Col & McArthur is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States with the release of the Patriot 1776, a luxury watch that includes a fragment of an authentic Revolutionary War musket ball. The timepiece, priced at $899, is designed to honor America's founding and is limited to 500 numbered pieces worldwide.
The watch incorporates a verified shard from a musket ball reportedly recovered from Fort Ticonderoga, a site significant for the colonials' first offensive victory in 1775 during the American War of Independence. The sourcing of the artifact was confirmed by Iron & Paper, specialists in Revolutionary War artifacts.
This historical fragment is integrated into one of the Patriot 1776's subdials. The watch's design also features the initials and founding dates of the original 13 colonies around its periphery, and it is inlaid with 50 stars, representing each U.S. state. The bezel is engraved with a quote from Leviticus, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," which is also inscribed on the Liberty Bell.
The case back of the watch displays a star marking the date and location of the Declaration of Independence's signing—Independence Hall, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1776—and is framed by the names of key signatories, including Benjamin Franklin. Another engraved line reads, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
Despite its historical elements, the Patriot 1776 is equipped with modern mechanics, featuring either an automatic or battery-powered Quartz movement manufactured by Swiss company Ronda. The movement includes a patinated gold finish and five jewels. The watch is housed in a 43mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal.
The automatic version of the Patriot 1776 is strictly limited to 500 numbered pieces globally.