Introducing the Tockr D-Day C-47, Made From Sections of Douglas “That’s All, Brother” C-47 Skytrain

One of the more unusual trends of the past few years has been the use of reclaimed historic materials in watches. Everything from junked Ford Mustangs to strings from Wimbledon-winning tennis rackets have appeared under watch crystals in the past few years. While the sheer variety of these efforts is astounding, Tockr’s new entry into the ring has earned some serious consideration. 

The Tockr D-Day C-47, as the name suggests, commemorates the Douglas C-47 Skytrain cargo planes that were instrumental in the Allied war effort during the D-Day landings in Normandy and beyond during World War II. In particular, the D-Day C-47 is built from That’s All, Brother, a Skytrain that helped lead the landings during the invasion of France and is currently being restored to its original 1944 condition by the Commemorative Air Force. Each of these pieces uses a section of That’s All, Brother’s fuselage and wings as a dial, but the rest of the design is an intriguing concoction from Tockr themselves.

Unusually for a watch centered so much around aviation, the D-Day C-47 starts with a cushion case that at first glance would seem more classic Seiko diver than World War II aviator. However, the 42-millimeter case is a sporty and handsome choice and should certainly carry some presence on the wrist. Around back, the engraved case back will feature That’s All, Brother’s nose art as it appears on the plane itself, adding an extra layer of connection to history. 

The dial beneath the AR-coated sapphire crystal is where the history is, and it’s what gives this piece so much character. The basic layout is simple and blocky, with a raised chapter ring for minutes, Patek Nautilus-esque paddle hours and minutes hands, and surprisingly playful printed block numerals for the hours. The seconds hand continues this trend towards playfulness with a stylized red tip shaped like the C-47 Skytrain from above. 

The main dial surface itself is a bit tricky to describe simply due to the fact that each and every D-Day C-47’s dial is totally unique. Because each dial is a cutout from a different section of the plane, they can range in color from light green to olive drab or nearly black, with varying levels of wear and patina. Because of that variety, Tockr is selling the watches in three different groups called “Clean Cut,” “Stamped,” and “Hard Worn.”

The “Clean Cut” dials are just that—these dials generally have the least chips, wear, and the most even overall color. “Stamped” dials feature some kind of original printing, such as serial numbers or warning text, with colors that can be brown, yellow, or even blue. These examples usually show a bit more patina than the “Clean Cut” variety as well. For those in search of more extreme patina, “Hard Worn” dials are the place to look, with some examples so beaten over time they’re nearly all bare aluminum.

Underneath this wild array of dials is the ETA 2824 automatic movement, a tried-and-true Swiss caliber. Anytime we see one, though, it’s still a sign of quality and easy reliability.

Tockr pairs this excitingly variable watch with two straps on quick-change spring bars. The first, made of canvas web, should really play up the World War II military aesthetic while the leather option seems a bit more versatile for daily wear.

Overall, the Tockr D-Day C-47 is a tremendous tribute to a real piece of American history. If you’re looking to buy into this heritage, Tockr is currently accepting orders online for $1,990. Tockr