Article by Matt Black; photography by Bob Allaby
A history of time
There are watches that borrow from history, and then there are watches that carry it.
MKII’s Hellion-BAKU firmly belongs in the latter camp.
From the moment I strapped it on, it was clear this wasn’t simply another vintage-inspired field watch – it’s a thoughtfully executed modern tool watch anchored to a very specific moment in military history, and to an ongoing mission whose final objectives have yet to be completed.
The Hellion-BAKU is the result of a collaboration between MKII Watches and Project Recover, a non-profit organization dedicated to locating, recovering, and repatriating American service members still missing in action from past conflicts. This watch serves as a tribute to three members of Underwater Demolition Team-10 – Black, MacMahon, and Roeder – who were captured during a special submarine reconnaissance mission in August 1944 and remain MIA to this day.
That weight of purpose is something you can feel when the Hellion-BAKU is both in hand and on wrist.
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Steel shaped by service
The 39mm stainless steel case is immediately familiar to anyone who appreciates WWII-era military watches, but it doesn’t feel like a strict reproduction. Instead, MKII has taken cues from historic A-11 field watches and early “canteen” dive watches, then refined the proportions and materials for today’s enthusiasts.
At 39mm in diameter, 13.55mm thick, and 48.5mm lug-to-lug, the Hellion-BAKU sits with reassuring presence without ever feeling bulky. While my wrist is on the larger side, it strikes a near-perfect balance – substantial enough to feel like a proper tool watch, yet restrained enough to disappear under a cuff when needed. The brushed 316L stainless steel finish is utilitarian in the best ways: no unnecessary polish, no visual noise. It stays under the radar while maintaining a presence.
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The oversized screw-down “cap” crown is a standout feature. Inspired by historical canteen watches, it’s easy to grip and operate, even with cold or wet hands – something that feels authentic rather than theatrical. Paired with a double-gasket system, the watch delivers 100 meters of water resistance, more than sufficient for the free diving and no-decompression dives performed by WWII UDTs, and more than enough for modern daily wear.
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Camouflage in motion
The hands are where the Hellion-BAKU begins to quietly showcase its narrative depth. The grey, black, and white colour scheme is inspired by the WWII-era camouflage of the USS Burrfish, the submarine associated with UDT-10’s mission. It’s a subtle reference, but one that adds real meaning rather than surface-level aesthetics.
The hour and minute hands take their shape from period-correct UDT watches but are widened for increased legibility and nighttime performance. From my use the last week, they’re excellent – bold, readable, and functional without looking oversized. The lumed tip of the sweep seconds hand is another nod to historical canteen watches, while its asymmetrical triangular counterweight references Project Recover’s logo. That detail alone encapsulates what this watch does so well: blending symbolism and function without ever feeling gimmicky.
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Built for the hours between
The matte black dial is understated at first glance, but it rewards closer inspection. Gloss black printing for the MKII logo and dial text recalls the finish of vintage canteen watches, and in certain light, it nearly disappears – to me, this reinforces the clandestine, nocturnal nature of the mission that inspired the watch.
“Project Recover” appears in italicized text above the depth rating, a placement historically reserved for co-branded watches of distinction. It’s a small but purposeful choice, and one that subtly underscores the meaningful nature of this collaboration.
Lume is another area where MKII clearly prioritized function. The oversized luminous plots and enlarged numerals maximize the amount of Arclite Super-LumiNova applied, resulting in excellent low-light performance. While many UDT missions occurred in daylight, exceptions like the Palau and Yap reconnaissance missions required nighttime capability – and the Hellion-BAKU feels fully prepared for those moments, over 80 years later.
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The names at the centre
Flip the watch over, and the caseback tells perhaps the most emotionally resonant part of the story. Modelled after an issued canteen watch from Draper Kauffman’s UDT-5, the Hellion-BAKU features “USN BUSHIPS” stamped into the steel, with “UDT-10” and an individual issue number acid-etched below.
The misalignment between stamping and etching isn’t a flaw – it’s an intentional feature. It serves as a quiet reminder of the humanity at the centre of this story, and of the imperfect, unfinished nature of the mission to bring Black, MacMahon, and Roeder home. Their names appear prominently in the center of the caseback, while the MKII cypher and Project Recover logo are placed outside the circle, deliberately deferential.
It was really nice to see such a tasteful tribute on the caseback – you can tell the team spent an appropriate amount of time considering these finishes.
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Quietly capable, day after day
Inside the Hellion-BAKU is the TMI NH38 automatic movement, made in Japan and regulated in the USA. It’s a no-nonsense, time-only movement that feels appropriate for a watch rooted in military utility. In my time wearing it, performance has been consistent and reliable, exactly what you want from a modern tool watch designed for daily use.
At 78 grams on the included Haveston canvas strap, the watch wears comfortably throughout the day. The strap itself suits the watch perfectly, reinforcing its military heritage while remaining comfortable and versatile.
Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 48.5mm Lug to Lug 13.55mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back 100m Water Resistance | |
| Dial & Crystal | Domed Sapphire Crystal /w AR Under Coat Printed Arabics and Markers Customized Hands Arclite Super-LumiNova | |
| Movement | TMI NH38 24 Jewels 21, 600vph 42-Hour Power Reserve | |
| Strap | Haveston M-1944C with Brushed Hardware |
MKII Hellion-BAKU
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Built to give something back
MKII offers the Hellion-BAKU in two donation-driven packages. The Standard Donation Package includes the watch, a mission patch, and a BAKU zine, with a minimum of $80 from each sale donated directly to Project Recover. The Premium Donation Package ups the ante with additional mission-specific items – including a challenge coin, submarine poster, and limited-edition packaging – and increases the donation to $135 per watch.
With production limited to 200 units total, the Hellion-BAKU is intentionally scarce, but never feels exclusive for exclusivity’s sake. Instead, that limitation reinforces the idea that this is a focused, purpose-built release.
Final Thoughts: Time as a responsibility
Spending time with the MKII Hellion-BAKU makes one thing abundantly clear: this is not a watch chasing trends. It’s a carefully executed tool watch that respects history, honours sacrifice, and supports an ongoing mission with real-world impact.
On the wrist, it’s comfortable, legible, and quietly confident. Beyond the wrist, it’s a reminder that some stories aren’t finished – and that even a modern mechanical watch can help keep them alive.
For those who value substance as much as specifications, the Hellion-BAKU stands as one of MKII’s most compelling releases to date.
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Pricing & Availability
The MKII Hellion BAKU is available from the brand website for $649 USD (Standard Donation PKg). The Premium Donation Package is sold out
Matt Black is a Toronto-based writer exploring the culture, craftsmanship and stories behind modern watchmaking. He is the founder of Matt Black Ink, a copywriting studio focused on watch brands and timepiece entrepreneurs.
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