Tornek-Rayville CISO M38

Tornek-Rayville returns with a timepiece deeply rooted in the history of American special operations, the CISO M38. This new release is not merely a vintage-inspired watch; it's a collaborative project developed with the very individuals it aims to honor: the veterans of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group, better known as MAC V SOG. The CISO M38 serves as an enduring testament to the skill, spirit, and clandestine accomplishments of one of the most elite and secretive units in U.S. military history.

The history of Tornek-Rayville is itself intertwined with American special forces. Four years before the first major combat units landed in Vietnam, the U.S. military sought its first dedicated combat dive watch. Beating out established American watchmakers, the then-unknown Tornek-Rayville won the contract. The resulting TR-900 was delivered starting in 1963 and served with units like Marine Force Recon, the Navy SEALs, and MAC V SOG. This legacy of providing durable, reliable tools for extreme environments is the foundation upon which the modern Tornek-Rayville brand is built.



The new watch draws its direct inspiration from a different timepiece issued during the Vietnam War. MAC V SOG was a highly classified, multi-service unit that conducted a broad spectrum of deniable operations behind enemy lines, including strategic reconnaissance, psychological operations, and search and rescue missions known as "Bright Lights." Due to the clandestine nature of their work, their equipment, including watches, had to be sterile and untraceable back to the US Government. The Counterinsurgency Supply Office (CISO) sourced these items, one of which was the Seiko 6119. The new Tornek-Rayville CISO M38 takes its name directly from this legacy: "CISO" for the supply office and "M38" for the watch's modern 38 mm case diameter.

This project was born from extensive research and direct collaboration with MAC V SOG veterans, including John “Tilt” Stryker Meyer, former President of the Special Operations Association (SOA). These discussions revealed that while the original Seiko was capable for its time, its disposable nature left room for a significant overhaul using modern materials and manufacturing. The goal was to create a watch that not only captured the aesthetic of the original but also embodied the durability and spirit of the men who wore it, while actively supporting their community. A significant portion of every sale is donated to the SOA, a non-profit founded in secret in 1976 that has been instrumental in helping SOG veterans and their families.

The watch is being released in two primary configurations: the CISO M38 - Field and the CISO M38 - MAC V SOG. Both share the same core architecture but differ in their dial presentation, allowing for either a subdued, minimalist aesthetic or a more direct tribute to the unit's heritage. The initial release, Series 1, is a limited run of 500 units, making it a unique piece of wearable history. The project also comes with a "Guinea Pig One / Zero" zine, a publication that delves into the origins of MAC V SOG and the SOA, filled with original photography and vintage images from the veterans themselves.

The case of the CISO M38 is a significant upgrade from its historical predecessor. Machined from solid 316L stainless steel, it features a full mirror polish finish. The dimensions are well-proportioned for a modern field watch, measuring 38.00 mm in diameter, 43.60 mm from lug end to lug end, and 12.45 mm in thickness. This represents a substantial improvement in durability over the plated brass cases of the vintage originals. The case also features a double-gasket, screw-down crown and a solid screw-down case back, which together provide a water resistance of 100 meters (10 ATM), making it more than capable of handling adverse conditions.



Flipping the watch over reveals an engraving that speaks directly to the ethos of the men it honors. Etched in a style reminiscent of period Zippo lighters is the phrase, “You haven’t lived until you’ve almost died… - MAC V SOG ‘64-’72”. This is the beginning of the unofficial SOG motto, a sentiment chosen by the men themselves to capture the intense reality of surviving missions "across the fence" and the profound bonds forged in the crucible of a secret war.

Protecting the dial is a double-domed sapphire box crystal. This design choice cleverly nods to the aesthetic of the tall acrylic crystals found on vintage watches while providing the superior scratch resistance of modern sapphire. To enhance clarity, the crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on its interior surface only, which prevents the exterior coating from being scratched off over time while still reducing glare. The crystal sits slightly proud of the bezel, further contributing to its vintage character.

The dial itself is a study in legibility and subtle detail. Presented in a matte black finish to eliminate reflections, it serves as a high-contrast backdrop for the hands and markers. In a quiet show of support for the veterans' organization, the letters "SOA" are printed just below the 12 o'clock position in a subdued gray. The italicized Arabic numerals are rendered in Grade X C3 Super-LumiNova®, which emits a powerful green glow in low light. The font was customized to preserve the slightly imperfect, hand-wrought character of the vintage inspiration.

The two variants of the CISO M38 are distinguished by their dial graphics. The "Field" version maintains a clean, utilitarian look with minimal text, focusing purely on time-telling. The "MAC V SOG" variant features the unit's legendary insignia prominently on the left side of the dial, positioned near 9 o'clock. This emblem, featuring a skull wearing a green beret against a backdrop of stylized wings, is an unmistakable symbol of this elite group. The hands for both models are fully polished, custom-made baton-style hands with a longitudinal facet down the center, filled with the same C3 Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility in all lighting conditions.



One of the most thoughtful and historically relevant features of the CISO M38 is its custom day-date indicator. The day wheel is printed in two languages: standard English and Roman numerals. This was a functional design choice derived from the experiences of SOG operators. During reconnaissance missions, which could last up to a week, team members would use the Roman numerals to track the number of days they had been in the operational area. Upon returning to the relative safety of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) or Saigon, the day indicator could be switched back to English. It’s a small detail that carries immense historical weight.

Powering the CISO M38 is the TMI NH36 automatic movement. Made in Japan, this caliber is a well-regarded workhorse known for its reliability and durability. It features hacking seconds (the second hand stops when the crown is pulled out, for precise time-setting), both automatic and manual winding capabilities, and a quickset function for the day and date. Tornek-Rayville takes the additional step of having each movement tested and regulated in three positions in the USA to ensure better accuracy before it is shipped to the customer.

The watch is primarily offered on a stainless steel bracelet that complements the polished case. It features solid end-links for a secure fit against the case, and the links themselves are equipped with captive quick-release spring bars, allowing for easy strap changes without tools. The bracelet secures with a dual-push-button clasp that is engraved with the Tornek-Rayville insignia. This robust bracelet adds considerable presence to the watch, bringing its total weight to 145 grams.

For those who prefer a more traditional military look or a lighter feel, a Maratac nylon single-pass strap is also part of the ecosystem. This 20mm strap is a modern upgrade from the simple fabric straps originally issued to SOG. Made from durable nylon, it is robust, easy to replace, and crucially, will not stretch or deform when it gets wet, making it a highly practical alternative for active use.



The launch of the CISO M38 is also being commemorated through a giveaway connected to New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr. A CISO M38 has been selected as part of a prize package to celebrate the launch of his new book, Cry Havoc, which focuses on SOG, further cementing the watch’s connection to the special operations community and its history.

Tornek-Rayville has structured the release to offer several purchasing options, each with a different level of included memorabilia and a corresponding donation to the Special Operations Association. This allows buyers to choose how deeply they want to engage with the history and how much they wish to contribute to the cause.

For both the "Field" and "MAC V SOG" versions, there is a Standard Package. The Field watch standard package is priced at $695, including the watch on a bracelet, the zine, and a donation of $105 to the SOA. The MAC V SOG standard package is $745 and includes a $115 donation. These packages will be available in October.

The next tier is the Donation Package. Priced at $795 for both models, this package includes the watch, the zine, a PDW Wrist Compass in Cerakote matte OD green, and a copy of John "Tilt" Stryker Meyer's book, Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam. This package includes a $135 donation to the SOA.



For the most dedicated collectors and supporters, the Collector's Package is available for $995. This comprehensive set includes the watch, the PDW compass, a signed copy of Across the Fence, a vintage copy of Robin Moore's classic book The Green Berets, and two challenge coins from renowned SOG veterans Doug "The Frenchman" LeTourneau (RT Idaho) and John "Tilt" Stryker Meyer (RT Idaho). This premier package carries a substantial donation of $335 to the SOA. The Donation and Collector's packages become available on September 5th, with shipping expected to begin on October 11th.

The Tornek-Rayville CISO M38 successfully bridges the gap between a historical tribute and a modern, capable tool watch. Every element, from the case material and water resistance to the custom day wheel and case back engraving, has been thoughtfully executed. It is a piece built not only to tell time but to tell a story of extraordinary individuals and their clandestine service. Through its direct collaboration with veterans and its financial support for the SOA, Tornek-Rayville has created a project that honors a legacy in the most tangible way possible.

Case: 316L stainless steel with mirror polish finish. Diameter: 38.00 mm, Thickness: 12.45 mm, Length: 43.60 mm, Lug Width: 20.00 mm. Double domed sapphire box crystal with interior AR coating. Screw-down crown and case back providing 100 meters water resistance.

Movement: TMI NH36, made in Japan. Automatic with manual winding, hacking seconds, quickset day/date. Timed and regulated in the USA in 3 positions.

Dial: Matte black with Grade X C3 Super-LumiNova® luminous material. Available in two variants: Field (minimal text) and MAC V SOG (with unit insignia).

Strap: 20mm stainless steel bracelet with solid end-links, quick-release spring bars, and a dual-push button clasp. Also compatible with Maratac nylon straps.

Price: Starts at $695 (Field) / $745 (MAC V SOG). Packages available up to $995.

Notes: Series 1 is a limited run of 500 units. A portion of each sale is donated to the Special Operations Association (SOA). Features a custom dual-language (English/Roman numeral) day wheel inspired by SOG operational use.