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Edantony
·The Bessa “Le Coq et le Glaive” – 1970s French Paratrooper Skindiver
This is no ordinary watch—it’s a tribute to the elite brotherhood of French airborne forces. Throughout the 20th century, French paratroopers carved out a legacy of daring operations and battlefield tenacity, from Dien Bien Phu to the battlefields of Algeria.
Their symbol, the Dextrochère—a rooster bearing a paratrooper's beret and grasping a dagger in its right claw—embodies courage and sacrifice. This emblem was reserved for those who earned their wings and proudly worn by storied regiments such as the 1er RCP and the French Foreign Legion's airborne units.
And it’s not just on their uniforms—it’s the full backdrop of this extraordinary watch.
Key Features:
- Dial: A full-dial rendering of the Dextrochère emblem serves as a powerful backdrop to the dial. A silver base with a debossed rooster emblem, holding a beret, covers the majority of the dial. The date window at 3 o’clock adds practical functionality, and is completed by the “Bessa Prestige Incabloc” signature. These dials were made in extremely limited quantities—sold only in military foyers (foyers militaires) to serving paratroopers and legionnaires.
- Hands: A silvered hour and minute hand set, but the true centerpiece is the dagger-shaped central seconds hand—bold, sharp, and absolutely unique. This isn’t a design flourish—it’s a statement.
- Bezel: Rotating silver dive bezel with engraved numerals and markers, beautifully complementing the silver dial. Some patina and wear consistent with age, but clean and functional.
- Case: Brushed stainless steel 39mm case (excluding crown), in great vintage condition with sharp lines and a screw-down caseback. The build quality is robust, just as you’d expect from a piece made for military use.
- Lugs: 20mm lugs, currently paired with a brand new NILOTICUS Bond NATO strap, whose subdued tones play perfectly off the silver dial and military DNA.
Movement: Manual-wind mechanical movement with Incabloc shock protection. Smooth winding and strong amplitude—watch keeps good time.
Price: $565 + shipping at buyer’s expense
Watch is keeping time well and ready to wear.
Comes fitted with a new NATO strap.
A rare and patriotic artifact of French military watchmaking. If you collect vintage milwatches or appreciate rare design language with real history behind it, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
I’ve been a long-time member of the forum with many successful transactions—references available on request.
Thanks to Omega Forums for the space. Feel free to message me privately with questions or for more photos.
This is no ordinary watch—it’s a tribute to the elite brotherhood of French airborne forces. Throughout the 20th century, French paratroopers carved out a legacy of daring operations and battlefield tenacity, from Dien Bien Phu to the battlefields of Algeria.
Their symbol, the Dextrochère—a rooster bearing a paratrooper's beret and grasping a dagger in its right claw—embodies courage and sacrifice. This emblem was reserved for those who earned their wings and proudly worn by storied regiments such as the 1er RCP and the French Foreign Legion's airborne units.
And it’s not just on their uniforms—it’s the full backdrop of this extraordinary watch.
Key Features:
- Dial: A full-dial rendering of the Dextrochère emblem serves as a powerful backdrop to the dial. A silver base with a debossed rooster emblem, holding a beret, covers the majority of the dial. The date window at 3 o’clock adds practical functionality, and is completed by the “Bessa Prestige Incabloc” signature. These dials were made in extremely limited quantities—sold only in military foyers (foyers militaires) to serving paratroopers and legionnaires.
- Hands: A silvered hour and minute hand set, but the true centerpiece is the dagger-shaped central seconds hand—bold, sharp, and absolutely unique. This isn’t a design flourish—it’s a statement.
- Bezel: Rotating silver dive bezel with engraved numerals and markers, beautifully complementing the silver dial. Some patina and wear consistent with age, but clean and functional.
- Case: Brushed stainless steel 39mm case (excluding crown), in great vintage condition with sharp lines and a screw-down caseback. The build quality is robust, just as you’d expect from a piece made for military use.
- Lugs: 20mm lugs, currently paired with a brand new NILOTICUS Bond NATO strap, whose subdued tones play perfectly off the silver dial and military DNA.
Movement: Manual-wind mechanical movement with Incabloc shock protection. Smooth winding and strong amplitude—watch keeps good time.
Price: $565 + shipping at buyer’s expense
Watch is keeping time well and ready to wear.
Comes fitted with a new NATO strap.
A rare and patriotic artifact of French military watchmaking. If you collect vintage milwatches or appreciate rare design language with real history behind it, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
I’ve been a long-time member of the forum with many successful transactions—references available on request.
Thanks to Omega Forums for the space. Feel free to message me privately with questions or for more photos.
