Watchmaker Commemorates D-Day with Helmets and Normandy Sand

In November 2025, a Belgian watchmaker, Col&MacArthur, is commemorating the D-Day landings with a series of luxury timepieces made from authentic World War II artifacts. The watches feature metal from US Army M-1 helmets, straps crafted from M-1928 haversacks, and capsules containing sand from the beaches of Normandy.

The company's CEO, Sébastien Colen, explains that the goal is not just to tell time, but to bring history to life and evoke an emotional connection for the wearer. Col&MacArthur has a history of using unconventional materials, from Pearl Harbor seawater to meteorite moondust, in the name of horological storytelling.

However, the decision to repurpose historical artifacts has raised ethical concerns. While the helmets were mass-produced and are relatively common on the collectors' market, some question whether it is appropriate to turn them into luxury items. Colen acknowledges these dilemmas, stating that the company carefully considers the respectfulness of each project.

The watches are being produced to order, with the number of helmets required depending on sales. The premium "Legacy" edition, limited to 1,944 units, features a Swiss-made movement and is priced at $1,749, while the standard version with a Japanese movement costs $699.