The M1 draws together the extraordinary engineering of the de Havilland Mosquito with the story of HX909 and Operation Jericho — the audacious low-level attack on Amiens Prison in February 1944. Its design combines the character of vintage aviation instruments with details taken directly from the mission.
WHAT CONNECTS THE “WOODEN WONDER”, A PRISON WALL, OPERATION JERICHO AND A SERVICE WATCH?
MODEL:
M1 Service Watch
Dossier:
ZW-061 Operation Jericho
Date:
18/02/1944
Coords:
49.908°N – 2.3245°E
Size:
41mm
Material:
Merlin Engine metal from HX909
Edition:
Limited to 100 pieces
Build:
Order and dispatched within 4 weeks
01
INSPIRATION & DESIGN
A textured black dial, applied three-dimensional numerals and vintage brass-toned hands create the clarity and warmth of a period cockpit instrument. The crown takes its form from an aircraft joystick firing button, while the dial records the coordinates of Amiens Prison and the date of the raid.
Turn the watch over and the connection becomes physical. Beneath the rear sapphire crystal sits a precision-cut steel disc taken from the Rolls-Royce Merlin crankshaft of Mosquito HX909 — transforming surviving material from the aircraft into an integral part of the M1.
02
THE HISTORY
THE WOODEN WONDER
The de Havilland Mosquito challenged conventional thinking. Largely constructed from wood and originally conceived without defensive armament, it would rely instead upon exceptional speed. First flown in November 1940, the radical design became one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War.
SPEED OVER FIREPOWER
De Havilland believed that removing the weight and drag of defensive gun turrets could create a bomber fast enough to outrun enemy fighters. Its lightweight wooden construction and twin Rolls-Royce Merlin engines produced an aircraft of extraordinary performance, agility and range.
OPERATION JERICHO
On 18 February 1944, RAF Mosquitos set out on one of their most audacious missions: a precision, low-level attack on Amiens Prison in occupied France. Codenamed Operation Jericho, the objective was to breach the prison walls and enable prisoners to escape.
FIFTY FEET ABOVE THE GROUND
Flying beneath German radar demanded extraordinary skill. The Mosquitos crossed the Channel at extremely low level before racing across snow-covered northern France, using roads, villages and other landmarks for navigation as they converged on the prison at precisely the planned time.
MOSQUITO HX909
Among the first wave was Mosquito FB Mk VI HX909, flown by New Zealand pilot Merv Darrall with navigator Fred Stevenson. Carrying four 500lb bombs, they approached Amiens at low level before releasing their weapons against the prison’s outer walls.
THE WALL IS BREACHED
HX909’s attack struck the north wall, blasting a breach through the masonry. Other Mosquitos attacked the walls and guardhouse as prisoners began escaping through the openings. The precision demanded from the crews made Operation Jericho one of the Mosquito’s most famous low-level attacks.
THE COST
The mission came at a heavy price. Aircraft and aircrew were lost, including the raid’s celebrated leader, Group Captain Percy “Pick” Pickard. Prisoners were also killed during the bombing. Operation Jericho succeeded in creating escape routes, but its human cost remains part of its complex history.
A PIECE OF HX909
Unlike most wartime aircraft, the Mosquito’s structure was predominantly wooden, making surviving original material particularly scarce. Steel from the Rolls-Royce Merlin crankshaft that powered HX909 survived — material now precision-cut and incorporated into the M1, physically connecting each watch with the aircraft and its mission.
03
M1 (41mm) GALLERY
Showcasing Merlin engine steel, cut from the crankshaft of Mosquito fighter-bomber HX909
04
M1 SPECIFICATION
- Latitude and Longitude reference Amiens Prison
- Date code references Operation Jericho (Ramrod 564)
- Dial design takes design cues from vintage aviation timepieces
- Polished stainless steel exhibition back displaying a steel disc repurposed from Mosquito HX909. This is set beneath a reverse-printed sapphire crystal
- Hand-assembled, regulated, and tested in-house
- Five-axis, aerospace grade 316L stainless steel machining
- 41mm diameter
- 13.5mm thick
- 22mm lug width
- 46mm lug to lug pin spacing
- 41mm diameter, Matt Silver #220, 316L stainless steel billet
- Match machined & polished stainless steel DSL lugs
- Polished stainless steel exhibition back
- Water resistance: 10ATM (100m)
- Front: Custom sapphire glass with anti reflective coating
- Rear: flat sapphire glass with reverse printed graphic
- Sellita SW200-1 ‘Top Premium Grade’
- 28,800vph
- 26 jewels
- Self-winding ball bearing rotor
- Power reserve ~41 hours
- Black textured enamel over brass substrate with vintage brass coloured applied 3D numerals with in-filled SuperLuminova X1 luminous pigment
-
Brown rally leather strap 22/20mm. Handmade with the finest Italian leather and hypoallergenic lined. Zero West brushed silver butterfly clasp. Available in standard size 175mm-220mm
05
Order the M1 Mosquito (41mm)
S6e Spitfire Escape
ENGINEERED FOR THE MISSION – Inspired by the speed, precision and ingenuity of the de Havilland Mosquito. The M1 combines purposeful aviation styling with material from Mosquito HX909, creating a direct connection to WW2 history. From daily operations to decisive moments, it keeps time with clarity, confidence and intent.
£3,655.00
Delivery within 4 Weeks
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Delivery within 4 Weeks
Includes all import-duty and local taxes. No additional fees.
Delivery within 4 Weeks
Excludes local taxes & duties. Learn More
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BRITISH ENGINEERING
30 DAY RETURNS
2 YEAR WARRANTY