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If you love military watches (and tool watches in general), you’re no doubt familiar with MkII, makers of updated versions of classic mil-spec timepieces. Previously we saw them update the Benrus Type I and II with the Paradive, and the British M.O.D.’s Mk. 11 became the Hawkinge. Now, with its new Cruxible, MkII takes on one of the most famous American military watches, the World War II-era A-11.
If you’re even remotely familiar with the A-11, the design language of the Cruxible should be immediately familiar. The dial is a simple, matte black slate with the MkII logo and depth rating printed in gloss black, echoing the original spec from the 1940s where manufacturer’s information was present for reference only. The printing is done in white, with minute hash marks, 10-minute intervals in Arabic numerals and large Arabic hour markers present. As on the original A-11, large sword hands and a white-tipped second hand provide solid legibility, here done up in subtle Super Lumi-Nova.
In modernizing the A-11, MkII has updated the case size from 32mm to 39mm, executed here in stainless steel with a screw-down crown and case back for 100m of water-resistance. The crystal utilized is sapphire in place of Perspex. An automatic, 24-jewel Japanese NE15C movement takes the place of the original American hand-winding movements in the A-11 — and as a nice touch, the Cruxible is available in both date and non-date versions. Both versions are available on either leather or a Nato for $650.
Bill Yao at MkII is a diehard military watch fan, and the care with which he goes about crafting his designs in loving reference to these classic models is always impressive. If the Paradive and Hawkinge are any indication, the Cruxible should be a perfect tool watch for the modern wearer.
