Here's a shot with some military(issue) watches and some other WWII era watches. If one wants a wearer, I would trend to suggest another period watch rather than risk damage to an original A-11, etc. They certainly have the look. Even the largish Calvert(upper right) is small by today's standards.
Note: Many civilian watches were worn in theater for sure and many companies had watches they would call "military" model, etc. But if buying, be aware that unless it was a spec watch that was contract built, marked, and issued, it is NOT a military watch. Once military issue is established, it's amazing how many sellers will then call any watch with 12 numbers or lume a "pilot's" watch. Many of these civi watches running, or just needing a cleaning, can be had for $15-20 USD and are a great way to start practicing. It's quite rewarding to get one running again after years of neglect but you can see why it is seldom worth investing in a $100+ cleaning on these old watches.
Top row: A host of civilian models with a military theme: Benrus, Allen, Harmon, Elco, Bulevard, Fewa, Normandie, Calvert.
Bottom row: Two Elgin A-11s, A-17(with Elgin back with Bulova 10BNCH movement, dial, and case), Bulova 3818A(same case as A-17 and often same movement), a couple NOS stainless cases(A-17 or 3818), a pre-Khaki Hamilton quartz(9715), more 10BNCH partial movements, and an extra A-17 dial.
A few of these run as is and some are projects needing a part here or there. I'll end up with a few mongrel "military" watches.
One can purchase a quartz movement for very little and retrofit an old watch using the dials you have or, as I plan to try, printing up your own replica dials.
Lot's of options out there if you just want "the look".
Discuss,
Dave
Note: Many civilian watches were worn in theater for sure and many companies had watches they would call "military" model, etc. But if buying, be aware that unless it was a spec watch that was contract built, marked, and issued, it is NOT a military watch. Once military issue is established, it's amazing how many sellers will then call any watch with 12 numbers or lume a "pilot's" watch. Many of these civi watches running, or just needing a cleaning, can be had for $15-20 USD and are a great way to start practicing. It's quite rewarding to get one running again after years of neglect but you can see why it is seldom worth investing in a $100+ cleaning on these old watches.
Top row: A host of civilian models with a military theme: Benrus, Allen, Harmon, Elco, Bulevard, Fewa, Normandie, Calvert.
Bottom row: Two Elgin A-11s, A-17(with Elgin back with Bulova 10BNCH movement, dial, and case), Bulova 3818A(same case as A-17 and often same movement), a couple NOS stainless cases(A-17 or 3818), a pre-Khaki Hamilton quartz(9715), more 10BNCH partial movements, and an extra A-17 dial.
A few of these run as is and some are projects needing a part here or there. I'll end up with a few mongrel "military" watches.
One can purchase a quartz movement for very little and retrofit an old watch using the dials you have or, as I plan to try, printing up your own replica dials.
Lot's of options out there if you just want "the look".
Discuss,
Dave