BRITISH ENGINEERING FOR THE 1%
The Zero West S5e is a 42mm, precision-engineered timepiece — a bold, modern take on the WW2 “Dirty Dozen” watch. Fully designed in-house, including its unique integrated bracelet, the S5e blends military heritage with sharp, contemporary design. Limited to just 100 pieces, this is British watchmaking at its most exclusive.
SPITFIRE ON THE WRIST
Zero West is proud to be a restoration partner of Spitfire AA810. From its recovered Merlin engine, we’ve taken rare metal, smelted it down, and recast it into the serial number plates on every S5e. Each plate is unique – an authentic piece of history carried on your wrist.
A SECRET MESSAGE OF ESCAPE
Invisible by day; alive under UV. On the back is a reverse printed sapphire crystal revealing a hidden morse code message that reads “ESCAPE TUNNEL HARRY 22.30, 24-03-1944 51.5986N-15.3075E” – a coded nod to the Great Escape and the coordinates tied to the story. The graphic conceals the lume until activated, transforming the back into a quiet memorial to ingenuity and bravery.
UNDER PRESSURE YOU NEED CLARITY
Our contemporary take on the legendary Dirty Dozen dial is built for the moments that demand focus. By using modern X1 Super-LumiNova, the S5e delivers unrivalled legibility in the dark – so when the pressure’s on, you see only what matters: time, clear and uncompromised.
TECH SPEC
Each model in the collection continues to reflect Zero West’s commitment to precision engineering, innovative DualConcentricConstruction™, and distinctive design elements.
Sandy Gunn and Spitfire AA810
Flight Lieutenant Alastair ‘Sandy’ Gunn flew unarmed Spitfire AA810 with the RAF’s elite Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, gathering vital intelligence deep in enemy skies. Shot down over Norway in 1942, he was captured and held at Stalag Luft III. In March 1944, he joined the Great Escape through tunnel Harry, but was recaptured and executed—one of 50 men killed on Hitler’s orders.
Eyes in the sky…
Sandy Gunn’s story reflects the courage of the RAF’s Photographic Reconnaissance Unit – pilots who flew unarmed, alone, and deep into enemy territory. His resilience, sacrifice, and role in the Great Escape remain a powerful reminder of wartime bravery. Today, the restoration of Spitfire AA810 – found in Norway and supported by Zero West – honours Gunn and his fellow pilots, ensuring their legacy endures.
…to the great POW escape
A unique aviation tribute
Zero West has created a unique tribute to aviation history by incorporating aluminium alloy from the Merlin engine of Spitfire AA810, recovered from a Norwegian hillside. This PRU aircraft flew vital WWII missions before being lost for decades. From its engine metal, 100 serial number plates were cast for the S5e – each a lasting link to its legacy.
Recasting history for the S5e
The casting of these plates was a masterclass in precision and heritage craft. A 3D-printed master was used to create wax replicas for lost-wax casting, one of the oldest metalworking techniques. One of Britain’s last remaining casters then hand-poured the melted AA810 alloy, before each plate was finished, laser-engraved, and fitted to the watches—unique pieces carrying the spirit of the Spitfire.
Zero West are proud to be part of this important historical project and sponsor the restoration of the cockpit instrumentation, helping to tell this courageous story of man and machine. Since the discovery of this PRU Spitfire in the peat bogs of Norway’s Surnadal hills, all involved in the project have been waiting for the day when it will once again be painted in the colours of RAF ‘Air Superiority Blue’ and take to the skies.
For further information on the restoration project check out: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk
