A chrono for chopper pilots
Praesidus has built a solid reputation for itself when it comes to reissuing military watches. But aside from watches, it also manages to tell a good story. The Tom Rice and Vince Speranza A-11s unearthed powerful tales of WWII heroism, and the PAC-76 offered a glimpse into the life of RAF pilots in the 1970s. The brand goes even further down the rabbit hole this time around with the Praesidus Type H-75 Chronograph.
The H-75 Chronograph is inspired by the Leonidas CP-1, which was originally issued to helicopter pilots in the Italian Air Force during the 60s and 70s. Those watches fetch top dollar today, if they can be found in good condition.
Check out the Charlie GR Chronograph
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Key Features of the Praesidus H-75 Chronograph
Case
The Praesidus H-75 Chronograph has a 316L stainless steel case that measures 38mm in diameter and 45.5mm lug to lug. For a chronograph, the watch is also relatively slender at 11.5mm, due in part to the mecaquartz calibre on the inside. The case is predominantly brushed with a mix of brush and polish on the straightforward, angular lugs.
It is equipped with a black, unidirectional aluminum bezel insert with a 60-minute register. It also has elongated pump pushers and a large push-pull crown. The increased size was a practical consideration for pilots—who often wore gloves—making the actuation of the watch simpler. The case back is screw down, and the watch is rated to 100m of water resistance.
Dial and crystal
Under the sapphire-coated mineral crystal, the dial is black with the same pebbled texture used in the PAC-76. In the wide-set sub-dials, we see the addition of a record album azurage, which is a nice switch up. The register on the left tracks up to sixty minutes, while the counter on right indicates—rather unnecessarily—twenty-four-hour time (a drawback of the VK64). I particularly like the font Praesidus have chosen for the Arabic hour markers; however, the sword-style handset and arrow-tipped central chronograph hand are a bit jarring in their yellow colouring. There is also a minute track in the outer chapter ring to round things out.
The numerals have been well-lumed, but contrary to brand literature the handset in our review model did not light up. As this is a prototype, it is likely this will change in the production models.
Movement
Powering the H-75 Chronogprah is the ubiquitous VK64. This gives the watch its “sweeping” chronograph hand and mechanical pushers. It is accurate within +/- 20 seconds a month and should have a battery life of up to 3 years.
The model we have in comes on a light grey canvas strap. However, distressed leather and black canvas are also available.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 38mm Diameter 45.5mm Lug to Lug 11.5mm Thick 18mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire-coated Mineral Dome Black Textured Dial Printed Markers Pencil Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | VK64 Mecaquartz Bi-compax 2 Jewels 3-Year Battery Life |
| Strap | Canvas Strap |
Praesidus H-75 Chronograph
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Final Thoughts
The Praesidus H-75 Chronograph is an attractive piece with definite military vibes. It also provides significant value for your money. It reminds me a lot of the Heuer Bundeswehr Flyback 1550—which is a good thing. I think it would look great on a NATO and be an excellent weekender.
Pricing & Availability
The Praesidus H-75 Chronograph is priced at $245USD. You can subscribe to the brand website for updates.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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