Military watches were often developed under contract stemming directly from a country’s armed forces, these watches were designed for timekeeping under particularly adverse physical conditions and often incorporated special features that, over time, found their way into watches meant for the civilian market. These watches were designed with a purpose and to be during service on the wrists of infantrymen and women, divers, explosive ordnance disposal personnel, special operators and other folks who regularly put their lives at risk in combat.
 
Sensing the inevitable entry of the United States into the war in Europe, Elgin prepared several service models in 1940 to be ready for the 1941 catalog. Service watches by this time were also in demand in countries that were already at war with Germany abd where Elgin watches were sold, e.g., Canada, Great Britain, etc. These watches are not engraved on the case back with the U.S. ordnance numbers because the United States was not yet officially at war and orders had not yet rolled into Elgin from the Defense Department.
 
It was until December 1941 when United States officially entry into the war and “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, "The watch that won the War", the A-11. Also, multiple variations of the A-11 such as the Navigation, the Cantten and other military general issue watches made for the U.S. ordnance but also to other countries army.
 
"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."
 
WWII Elgin Service Watch
Military Wristwatch
ELGIN 539 U.S.A.
 
Today, we are presenting a variation of the A-11, a vintage WWII Elgin service wristwatch reference number 6608, dated from 1945 and made for the foreign military market.
 
It is a manual wind watch powered by an original Elgin movement size 8/0s, caliber grade 539 – under the A-11 military specifications. The U.S.A. made 539 model 2 was first produced in 1940 and continued through to 1950. It has 16 jewels, and it is also adjusted to 4 positions. 40 hours power reserve and 18,000 A/h.
 
The 539 features a hack mechanism meaning that the center second could be stopped (or hacked) by pulling out the crown. Hacking was described as a suitable second setting feature, capable of being locked when set. With this watch, because of the hack movement, soldiers, officers, pilots, and other army service personnel could synchronized with other watches, or against a master timing device.
 
After 75 years, it still has the original black dial with big Arabic Numerals and minute track in beige color, also beige matching hands. The dial is clearly signed with the Elgin name.
 
Cased in a 29.6mm round stainless-steel case. The case was to be dust-tight and waterproof, also the bottom of the case is engraved with the number 10. Matching the era, this watch comes with new-old-stock green textile bund military strap.

Movement:
Elgin 539
U.S.A.
16 Jewels
L872

Case Back Markings:
Stainless Steel
10

Measurements (mm):
Case Diameter 26.6
Case Diameter with Crown 32.6
Case Lug to Lug 37
Case Thickness 12
Lug Width 16
Band Width 16

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) 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 today's 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 lighting 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.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.

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WA-3439