American military watches in World War II: Hamilton, Bulova, Elgin and Waltham

American military watches in World War II

As early as 1934, the A-7, a navigation watch for pilots of the US Army Air Corps, was released. This pilot's watch was essentially an oversized wristwatch with a pocket watch movement.

It featured a single-button chronograph, an onion-shaped crown, and a twisted dial. Watches of this specification were manufactured by Gallet, Longines, and Meylon.

During World War II, the U.S. armed forces issued various wristwatches. The most well-known are the "Field Watches" of Specification A-11.

This standard required a dust- and water-resistant case, extreme temperature resistance, and a black dial with white numerals. The high-quality movement had to have a power reserve of 30-56 hours and a tolerance of +/- 30 seconds per day. The A-11 watches were issued in large numbers to US soldiers, as well as to the British and Soviet air forces, starting in 1943.

Other well-known models include the Ordnance Department watches, which were intended for non-aviation personnel. Manufacturers of these watches include Bulova, Hamilton, Elgin, and Waltham.

Not only Air Corps pilots, but also the US Navy had a great need for particularly durable watches. One of the early military diving watches was manufactured by Hamilton for the US Navy.

It is commonly referred to as the US BUSHIPS (Bureau of Ships) "canteen watch." To prevent water from entering the watch, the crown was fitted with a screw-down cover secured with a small chain.

Source: uhrenratgeber.com