SKU Code: A-11/100-OM
This recreation closely follows the original 1943 World War II design but with modern enhancements, including a high-performance self-winding 24-jewel mechanical movement, sapphire crystal, screw-down caseback, and 100m water resistance. During WWII, watches were produced in various styles by Elgin, Bulova, and Waltham, based on a US government specification. This watch is most similar to the Elgin 539, which featured a 15 or 16-jewel movement and was made for the USAAF between 1940 and 1945. Unlike the original, which was made from plated base metal to conserve steel, this modern recreation uses solid stainless steel for greater durability.
Origin and Development
In January 2009, a US veterans association approached us to recreate a watch identical in appearance to those made by Hamilton, Bulova, and Benrus during the Vietnam War. After examining sample watches and original specification sheets, we produced a watch that closely resembled the original, using a high-grade fully jewelled handwound movement. This resulted in the GG-W-113, which we still manufacture. Following this success, we were asked to recreate an even earlier model, which led to the development of this A-11/100-OM model in 2019. It retains the appearance of the original watches but with significant upgrades, including a screw-down crown, shatter and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and a screw-down caseback.
Specification
- Width Including Crown: 40 mm
- Width Excluding Crown: 38 mm
- Crystal: Sapphire*
- Thickness: 11.5 mm
- Weight: 61g
- Lug Size: 20 mm
- Lug to Lug: 45 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Caseback and Crown: Screw-down
- Movement: 24-jewel, mechanical self-winding automatic with "Hacking"
- Strap: 20 mm Canvas
Benefits of Sapphire Crystal
Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral crystal. Synthetic sapphire is the superior material for watch crystals due to its strength and resistance to shattering and scratching, making it ideal for military personnel, police officers, and active outdoor enthusiasts—groups that make up over 70% of our customers. When watches with mineral glass crystals sustain cracks, over 90% of the incidents involve mineral glass, even though we use hardened mineral crystals. Sapphire crystal undergoes heat treatment to remove internal stresses, increasing its durability. Additionally, two layers of anti-reflective coating are applied. Although sapphire crystal is more expensive and typically found on higher-end watches, its robustness makes it a worthwhile investment. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is now used on the latest iPhones.
In summary, this model not only honors the design of the original WWII watches but also incorporates modern features that enhance its functionality and durability, making it a perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary technology.
