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Forstner A-12

The Story

The Forstner A-12 brings back a long-lost watch style that was once a critical player in U.S. spy plane (and early NASA) programs, and which holds a very special place in Forstner's history. In the mid-twentieth century, the Bulova Accutron Astronaut was famously supplied to CIA test pilots flying the A-12 high-altitude Mach 3 reconnaisance aircraft, as well as U.S. Air Force pilots flying the X-15 hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft. Before NASA selected the Omega Speedmaster as the official watch for manned space flight, the Astronaut was often the watch of choice for astronauts in the Mercury missions. Foreshadowing Forstner's eventual role in the moon missions, our Komfit bracelet was routinely paired with the Astronaut watch, since it could fit over pressurized space suits. And, Forstner's successor company in the 1960s, Jacoby Bender, supplied an all-time classic watch bracelet for the Astronaut--the Bullet bracelet (so-called for its unique angled circular links).

Take a look at FratelloWatches' in-depth review for more details!

Functions

Hours, minutes, GMT (independently adjustable).

Case/Dial

39mm stainless steel "flying saucer" case (39mm lug-to-lug as well), 12.6mm thick.
18mm lug width.
Bi-directional rotating bezel (friction fit)
Matte black dial with white markers filled with C3 luminova.

Crystal

Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating applied underneath the crystal.

Water Resistance

Water resistant to 50M.

Movement

Swiss quartz Ronda 515-24HR.

The Bracelet

The Revived Bullet Bracelet--5 link design, with alternating polished/brushed finish, including circular angled links tapering from 20mm at lugs to 16mm at clasp. Links are solid construction, removable by single screw system, and are fixed to Forstner's new milled clasp.