Vertex M36 Armistice Day

In the world of watchmaking, where precision and artistry intertwine, Vertex has carved a niche for itself by creating timepieces that not only tell time but also tell stories. The brand's latest offering, the M36 Armistice Day watch, is a testament to this legacy, a timepiece that pays homage to history while embracing the best of modern watchmaking technology.

Vertex's journey began over a century ago in 1912 when Claude Lyons, armed with a loan from his father-in-law and a passion for horology, founded the Vertex Watch Company. The company initially specialized in re-casing Swiss movements in Britain, but soon fate would lead them to play a significant role in British military history. As the First World War loomed, Vertex was commissioned to produce watches for the British military, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the armed forces.



The company's involvement in military watch production deepened during the Second World War. Henry Lazarus, Claude Lyons's son-in-law and a captain in the British army, used his understanding of the Swiss watch industry to help procure timepieces for the troops. In 1944, Vertex became the sole British-based manufacturer among the original "Dirty Dozen" watch brands to supply watches to British soldiers during the war. The Vertex Cal 59 W.W.W. navigation watch, produced on a large scale, became a symbol of reliability and precision for the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who wore it.

The post-war era brought new challenges, and like many other watchmakers, Vertex faced the brunt of the quartz crisis in the 1970s. The rise of quartz watches, coupled with the expiration of their lease in Hatton Garden, forced the company to close its doors. However, the Vertex legacy was not destined to fade away.

In 2015, a century after its founding, Vertex was resurrected by Claude Lyons' great-grandson, Don Cochrane. This marked a new chapter in the brand's history, one that sought to honor its military heritage while embracing the innovations of modern watchmaking. The M100, launched in 2016, was the first new Vertex watch in 45 years, and it set the stage for a series of timepieces that would capture the spirit of the brand's past while looking towards the future.



The M36 collection, originally created to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, is a direct descendant of the iconic Cal 59. These meticulously crafted watches embody the resilience and precision that were crucial on that historic day, echoing the spirit of the brave soldiers who wore the original Vertex watches.

The M36 Armistice Day watch, the latest addition to this esteemed collection, is a limited-edition timepiece that pays tribute to those who have served their country. Crafted from solid bronze alloy, the watch features a distinctive burgundy dial that evokes a sense of both history and modernity. The bronze case, with its warm and earthy tones, will develop a unique patina over time, reflecting the wearer's individual journey.

The dial, with its large Arabic numerals and bold hands, ensures excellent legibility, a hallmark of Vertex watches since their military origins. The use of X1 grade C3 Super-LumiNova on the dial and hands guarantees that the watch remains readable even in low-light conditions.

The M36 Armistice Day's case, measuring 36mm in diameter, is crafted from solid bronze alloy. This choice of material is a nod to the historical use of bronze in military equipment and naval applications. Bronze, unlike stainless steel, is a living metal that develops a unique patina over time, a subtle transformation that reflects the wearer's individual journey and adds a touch of character to the watch. The case design itself is a faithful reimagining of the original Cal 59, with its clean lines and understated elegance. Measuring 11mm in depth with a lug-to-lug width of 46.5mm, the case strikes a perfect balance between vintage charm and modern wearability, ensuring comfort on a variety of wrist sizes.



Protecting the dial is a box-shaped sapphire crystal, a feature that not only enhances the watch's vintage aesthetic but also provides superior scratch resistance. The double-domed crystal, treated with anti-reflective coatings, ensures clarity and legibility from all angles, minimizing glare and allowing the intricate details of the dial to shine through.

The dial of the M36 Armistice Day is a study in understated sophistication. The deep burgundy hue provides a rich backdrop for the meticulously crafted indices and numerals. These elements, rendered in X1 grade C3 Super-LumiNova, offer exceptional low-light visibility, a crucial feature for any military-inspired timepiece. The signature Vertex glow, a testament to the brand's commitment to functionality, ensures that the time can be read with ease, even in the most challenging conditions.

The hands of the M36 Armistice Day are crafted from rhodium and filled with the same high-grade Super-LumiNova as the dial, ensuring optimal legibility in all lighting conditions. The "syringe" style hands, a hallmark of the original Cal 59, add a touch of vintage flair and contribute to the watch's overall classic aesthetic.



Driving the M36 Armistice Day is the Sellita SW260-1 Elaboré grade movement, a Swiss-made automatic caliber renowned for its reliability and precision. This 31-jewel movement, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, features a Nivaflex hairspring, known for its anti-magnetic properties and superior timekeeping performance. The movement is covered by aack with a unique poppy engraving and the individual number of the watch. A custom Vertex rotor weight adds a touch of exclusivity and serves as a reminder of the brand's attention to detail. The M36 Armistice Day is water-resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and light aquatic activities. The screw-in crown further enhances water resistance and adds to the watch's overall robustness.

Beyond its technical specifications, the M36 Armistice Day is a watch with a purpose. Proceeds from the sale of this limited-edition timepiece will be donated to the Royal British Legion, a charity that provides vital support to veterans and their families. This charitable aspect adds another layer of meaning to the watch, making it more than just a timekeeping instrument; it's a symbol of support and gratitude for those who have served their country.



The M36 Armistice Day is not just a watch; it's an experience. Each timepiece comes beautifully packaged in a custom military-grade tactical case, reflecting the watch's rugged heritage and adding a touch of exclusivity. The case also includes an array of bespoke accessories, including an expanding metal bracelet, a leather over-and-under strap, and a cotton over-and-under strap, allowing the wearer to customize the watch to their individual style and preferences. A unique Vertex Velcro patch adds a final touch of personalization to this collector's item.

The Vertex M36 Armistice Day watch is a testament to the brand's commitment to honoring its military heritage while embracing the best of modern watchmaking. With its classic design, robust construction, and charitable contribution, it's a timepiece that will appeal to discerning collectors and anyone who appreciates the values of history, craftsmanship, and service. Priced at $3,043.20, the M36 Armistice Day is an investment in a timepiece that will not only stand the test of time but also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country.