Sometimes, when a brand gets it just right, the name of a watch sums it up far better than any watch writer ever could. Mk II’s new watch is named the Hellion. Whatever mental picture pops into your head when you hear that word, whether it’s related to the actual inspiration for this watch or a more colloquial use of the word, you’re going to be able to link it pretty easily to Mk II’s new design.*
Mk II Cruxible-Hellion



  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Dial: Black
  • Dimensions: 39 x 48.5 x 13.55mm
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters*
  • Crown: Screw down**
  • Movement: SII NE15
  • Strap/bracelet: Haveston M-1944C Canvas Strap, rubber strap or C&B Premium UK MOD strap (black)
  • Price: $649
  • Reference Number: 2002 (date), 2001 (non-date)
  • Expected Release: November





The Hellion is Mk II’s newest iteration in their Cruxible line, a simple field watch inspired by World War II era Type A-11 issued watches. Where does the name come from? During the war, the Hellion was a weapons system designed to clear beaches ahead of amphibious landings. The weapons system never made it out of the test phase into wide use, but the name stuck, and became synonymous with the pilots who fought in the Pacific theater and the Navy seamen who were members of early Underwater Demolition Teams (which would later become the SEALs). If you know even a little bit about the war in the Pacific, you’ll understand how the word “Hellion” completely captures the bravery and spirit of the servicemen who took part in some of the war’s most dangerous fighting.

The Cruxible-Hellion, like all Mk II watches, is first and foremost a useful tool. The case lines and dial have a clear connection to classic military issued pieces, and the Hellion specifically draws inspiration from the iconic Elgin canteen watch, notable for its large crown attached to the case via a small chain. This was a primitive attempt at ensuring reliable water resistance, and Mk II has thankfully stopped short of a full-on homage by incorporating a no longer useful design element (the Hellion has a full 100 meters of water resistance, ten times more than the original Elgin, thanks, in part, to the now common innovation of a screw-down crown). At 39mm the Cruxible-Hellion is an easy to wear modern size, with short and slightly downturned lugs that should make it feel comfortable on a variety of wrists. My favorite small case detail is the little notch that can be seen at the lug tips when you check out the watch in profile, giving the watch a slightly more rugged, tool-like look. The black dial is spare, with the Mk II logo and water resistance rating printed in a gloss black, keeping the focus squarely on time-telling.










The key style difference between the Hellion and the original Cruxible is the largely polished finish of the newer timepiece, which fits nicely with the apparent devil-may-care attitude of the men who inspired the watch. Remember these are the guys who piloted one-man submarines and blew up underwater obstacles using WWII era dive equipment and explosives. Not exactly the safest work out there. The handset on the Hellion is a little different as well, with syringe hands replacing the more traditionally aviation influenced sword hands of the original. Overall, the watch has a go anywhere, do anything vibe to it that seems absolutely fitting of its name.
The Hellion is available for pre-order now in both date and non-date versions, with shipping set to begin in early November. Mk II





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