Stauer 1944 Ritorno Timepiece

We found our most important watch in a soldier’s pocket

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Summertime, 1944. A weathered and weary U.S. Sergeant is walking in Rome only days after the Allied Liberation. He finds an interesting timepiece in a store just off the Via Veneto. He loved the way it felt in his hand, and the hunter’s back that opened to reveal a secret compartment.

Besides the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, my father cherished this watch because it was a reminder of the best part of the war for any soldier — the homecoming. He nicknamed the watch Ritorno for “homecoming” and according to The Complete Guide to Watches, the rare heirloom is now valued at $42,000.

We wanted to bring this piece of history back to life in a faithful reproduction of our Stauer 1944 Ritorno Timepiece. We’ve used a 27-jeweled movement reminiscent of the best watches of the 1940s. This automatic masterpiece is as simple as it is stylish. Just wear it and it winds.

We also hope it reminds you to take time to enjoy the simpler things in life. The back of the watch opens to reveal a handy mirror and a compartment where you can add a picture of your loved ones to take with you everywhere you go. After all, a homecoming isn’t a homecoming without the love of the ones who live there. And that’s what’s truly valuable. Fits wrists 7½”‐8¾”.