The “Weems” seconds-setting watch is a classic World War II-era military timepiece. Developed in the 1930s, it makes use of a unique locking bezel design meant to be synched to a radio signal for precision timekeeping. Long before GPS was available, this technology, developed by Lieutenant Commander Philip Van Horn Weems of the U.S. Navy and produced by Longines, helped pilots and navigators stay on course. Later licensed to Omega and Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Weems was produced in small quantities and issued to RAF personnel during the war. Rare today and small by modern standards (roughly 34.5mm), vintage Weems watches aren’t exactly suitable for everyday wear.
Revolution WatchToday, horological magazine Revolution has teamed up with UNDONE, makers of affordable and customizable homage watches, in a cool modern take on the Weems dubbed the Aero Scientific 1940. A limited edition of 200 pieces, it features the Weems’ unique bezel locking mechanism controlled via an additional crown at 2 o’clock, as well as a distressed dial meant to recall the look of a a patina’d vintage piece. Upsized to a modern 40mm, the Aero Scientific 1940 is made of stainless steel and is powered by the Seiko NH35 automatic movement (the original Weems was handwound). It’s also water-resistant to 100m and features a plexiglass crystal — a cool, vintage-inspired touch. The watch’s dial features separate hour and minute/second tracks for legibility, as well as lumed syringe-style hour and minute hands.
Equipped with both a leather strap and a stainless steel, Oyster-style bracelet, the Aero Scientific 1940 costs $585 and is available from Revolution’s store.