BULOVA 1945
Official Military Issue
ORD. DEPT. U.S.A.
WWIII Military Wristwatch
"World War II, when several distinct types of wristwatches appear" - American military timepieces.
Wristwatches were produced in large numbers during World War II for all the services. They had mechanical movements with a winding stem. The U.S. Army required watches that could stand up to the rigors of battle, and it developed specifications (such as dustproof or waterproof casing, extreme temperature resistance, a high-quality movement) to be fulfilled by qualified American watchmakers.
American watch manufacturing firms such as Bulova, Hamilton, Waltham and Elgin produced watches for U.S. forces. Certain models were produced specifically for military use and officially issued to U.S. soldiers. One of the spec produced during World War II was the "Ordnance Department" watch. These watches were intended for non-aviation personnel and were available in both black and white dials, almost exclusively with sub-seconds registers.
Today, we are presenting a historical watch, a real and genuine Bulova US Army Military Issue Ordenance Department wristwatch dated from 1945. For sure, a remarkable timepiece. The case back serial number is OF 440017 and signed ORD. DEPT. U.S.A. Bulova Watch Co.
It is a manual wind watch with a Bulova movement caliber 10AK, 15 jewels, sub second hand. The movement also has a triangle date code (1945) and signed U.S.A. made.
It is 32.2mm round chrome case with stepped side fixed bezel and stainless screw case back. Back side signed with the military specs. The case is in good shape with some signs of wear.
To make this watch even more desirable, it still has the original beige dial, showing some patina on it, luminous (radium) Arabic Numerals and hands with radial inserts; we believe they are the original hands too. Bold minute marks layout as well and the sub seconds located at 6.
To match with the era, the watch is coming with a vintage military style green canvas and leather bottom, two pieces strap with buckle.
After 75 years, this watch is still in lovely condition. It runs very well and keeps time.
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.
Movement:
Bulova Watch Co.
U.S.A.
15 Jewels
Cal. 10AK
Case Back Signed:
Stainless
5920914
ORD. DEPT. U.S.A.
OF. 440017
BULOVA WATCH CO.
Ordenance Code Marking: OF - for 15- to 17-jewel wrist watches (waterproof case).
Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 32.2
Case Lug to Lug 36.3
Case Thickness 11
Lug Width 16
Band Width 17
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 somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. 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.
Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!
WA-1904
