In early 2020, Geckota launched Project Phalanx with a clear mission: to build a tactical-adventure watch that delivers uncompromising capability while still working as a true outdoor instrument. The result? The original Phalanx - born from that brief but ultimately evolving into what we called the Sierra Zero One - which struck a strong balance between ruggedness and everyday usability.
Right from the start, we pushed for a watch that wouldn’t just look the part, but actually perform. The aesthetics were subdued by intention: no flashy logos, muted finishes, non-reflective surfaces - all intended to maintain a low profile in the field. Under the hood, the original Phalanx was powered by the venerable ETA 2824-2 movement: 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, ~38 hours of reserve, and built-in shock protection. Around the dial, we integrated a decimal time ring for quick calculations, paired with an extra-long seconds hand to read that outer scale with ease.
These were not flash features - they were necessities for a watch designed to move between operations and outdoor life with equal poise.
We didn’t stop with Gen 1. Shortly after its release, we developed a Gen 2 prototype - subtle in upgrade but meaningful. The changes, though restrained, elevated the specifications. One cosmetic adjustment, for instance, was the transition of the dial tone: now closer to graphite or gunmetal, lending even more mechanical character. The bezel was also rethought - no longer limited to a luminous pip, it now features full-lume numerals around its entire circumference, improving visibility in all conditions.
Your new Phalanx doesn’t just arrive in a box - it comes in an impact-resistant, waterproof case and includes two essentials:
It’s meant to earn its place in your everyday carry.
Project Phalanx was born from a conviction: this wouldn’t be a watch that simply pretends to be tough - it would be tough. We aimed to produce something that a special forces unit could deploy, yet still appeal to the watch enthusiast who wants uncompromising form and function.
The Phalanx is a collaboration of minds - one steeped in serious watch design, the other steeped in the realities of special operations. The result is a timepiece that bridges both worlds - a true special-operations-inspired watch that’s as capable as it is handsome.
Available now for £699.
