Minuteman Watches is an Illinois based watch company committed to investing in America. They source leather straps and packaging domestically and assemble their watches here as well. They also donate generously to veterans’ charities. With the A11, they have taken the next big step by using the Fine Timepiece Solution (FTS) Ameriquartz 7122, a new movement manufactured in Arizona. They let me try an olive prototype for this review.
Now, FTS is not strictly an American-made product because it is assembled from a combination of imported and domestic parts. It is worth noting that the US legal standards for labeling a product “American-made” are higher than those under Swiss law for the “Swiss-made” appellation, but that is a rabbit hole into which we need not descend today. Suffice to say that FTS has partnered with Titan Industries of India to reignite American movement manufacture and that many of its component parts are in fact, produced in the States. FTS is also responsible for the A11’s final assembly.
As you may have guessed from its name, the new Minuteman was inspired by the iconic WW2 A11 military watch. The key elements include a mid-sized case, lance hands, and an uncluttered dial with Arabic numerals and lance hands. They are not the first to go down this path, so I was happy to see that they shook things up a bit, most notably by including 3 o’clock day and date windows topped with the brand name and countered by Minuteman’s distinctive logo at 9 o’clock. This east-west arrangement works well, allowing the busy logo enough room to be appreciated and an overall pleasing symmetry to the dial.
The usual minute track incorporates numbers of its own, inside the track and right to the perimeter. Minuteman also saw fit to offer a bold range of colors including olive, gray, brown, and the inevitable black, as well as some decidedly bolder options like yellow and electric blue. All get a black second hand with a lumed red arrowhead.
While not as small as the original field watches, the A11 is a compact piece, measuring 38mm wide, 45mm long, and 10.5mm thick. This is about as small as most unisex watches can fashionably be, and a good fit on my 6.75” wrist. Around back, you are greeted by an engraved drawing of a charging Minuteman. Redcoats beware!
Like a traditional field watch, the stainless steel case is unassuming, featuring a plain, rounded bezel and bead blasted matte finish, but it excels in ways its vintage brethren never could with protections like a flat sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and a generous helping of lume. Although prototype glowed long and strong, the folks at Minuteman tell me production watches will get the one-third more — the thickest application the factory can manage.
Minuteman resisted the temptation to supply the A11 with a nylon NATO. Instead, it comes on a thick nylon two-piece strap with Zulu hardware. I found the fabric a bit too stiff and heavy for my liking. This will be addressed before production as Minuteman has sourced a softer weave that will conform better to the wearer’s wrist.
It’s hard not to like the A11. It is a sensible size, has a clean design, a color for every taste, and it’s tough enough to actually wear in the field. Best of all, it’s inexpensive. You can pre-order one now for just $189. After March 31, the price goes up to $200. Full retail will be $250. Whatever you pay, part of the proceeds will be donated to Homes For Our Troops.
For more information or to place your order, visit CGAWatches.com.
