Redwood Watches ad: The Military Watch That Inspired Steve McQueen

What do Steve McQueen, U.S. military specifications, and one of the most recognizable field-watch designs in history have in common? It starts with a watch built for a very different kind of life. By the mid-1950s, U.S. military field watches were undergoing a major evolution. New specifications called for higher-grade movements, tougher cases, and the highly legible “military time” dials that would become the blueprint for the classic field watch. But the story didn't end there. The design evolved through MIL-W-6433/A, MIL-W-3818 and MIL-W-46374—and eventually found its way onto Steve McQueen's wrist in Bullitt, where the civilian version became part of the film's unmistakable style. That is the watch that inspired the Redwood Kilroy. We took that military heritage and reinterpreted it for today, adding modern dimensions, updated technology, and rugged construction without losing the character that made the original so enduring. You probably won't be parachuting into the jungles of Southeast Asia wearing your Kilroy. But there's something satisfying about knowing the design on your wrist wasn't invented to look rugged. It came from watches that were actually built for the job. Discover the story behind the Redwood Kilroy