Palau / Peleliu 2026

Out of Office: We are headed to Palau in support of Project Recover's MIA recovery work from June 4th - June 21st. Online ordering will be open while we are away. BAKU and/or strap orders received by May 31st will be shipped before we leave. We will be back in the office approximately June 24th with shipping expected to resume on June 27th. The Service Center will be on-call to reply to emails while the main office is closed. 

This month on the Mk II blog we preview of some of the gear Bill and Brock are bringing along. More about the trip coming in the next few weeks including, hopefully, a update on the search for UDTs Black, MacMahon, and Roeder which Project Recover believe are still on Palau.

Note: Bill, as a guest of Project Recover, is paying for all of his own travel and expenses.

The brief history of "Hell Week"

The Research Catalog

The Research Catalog: Each model that we develop begins with background research into reference designs which include the historical context that the watches were used in. This research informs what we change and what we choose to retain in any given design.

During World War II, the UDTs had a deadly job. In addition to surveying and clearing enemy beaches of obstacles in advance of the amphibious landings they faced natural obstacles such as sharp coral. Coral could inflict cuts or scrapes that could take weeks or months to heal. Initially the UDTs used white sneakers that they would dye blue. Eventually the military developed and issued the coral shoes or “coral creepers” shown below. 

Today, Navy SEALs and other aquatic special operations groups sometimes use black Converse Chuck Taylors as improvised dive booties. They are lightweight, flexible, and have enjoy a cult following. If you're feeling more old school PF Flyers still makes a version of their WW2 boot (see below).

Project Recover - A quick look at the Coral Shoes used by the UDT's

PF Flyer Grounder

A reissue of their WW2 boot. Probably the best option for the modern "coral shoes".  

Watch Reviews

MKII Hellion-BAKU:
From, With, and Through History

by Mainspring Watch

News

• Project BAKU: Thank you to those of you that have purchased a BAKU edition watch. So far, together we've raised more than $14,000 for Project Recover.
• Fulcrum 39: The next version of the Fulcrum 39 is currently in development.
• Intersect LA: We are planning on exhibiting at Intersect LA which is scheduled this year for July 17/18th. More on that event to come as get closer. Fingers crossed that there are no travel disruptions this time.