Zero West Commemorates Wartime Bravery with S5e and S6e Spitfire Escape Watches
British watchmaker Zero West has unveiled two limited edition models — the S5e and S6e Spitfire Escape — each paying tribute to the life and legacy of Flight Lieutenant Alastair “Sandy” Gunn. These timepieces are rooted in history, with components derived from his original Supermarine Spitfire and design cues reflecting the resilience and function-driven character of Second World War military instruments.
Honouring a Hero of the RAF
Flight Lieutenant Gunn served with the RAF’s Photographic Reconnaissance Unit during the Second World War. On 5 March 1942, while on a mission to photograph the German battleship Tirpitz, his unarmed Spitfire PR.IV AA810 was shot down over Norway. Captured shortly after, he was interned at Stalag Luft III, where he participated in the Great Escape of March 1944. Following the escape, Gunn was recaptured and executed on Hitler’s direct orders, one of fifty Allied airmen to suffer this fate.
The historical aircraft AA810 is currently undergoing restoration, and Zero West is contributing to the project by sponsoring cockpit instrumentation. Notably, aluminium alloy from the aircraft’s original Merlin engine has been reclaimed and used to create the serial number plaques affixed to each watch in the S5e and S6e series, providing a tangible connection to Gunn’s legacy.
Design and Construction
The S5e and S6e models are constructed in 316L stainless steel, featuring Zero West’s proprietary Dual Concentric Construction case architecture. This enhances case integrity and achieves a water resistance rating of 100 metres. Both models measure 42 mm in diameter and 47 mm lug-to-lug, while case thickness differs: 12.2 mm for the S5e and 13.4 mm for the chronograph-equipped S6e.
The caseback of each watch is engraved with details from Gunn’s final reconnaissance mission. In daylight, the inscription reads: “Photo Reconnaissance Unit – RAF Wick – 5th March 1942 – Spitfire AA801 (PR-1D).” Under UV light, an additional Morse code message becomes visible, referencing Escape Tunnel Harry and the exact coordinates of Stalag Luft III. This detail reinforces the narrative grounding of the series and subtly integrates historical context.
Dial and Visual Language
While sharing structural features, the S5e and S6e differ markedly in their dials. The S6e features a vibrant blue dial with design elements inspired by cockpit airspeed indicators. Its two sub-dials — positioned vertically — serve as a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, adding functionality without sacrificing clarity. The sculpted chapter ring and recessed sub-dials add depth, and bold Arabic numerals ensure high legibility.
The S5e, in contrast, adopts a matte black dial that draws on the aesthetic of the Dirty Dozen, the classic WWII field watches. It incorporates the broad arrow motif at 12 o’clock, a traditional military feature for orientation. An added segment in the form of a green-to-red countdown scale between 9 and 12 offers utility for timing critical operations or routine daily events. Both watches use broad sword-style hands filled with Super-LumiNova for maximum visibility in low-light conditions.
Movements and Technical Performance
Powering the S6e is the Sellita SW500BVc, an automatic chronograph movement with vertically aligned sub-dials and a 62-hour power reserve. The S5e is fitted with the Sellita SW261-1, a small seconds automatic calibre offering a 42-hour power reserve. Both movements are classified as Sellita’s Premium grade, which sits just below COSC certification and is known for solid performance and reliability.
Strap and Bracelet Options
Zero West offers an unusually broad selection of strap options with each model. Both the S5e and S6e can be paired with a padded leather strap, a standard or integrated rubber strap with deployant buckle, or a three-link stainless steel bracelet. The S5e also includes the option of a green perforated rally-style leather strap, adding to its utilitarian aesthetic. This level of customisation allows each owner to adapt the watch to different wear conditions and personal preferences.
Availability and Conclusion
The S5e and S6e Spitfire Escape models are each limited to 100 pieces. The S5e is priced from £3,350, while the chronograph-equipped S6e starts from £3,995. Each model comes with a commemorative display box and documentation detailing the historical background that inspired the collection.
These watches exemplify Zero West’s approach: storytelling through engineering, and heritage through materials. More than commemorative artefacts, the S5e and S6e are fully capable field instruments that connect contemporary watchmaking with Britain’s wartime past. Their release not only honours a fallen RAF pilot but also affirms the brand’s commitment to preserving narratives of courage through mechanical craftsmanship.
