"Waltham Watch Company, also known as the American Watch Company, made over 40 million watches, clocks and other precision implements between the years of 1850 and 1957." Also, Waltham coasted through the war years on a production level it had rarely seen before. Thanks to government orders, the firm had plenty of work and no concerns about selling the product.
WWII Military Waltham
U.S. Army Type A-11
Hack Wristwatch
"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." Waltham was one of the watch companies that manufactured watches to meet this new specification.
This UNIQUE timepiece is a WWII Waltham WATCH - NAVIGATION -TYPE A-11 Spec. No. 94-27834-B. The serial number indicates that this watch is dated from 1944. It is a manual wind watch 6/0 size, 16-jeweled movement, caliber grade 10616, 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 (Waltham) 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 30.5mm 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 textile canvas two pieces bracelet in beige color. This Waltham Type A-11 timepiece is in LOVELY condition. It is running very well and keeps great time!
Movement:
Waltham U.S.A.
6/0 - B
16 Jewels
32066814
Grade 10616
Case Back Signed:
TYPE A-11
SPEC. N0. 94-27834-B
SER. N0. AF-44-59742
MFR'S PART. N0. 1616
ORD. N0. W-30-053ac-1320
WALTHAM
Keystone
Base Metal
125393
Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 30.5
Case Lug to Lug 38.7
Case Thickness 12.5
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.
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Thanks for looking!
WA-1896
