This is a small watch only about 30mm in diameter yet it packed a heck of a punch historically. The A11 was a watch commissioned by the US military during world war II. There was a requirement for a watch that had to be a good quality reliable 15 jewel or more movement that offered hacking of the second hand for synchronization. The request was made and Elgin, Bulova and Waltham took up the offer and all followed the script.
I found out about the A11 through my review channel on YouTube were many eastern brands were emulating the style of these. Upon receiving one for review and learning the historical importance I set about finding an example for my own personal collection.
I found this one in a job lot of watches.
As you can see its pretty beaten up but I kind of like that. It tells a story of an owner who clearly did the one watch rule and must have worn this for decades. Its not a military issued model officially as the ones given out to the forces are all stamped on the casebacks. However this one for all I know could have seen action at some point, at least that’s what I like to think anyway.
Here it is mixed in with the modern homage versions.
It looks tiny! The size was normal in that era 1940s. Small watches were what men wore. To think of all the soldiers big and small all going to fight and all wearing these tiny watches brings a smile to my face.
In today’s world people scoff at 38mm being too small. Heathens the lot of them!
I decided to take this one apart and get it going again. it needed a bit of love but I was sure it would run again. You can watch the full restoration here.
Here is a nice shot of all the parts laid out ready for assembly.
And the watch on my 7″ – 180mm wrist. Small but mighty!
Wrist roll for full effect.
Here is the movement running as it should.
I will leave you with these final shots of the watch. Really enjoyable to restore this one and a watch I will keep for the historical importance and enjoy wearing.
