RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED

RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED
RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED
RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED
RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED

RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED

Voted Forbes magazine's "Best of the Web" consecutively since 2000. RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator. Ordnance Watch w/24 Hour Dial - SERVICED.

Today's military wristwatches are, in effect, disposable: their specifications state that they are made to be discarded when they stop running. However, 60 years ago, when WWII was raging, much more was expected from a timepiece. Resources werent as available, technology was relatively simple and no one could afford to throw anything away. Watches had to be sturdy enough to stand up the grueling salt, heat and humidity of the Pacific Theater as well as the numbing cold of the European Campaign.

American watch houses ceased civilian production during these years and devoted themselves to producing timing instruments for the war. Of the timepieces carried in the field, the aviator wristwatch seems to be the most romanticized and desirable military watch Elgin produced. These watches were ordered to be used by Army and Navy aviators, although many of them made their way onto the wrists of regular Army officers. Specifications for the watch were very exclusive: they had to be waterproof, have a center-sweep second hand as well as a "hack" feature, allowing the watch to be synchronized with a master time source for missions and bombing runs. By pulling out on the stem, the sweep second hand would be "hacked" or stopped; time could be set, then the stem pushed back in so the sweep could resume its motion.

The agreement with American watch houses was that they would support the war effort by supplying timepieces for ground troops and equipment; however, after the war all wristwatches had to be destroyed. American watch executives felt that if these watches were allowed back into the states, they would cripple business at a time when plants had not been able to produce and sell civilian watches for years. The United States government agreed and most of these faithful time companions were unceremoniously crushed, buried, or dumped to prevent them from competing with civilian watch sales. Elgin continued the war effort through Korea and into Vietnam, producing timepieces for varying uses by each branch of the U. During the 1950 and early'60s, at the height of Cold War tension, certain officers began favoring 24 hour wristwatches. We are delighted to offer this devastatingly handsome'50s era Elgin wristwatch with true 24 hour movement and hack feature. A 24-hour movement means one revolution around the dial versus the standard two revolutions of a 12 hour watch; a hack mechanism means the watch can be synchronized for certain operations. Measuring 38mm lug-to-lug by 32mm in diameter, this watch cannot be overstated; exceptional Minimalist lines, expertly machined Elgin "685" movement with 18 ruby jewels and hack mechanism; solid stainless steel - 17 marked case with screw-back. We've even taken the liberty of cleaning, oiling this fine timepiece so that it keeps time as intended and have also fitted it with an original two-piece O. Canvas strap and matching stainless buckle. If you want commonplace, this watch is not for you; if you want a watch worthy of your taste and station - may we suggest this Elgin timepiece for the perfect "Town and Country" wristwatch! As many of our fine buyers and repeat clients know, each day we offer a smattering of things we've picked up here and there, many fine watches and pieces of jewelry that for one reason or another we'll not be offering on our Web site some new old stock! Watches this week include a'20s ladies antique watch or two,'30s Deco pieces, a'40s military style wristwatch, and fine Retro stainless steel wristwatches that are representative of a style thats becoming all the rage; as well as gold rings and vintage wire lug examples perfect for restoration. Coming up are sterling silver wristwatches and a few items dug out of the workbench drawer of a retired watchmaker or two. Don't know anything about wristwatches? Have no idea about your grandfather's railroad pocket watch? We're one of the Web's largest vintage wrist and pocket watch dealers and are delighted to answer any questions you have about the timepieces we offer or those heirlooms you're unsure of. We extend a heartfelt invitation to see our other offerings and stop by to find out what's next! You may reach us Monday through Saturday from 10 a. We take great pride in our images and item descriptions and are careful to note as much about an item as we can. If you have a question or would like to see the image of an item at another angle, we are happy to accommodate you. Please check our feedback; we try to be as accommodating as possible. Strickland Vintage Watches is a member of the.

National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. We invite you to find out more about us by clicking on our ME page! The item "RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED" is in sale since Wednesday, March 01, 2017. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Wristwatches". The seller is "strickland_vintage_watches" and is located in Tampa, Florida.

This item can be shipped worldwide.


RARE Men's Korean War Era Elgin Aviator Ordnance Watch with24 Hour Dial SERVICED


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