The Story Behind Bernhardt's MARSOC Collaboration

Interview with Lew Vogler: The Story Behind Bernhardt's MARSOC Collaboration

In February, we sent out a newsletter announcing our upcoming shows and inviting folks to stop by and see us. On the second day of District Time in Washington, D.C., a gentleman walked up, shook my hand, and handed me a watch. It was Lew Vogler’s watch—the very one he had taken on deployments, the watch that Fred had built for him and his team. That moment kicked off an incredible conversation, one that we are honored to share with you here.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the organizers of the District Time show for hosting such a great event and making these types of connections possible. The relationships we build are what make Bernhardt special, and this is a perfect example of why we love doing what we do.

A Watch That Tells a Story

Lew Vogler is a retired Marine whose career took him around the world, serving in a variety of billets, and on multiple deployments that included Afghanistan and Iraq.  One such billet was as the Current Operations officer at MARSOC, and upon his redeployment from Afghanistan in 2009, he embarked on a mission that endures today with heartfelt memories of familial legacy, teammates, and a warrior bond that has stood the test of time. 

To remark on his combat deployment, Lew sought to find a useful and meaningful “instrument” that would remind him daily of that experience.  He wanted to memorialize the moment with a stainless steel dive watch.  A watch that reminded him of the hundreds of childhood handshakes he rendered to Vietnam veterans associated with his father’s own Marine history—a tradition among service members that his own father had followed decades before. That search led him to Bernhardt.

Lew wanted something unique, something that felt like his own. After connecting with Fred Amos, the two worked together to accomplish just that. What began as a personal project soon expanded, with 25 watches produced, each numbered and engraved with the MARSOC logo. It became more than just a watch—it was a symbol of the people, the places, and the mission of service.

In this interview, Lew shares the story of the Limited Edition Globemaster he still wears, how it performed in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, and the lasting impact of his relationship with Fred Amos and Bernhardt Watch Company.

 

Understanding MARSOC and Its Mission

For those unfamiliar, can you explain what MARSOC is and its role within the Marine Corps?

MARSOC was established in 2006 by order of the Secretary of Defense, integrating the Marine Corps into the U.S. military's special operations community. Officially, it stands for Marine Forces Special Operations Command, but everyone just calls it MARSOC. It’s headquartered at Camp Lejeune. When I was with MARSOC, it was still in its early years, about a year old. My role was as the current operations officer for the command, and during my tenure, I deployed to Afghanistan in support of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force operations.

The Story Behind the MARSOC Globemaster

How did the idea for the MARSOC watch come about?

My dad fought in Korea and Vietnam and growing up I met a lot of his Vietnam contemporaries—they all had stainless-steel dive watches; Seiko, Rolex, and the like… He told me most men picked them up in places like Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Hawaii usually coming out of theater because they finally had enough money saved for it!  He bought a Seiko automatic dive watch during his tour in the 60s and aptly called it the “war watch.”  He wore it until he passed in 2008.  It’s in need of a bit of TLC…maybe one day I will get it back into action.

After my time with MARSOC, I wanted my own "war watch" as a way to honor that tradition and legacy. But I didn’t want something common—I wanted something unique. I also preferred a GMT function since I was constantly deployed and liked keeping track of my family time zone back home. After looking at hundreds of watches, I found Fred Amos’s Globemaster. When I read about how he had done custom watches for organizations and individuals, I knew he was the one to commission mine.

Fred and I exchanged lots of emails. The idea was to use the Globemaster but swap out the GMT bezel for a dive bezel to better fit the tool watch aesthetic I was looking for. What started as a personal project turned into a small batch order when Fred convinced me to open it up to others. I found 24 others who wanted the same watch, and we ended up producing a special edition of 25 watches, each case-back engraved with the MARSOC logo.

 

 

Durability in the Field

How did the watch perform in the field?

It held up perfectly. I wore it through my Iraq deployment after Afghanistan, and it never let me down. One story stands out—I was sitting outside after a mission, and my wrist felt like it was on fire. I had forgotten to switch to my tactical watch that day, and I had worn my Bernhardt outside the wire. I was sitting under a thermometer, and it read 131°F. The stainless steel bracelet was absorbing the heat. That tells you how tough this watch is—it withstood extreme temperatures, sand, and everything that came with combat deployments.

Fred’s Personal Touch and Lasting Impact

What was your experience working with Fred?

Fred took a personal interest in his work…and his clients. When I first reached out, he showed me examples of other custom projects he had done. He cared about getting things right.

When the watches were ready in 2008, Fred personally delivered them to the Camp Lejeune O’Club, where he met and shook hands with their new owners, fitted each bracelet, explained how it worked, and educated everyone on the GMT function. It wasn’t just a business transaction—he was there to make sure everyone was satisfied. Even though my watch saw Fred a few times after that, I wouldn’t shake his hand for another decade as I was deployed again and then stationed in Germany for almost 9 years...

In October of ’21 I had moved back to the US and was in NC for business. The watch needed some well-earned service and a tune up... I asked Fred if I could divert into High Point meet him in the shop in person to deliver the watch. He was ecstatic that we link up and he stopped what he was doing to make sure I not only delivered the watch but got to take a turn around the shop to see where it all happened years earlier. He was genuinely excited that I was coming…he opened the shop just for me. We spent half a day talking about everything—watches, life, and shared experiences. That kind of personal connection meant a lot.

In December of ‘21 I got some advice and trade secrets from him on buffing up some serious scratches on the clasp, free advice mind you, and he was happy to give it…he mentioned he wasn’t feeling well so I embarked on the fix myself and wished him a Happy New Year. In May of that year after a bracelet pin failure I reached out again to set up service. The standard catch up and “I need service” email went out to Fred, but the prompt response of "Nothing’s changed, including the price" was unusually late. The first time I emailed and didn’t hear back, I figured he was busy. Then, unfortunately before the second one to confirm, that same month, Jamie reached out and let me know he had passed. That was a tough moment. For the last 13 years, Fred and Frank Lazimi’s hands were the only ones to touch my watch, and now he was gone.  Fred built genuine relationships, and that’s why Bernhardt still means something to me and many others today.

Legacy and the Future of Bernhardt

Looking at the watch today, what does it mean to you?

First, it reminds me of my father. He introduced me to the idea of this tradition of a combat zone watch and what it represented. Second, I get to look at it every day… I’ve worn it every day for almost two decades. It’s a part of me now, a reminder of everything I’ve been through. I only take it off when think I might lose it! I still get comments from strangers on its look and feel, and even more comment when I tell them the story. I rarely wear another watch.

My wife asks me why I keep sending it in for service instead of getting a new one. I just tell her "I gotta keep it in tune… I hope my sons fight over it when I’m gone.”

Any advice for us as we continue Fred’s legacy?

Stay true to what made Bernhardt special—personal connections, quality craftsmanship, and a watch that feels like an instrument, not just a timepiece. If you ever consider bringing back a milestone model, maybe as an anniversary edition, I think people would appreciate it.

Final Thoughts

This conversation with Lew Vogler highlights what made Bernhardt special—the relationships, the craftsmanship, and the durability of a watch that stands the test of time. Lew’s story is a testament to Fred Amos’s legacy and the impact of a well-made timepiece. As we continue forward, we remain committed to upholding these values.