A-11 Navigation Watch - 18J 8/0, grade 685 with hack. True 24-hour movement, hands traverse dial once in 24 hours. Chrome case.
"December 1941 - With America's entry into the war, Elgin is pressed into full-time production of military ordnance, and manufacture of civilian watches are suspended. Several types of military wristwatches are manufactured." One of them, a variation of the A-11 "Navigation Watch" with a 24-hour movement and center second that could be stopped (or hacked) by pulling out the crown. With this watch, pilots and other flight personnel keep track of 24-hour time. Also, with the hacked movement, the watch could be synchronized with other watches, or against a master timing device.
WWII Military Elgin Wristwatch Type A-11
"The watch that won the War"
The A-11 Military Spec was one of the most commonly issued watches types supplied to Allied forces during WWII. The A-11 model was a production standard that was implemented by the major American watch manufacturers during the period in several different variations. Millions of the A-11 timepieces were issues to Allied Air Force and Army personnel during the war. "These watches were not only highly valued personal items for soldiers, pilots, sailors, engineers, and officers, but quickly become crucial equipment to complete mission critical tasks."
On February of 1943, the U.S. Army published the NO. 94-27834-B Specification for the Type A-11 wristwatch. "These watches were intended as auxiliary use to the Master Navigation Watches AN-5740 for navigation of aircraft. Although primarily issued issued to Air Corps and Navy aviators for navigational purposes many were also issued to ground forces and Navy personnel." Elgin was one of the watch companies that manufactured watches to meet this new specification.
This UNIQUE timepiece is a WWII A. F. U. S. ARMY TYPE A-11 Elgin wristwatch Spec. No. 94-27834-B. The serial number indicates that this watch is dated from 1945.
It is a manual wind watch 8/0 size, 18 jewels movement, caliber grade 685 with hack, sweep second hand, U.S.A. made. Hacking was described as a suitable second setting feature, capable of being locked when set.
After 75 years, it still has (as a required) a very nice black dial with Arabic Numerals and minutes markings in white and in accordance with the drawing included in the the specification. No manufacture's name (Elgin) on the dial - "Neither manufacturer's name or trademark were permitted to appear on the dial of the watch." This watch still has the original hour, minute and the continuous running sweep second hands (also, they were required to be in white and of the type shown also in the drawing provided).
It is 30.8mm round case (crown not inclusive). The case was to be dust-tight and waterproof. Case in base metal, screw-on case back and stainless steel case back material.
This watch is coming with a vintage two-pieces black leather strap.
This Elgin Type A-11 timepiece is in LOVELY condition. It is running very well and keeps great time!
Movement:
ELGIN U.S.A.
18 Jewels
32066814
Grade 685
ADJ'D
P10811
Case Back Signed:
A. F. U. S. ARMY
TYPE A-11
SPEC. N0. 94-27834-B
SER. N0. AF-45-18862
MFR'S PART. N0. 2114
ORD. N0. W-33-038ac-6600
ELGIN
Cased and Timed By Elgin National Watch Co.
Keystone
Base Metal
65045
Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 30.8
Case Lug to Lug 38.8
Case Thickness 13
Lug Width 16
Band Width 16
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than todays offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.
It will be carefully packed.
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WA-1894
