Praesidus are known for re-editions of popular military watches. Until now, they have concentrated on traditional field watches, like the A-11 and Rec Spec models.
This new release of the PAC-76 collection takes its inspiration from the Military Chronographs of the 1970s. These were used by the Royal Air Force before the invention digital watches. At first, pilots had the ability to utilize the chronograph function to monitor elapsed time. This enabled them to perform speed and distance calculations without sacrificing their capacity to precisely measure the current time. This approach facilitated tracking fuel consumption and conducting fundamental navigational computations.
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit @realwatchbrothers
A True Revival of a 70’s Field Watch
This cracking example of a bi-compax chronograph has an asymmetrical 316L brushed stainless steel case. (Asymmetrical cases are somewhat similar to round cases but are slightly wider on the crown-side of the watch. The cases were designed to provide additional protection to surround the watch's crown, stem and any pushers whilst in the cockpit).
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit
@realwatchbrothers
This PAC 76 Chronograph is powered by the Miyota VK64 Meca-quartz chronograph movement, this gives the quartz precision (+/-20 seconds/month) with the mechanical chronograph “sweep” feel, on the second hand. This dial is all about legibility and clarity, the black textured dial, has an almost tarmac-like grain, which adds to the allure of this watch. This serves a dual purpose by both enhancing the aesthetics and minimising reflections. On the dial we see the traditional polished baton “pumpkin” lumed hands for the hours and minutes. The polished second hand matches perfectly, giving a great balance. There are two perfectly proportioned sub-dials, with a detailed vinyl record style, concentric rings, one at 3 o’ clock for the chronograph hours, the other at 9 o’ clock for the chronograph minutes. The central second hand, positioned at twelve, measures the time for the chronograph.
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit
@realwatchbrothers
Thin, Compact and True to its Origin
The black dial has a contrasting white minute track around the inner edge and lume dots on every hour. Both the oversized 12 and 6 have applied lumed numbers in an identical font to the original mil spec watches of that time. The Praesidus logo sits just below the 12, with an L just below that, this is probably to denote the lume is Super Luminova.
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit
@realwatchbrothers
Covering all this is the Double Domed K1 Mineral Glass with Anti-Reflective Coating, which does a great job as the dial is remarkably legible in both day and low light.
The finely knurled crown is at 3 o’ clock and sitting either side of that are the chronograph pushers.
The upper one, to start and stop and the lower to reset. The screw down vertically brushed case back has the branding and model engraved together with American Assembly and waterproof depth. The Stainless Steel Bonklip bracelet definitely adds to the vibe of the 70’s.
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit
@realwatchbrothers
You can buy this with either the one piece nylon strap, Sand Distressed Leather, Black Leather ($345.00) or with the polished stainless steel Bonklip bracelet ($395.00). This is a brand I had not come across before and after getting hands on, am quite taken with its quality. For just under $400.00 (with the Bonklip bracelet), this is really good value for money and great for anyone loving the vintage 70’s military look. It really does wear well too, due to its slim 11.3mm height and easily slips under the cuff.
My Thoughts
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit
@realwatchbrothers
This is a great looking watch and is exceptional value for money. At low light the dial the dial comes alive and is very legible from a fair distance. I’m not particularly worried that a quartz movement has been used, although the military purists may disagree. I definitely prefer the Bonklip over the other strap options and although I am not a collector of Military watches, I can see this in plenty of collections. If you’re looking for a military inspired chronograph, then this could be the watch for you.
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit
@realwatchbrothers
There were similarly issued pieces, with the same form factor and spec. They all bear a very comparable resemblance to the PAC-76 and would have all conformed with the UK Ministry of Defence MoD “DEF-STAN” 66-4 (Defence Standard) specifications of that time. The DEF STAN 66-4, allowed the addition of either one or two “pushpieces” or buttons to control the watches chronograph function. Although back in the day the Valjoux 7733 would have been the movement of choice. Much of that spec, forms the basis of this PAC-76.
- Hamilton Aviation Pioneer - issued to the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Army and Royal Australian Navy pilots.
- CWC Pilot Chronograph - issued to RAF pilots in the 70’s -80’s
Praesidus PAC-76 Chronograph - Credit
@realwatchbrothers
Specifications
-
Case - 316L Stainless Steel Brushed (Asymmetric)
-
Movement – Miyota Meca quartz VK64
-
Glass - Double Domed K1 Mineral Glass with Anti Reflective Coating
-
Water Resistance - 10 ATM
-
Case sizes - 38.5mm x 45mm x 11.8mm
-
Lug width - 20mm
-
Pencil hands x 3 hours, minutes & seconds
-
2 x sub-dials minutes & hours (chronograph)
-
3 year Battery Life
-
$345.00 for One piece Nylon strap
-
Black Leather
-
Sand Distressed Leather
-
$395.00 for Polished Stainless Steel Bonklip
