The British Type 3 Mk. II, commonly known as the B2, is arguably the most well known spy radio set used during WWII. It was designed in 1942 by (then) Captain John Brown at SOE Station IX, and manufactured by the Radio Communication Department of the SOE at Stonebridge Park. The set was issued to agents and resistance groups and special forces operating in occupied territory. The official designator is Type 3 Mk. II but the radio is also known as Type B Mk. II, B.II and B2. The B2 came in two designs. The initial version came in an unobtrusive leather suitcase that allowed an agent to travel inconspicuously. This is the most well-known variant. Later in the war it was dropped by parachute in two water-tight containers, that were more suitable for use by resistance groups operating in the field.

With such an important idea we needed it to have the subtlety that would befit spies and resistance fighters and yet still maintain the clandestine nature of their objectives.

The face itself is using Black 3.0 paint that absorbs up to 98% of visible light, this creates a wonderful shadowy feel to the face with an added depth to the subterfuge and mystery.

The dial design is very simple and clean, we used one of the radio dials as the inspiration and whilst it is 1940s design, we feel it still creates a contemporary look and feel with the black and lume contrasting.

We couldn’t have an SOE suitcase radio watch without a suitcase! The unique box really adds to the whole aesthetic of the 96Zero Sabotage