THE REDWOOD MONSOON WATCH
Heritage-Inspired. Rugged. Assembled in Canada.
“We know how hard it is to find a watch with the right look, a solid build, and a fair price. That is why we started Redwood.”
The Redwood Brothers
BEHIND ENEMY LINES: THE WATCH OF THE MACV-SOG
In 1964, the MACV-SOG was established to conduct covert warfare operations during the Vietnam War. Ben Baker, head of the CISO, was tasked with supplying “sterilized” military equipment to the SOG: all marks were removed to make identification difficult. This meant POW, MIA and KIA personnel would not be linked to the US military.
Our inspiration for the Redwood Monsoon were tough, understated watches with black dials, large illuminated numerals and hands and a waterproof case. Reinterpreted with modern movements and upgraded waterproofing, it is ready to report for duty. Even though most of us won’t infiltrate behind enemy lines, it is impressive to know the Monsoon has a strong historical background and the means to back its looks.
HIGH CONTRAST DiAL & HANDS
As is to be expected for a tool watch fit for Special Forces, one of the most important aspects the MACV-SOG watches was legibility of the dial and hands. The Redwood Monsoon's high-contrast dial is devoid of unnecessary details and features large numerals for quick and clear reading with military time indicated on the outer scale. The pencil-shaped hour and minute hands are all business and the high-contrast red second hand helps confirm correct movement operation with just a glance.
BULLETPROOF CASE CONSTRUCTION
The design of the Monsoon watch case is the embodiment of form following function, with a no-nonsense, rugged, all-stainless construction. The most noticeable update to the mil-spec watches is size. Whereas period watches had a diameter of 36-38mm, the Redwood is a modern 40mm, the sweet spot for a field watch. The brushed finish reduces unwanted glare with the PVD black model offering maximum stealthiness. The massive lugs are insurance against failure. They are drilled for convenient spring bar removal. The Redwood Monsoon watch is also equipped with an oversized screw-down crown for easier operation.
MONSOON-READY WATER RESISTANCE
A critical requirement for the watches issued to the MACV-SOG was a waterproof and dustproof case to protect the movement from the harsh environment encountered during covert operations. The Redwood Monsoon watch stays true to the mil-spec spirit and uses modern technology for a reliable 100m/330ft of water resistance. To achieve this rating, both the crown and caseback are screwed-down and equipped with high quality seals.
UNSCRATCHABLE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL
The Monsoon is equipped with a flat sapphire crystal. Being one of the hardest materials - rated at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds rate at 10) - it is very scratch resistant. Its flat shape also minimizes the risk of scratching it. It is mounted with special seals to ensure water tightness. Its 1.5mm thickness is designed to withstand the strong hydrostatic pressure experienced underwater.
ENERGY-INDEPENDENT MOVEMENT
With its solar-powered movement, the Monsoon watch offers a superior level of durability that will last you through any adventure. It is fully independent from external power sources.
The Monsoon watch is equipped with a miniature solar panel behind the translucent dial. A short exposure to sunlight or strong artificial light provides up to 6 months of power. A massive upgrade compared to the original mil-spec watches.
NIGHT VISION LUME
Original issue watches used radioactive tritium to provide illumination, causing safety issue during operation and disposal. Redwood uses non-radioactive Super-LumiNova pigments, a major improvement over period tech. The pigment appears white in daytime conditions and produces a strong greenish glow in low light after exposure to light or UV. All three hands and numerals 1 to 12 are coated.
DEATH CARD CASEBACK
The caseback of the Redwood Monsoon watch might appear cryptic for the uninitiated with a skull and bones and two lines of unintelligible text engraved into the solid stainless steel piece. The design was inspired by the death cards printed by MACV-SOG Spike Teams for use as psyops weapons during covert operations. The cards were left along trails in the jungle, near villages and at ambush sites to terrify the enemy.
WATCH ROLL INCLUDED
Each Redwood Monsoon watch is shipped in a heritage-inspired watch roll. Borrowing design elements from the M42 field jacket, the sturdy watch roll is made of a thick olive drab 18oz cotton canvas with walnut brown genuine leather trim. The watch roll can hold up to 6 watches. It is a secure, safe and compact way to store and carry watches.
ASSEMBLED
IN CANADA
SOLAR
MOVEMENT
10 ATM WATER
RESISTANCE
2-YEAR
WARRANTY
SPECIFICATIONS
CASE
Diameter: 40mm
MOVEMENT
GLASS
Flat SapphireInternal AR Coating
Thickness: 1.5mm
CROWN
WATER RESISTANCE
STRAP
Leather, Nylon or Rubber StrapBrushed Stainless Steel Hardware
DIAL
WEIGHT
56g (Excluding Strap)
THE REDWOOD PROMISE
Good design, rugged construction, fair price: When we were shopping for a watch, we were told we could only pick two out of the three.
Redwood was born from the desire to be able to own a watch with a great design anchored in history, a quality build with solid specs and a fair price. This is the Redwood Promise.
HERITAGE DESIGNS
At Redwood, we have great respect and admiration for heritage designs. Military watches from WW2 to the 80s and the outdoor lifestyle have been our biggest influence [read more]
RUGGED BUILD
We decided early on to build rugged watches because we wanted our customers to have a product that would last for years. By using quality materials, we ensure their durability and good looks [read more]
FAIR PRICING
Redwood is a small. independent, family-owned brand. We take pride in building solid watches and selling them at an honest price. With no corporate backers, we are free from pressures to reach sales goals and profit margins.
CANADIAN ASSEMBLY
Early on, we had the goal to manufacture watches in Canada. Since 2020, our watches are proudly assembled in our own workshop on the north shore of the great St-Lawrence river near Montreal, Canada [read more]
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