Forstner A-12 Watch - Now Discontinued

 

The Story:

The Forstner A-12 is a faithful, yet updated, reinterpretation of a classic watch that has long been out of production: the Bulova Accutron Astronaut.  The Astronaut was famously supplied to CIA test pilots flying the A-12 (the first Mach 3+ capable aircraft), U.S. Air Force pilots on the X-15 hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft, and flown in space on the early moon missions.  Astronauts also paired the Astronaut with the Forstner Komfit bracelet, when adorning the watch over their space suits.  Jacoby Bender (who acquired Forstner in the 1960s) likewise manufactured one of the Astronaut's bracelets, the Bullet Bracelet--one of the all-time classics for its unique angled-style links.  

The Details:

The Forstner A-12 revives two classic designs - the vintage look of the Astronaut, along with a completely reworked and modernized JB Bullet Bracelet with Forstner's new milled clasp.   Here are some specifics:

• The watch:

• Functions: hours, minutes, GMT (independently adjustable).
• Case/dial: 39mm stainless steel "flying saucer" case (39mm lug-to-lug as well), 12.6mm thick.  18mm lug width.  Matte black dial with white markers filled with C3 luminova.
• Crystal:  domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating applied underneath the crystal.
• Water resistant to 50M.
• Movement: swiss Ronda 515-24HR.
• Assembled in USA.

• The bracelet: 

• Recreation of classic JB Bullet Bracelet.
• 5-link design, with alternating polished/brushed finish.
• Angled links, tapering from 20mm at lugs to 16mm at clasp.
• Solid links removable by single screw system.
• New Forstner milled clasp.