Elgin A-11 Field Watch

Take a look at vintage black and white photographs from the Second World War, and you might spot some interesting wristwear. Though U.S. forces were issued more than one field watch throughout the duration of the conflict, by far the most well known among them is the now-iconic A-11. Positively diminutive by modern standards at roughly 31mm across, these hand-wound beauties were produced by American watch companies Elgin, Bulova, and Waltham. Tens of thousands were made at an industrial scale, but to find one in good condition in the 2020s is a difficult feat, indeed. Which is why we’re so excited to bring you this particular timepiece: Made by Elgin Watch Company, it’s housed in a 31mm chrome-plated brass case with ‘holey’ lugs, an acrylic crystal, an oversize crown, and a coin-edge bezel. It features a matte black with 'Arabic' indices and a matching 'kite' handset - designed for legibility above all else. Flip the watch over and it’s still possible to make out the faint factory engraving that graced each A-11 caseback, detailing spec and issue details, as well as the manufacturer and the issued branch — in this case, the U.S. Army. Powered by a hand-wound movement from Elgin, this is the prototypical field watch, and it’s no small exaggeration to say that it’s also ‘the watch that won the War.’ Though it may be small by any contemporary measure, throw this little guy on with jeans and a t-shirt — maybe save the vintage military uniforms for the re-enactors! — and you’ll absolutely be the coolest guy at the party.