Waltham Military Issued A-17 (Korean War Era)
The Waltham A-17 Pilot's Watch holds a unique place in the history of military timepieces, embodying both the technological advancements of its time and the specific needs of aviators in the Korean War of 1950.
The A-17 specification was issued in the post-World War II era, around the early 1950s, by the United States military. This specification was designed to standardize the quality and functionality of watches used by military pilots, ensuring they met rigorous standards for accuracy, durability, and legibility under various conditions. The A-17 specification came after the A-11, which was widely used during World War II, introducing more stringent requirements for precision and reliability.
The Waltham A-17 watch was manufactured to meet these specific requirements. It featured a high-quality mechanical movement, a black dial with luminous numbers and hands for visibility in low-light conditions, a hacking mechanism (allowing the second hand to be stopped for precise time setting), and a durable case that could withstand the rigors of aviation and military use. The hacking feature was particularly important for pilots, as it allowed for the synchronization of watches to the second, a critical need for navigation and operational coordination.
Waltham's A-17 watches were issued to U.S. Air Force pilots and navigators, becoming an essential tool for their missions. The watch's design was focused on functionality and legibility, with a straightforward interface that avoided any unnecessary complications that could distract from its primary purpose as a tool for timing and navigation.
As with other military watches of the era, the A-17 was built to last, and many examples have survived to the present day, becoming highly prized collectibles. The Waltham A-17 is not just a timepiece but a piece of military history, representing a period when precision and reliability could mean the difference between life and death for the servicemen who relied on them.
the American Waltham Watch Co. and the American Watch Co., holds a significant place in the annals of American and global watchmaking, marked by innovation, quality, and a complex history of rise, decline, and enduring legacy. Let's explore this history in detail.
The Founding Era: Innovation and Expansion (1850s-1860s)
The Waltham Watch Company was founded in 1850 in Waltham, Massachusetts, by Aaron Dennison, Edward Howard, and David Davis. Their vision was revolutionary: to manufacture watches using interchangeable parts on an industrial scale, a stark contrast to the then-prevailing method of handcrafting individual watches. In 1854, they successfully produced their first model, the "Dennison, Howard, & Davis," watches, at their factory in Waltham, thus marking the birth of the American system of watch manufacturing.
Growth and Technological Advancements (1870s-1890s)
The latter half of the 19th century was a period of rapid growth and technological innovation for Waltham. The company introduced several advancements, such as the first American-made watch with a stem wind and set mechanism, significantly improving the usability of watches. Waltham's timepieces gained a reputation for reliability and accuracy, earning various awards and becoming the choice for railwaymen across the burgeoning American rail network.
International Expansion and Challenges (1900s-1920s)
In the early 20th century, Waltham expanded its reach globally, exporting watches to multiple continents. They also diversified their product line, introducing automobile clocks and high-grade pocket watches. However, the company faced challenges from Swiss competition and changing consumer preferences, leading to financial strains.
The Great Depression and World War II (1930s-1940s)
The Great Depression hit Waltham hard, as it did with many American businesses, leading to bankruptcy and reorganization in 1937. During World War II, Waltham shifted its focus to producing precision instruments for the military, such as chronometers, which were crucial for navigation and operations.
Post-War Decline and Closure (1950s-1957)
After the war, Waltham struggled to compete with the flood of cheaper, yet high-quality, Swiss watches. The company made efforts to modernize its product line with automatic watches and wristwatches, but these were not enough to save it from financial difficulties. In 1957, Waltham Watch Company ceased watch production, marking the end of its era as a watch manufacturer.
- Model: Waltham A-17
- Reference: A-17
- Year: 1950's
- Dial Color: Black
- Style: Military
- Bracelet: Fluco Vigo Black Leather Riveted Open End Cuff Strap
- Sizing: Fits up to 8" Wrist
- Box: No
- Papers: No
- Other Accessories: No
This watch was acquired by a private auction. Previous owner information is unknown.
The case is in phenomenal condition given its age. No major dings or dents with only minor dents.
The dial and hands are completely original and untouched. The patina of the radium lume is completely even and has a beautiful patina.
The movement has been serviced by our professional watchmaker and is keeping fantastic time. Running at +15 seconds a day.
- Case Size: 32.0mm
- Lug Width: 16.0mm
- Lug to Lug: 35.8mm
- Thickness: 14.0mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Back Material: Stainless Steel
- Bracelet Material: Leather
- Crystal: Bubble Acrylic Crystal
- Luminescence: Radium (Original)
- Manufacturer: Waltham
- Caliber: Waltham 6/0-D
- Country: USA
- Movement Type: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17
- Power Reserve: ~40 Hours
Choose options
The Waltham A-17 Pilot's Watch holds a unique place in the history of military timepieces, embodying both the technological advancements of its time and the specific needs of aviators in the Korean War of 1950.
The A-17 specification was issued in the post-World War II era, around the early 1950s, by the United States military. This specification was designed to standardize the quality and functionality of watches used by military pilots, ensuring they met rigorous standards for accuracy, durability, and legibility under various conditions. The A-17 specification came after the A-11, which was widely used during World War II, introducing more stringent requirements for precision and reliability.
The Waltham A-17 watch was manufactured to meet these specific requirements. It featured a high-quality mechanical movement, a black dial with luminous numbers and hands for visibility in low-light conditions, a hacking mechanism (allowing the second hand to be stopped for precise time setting), and a durable case that could withstand the rigors of aviation and military use. The hacking feature was particularly important for pilots, as it allowed for the synchronization of watches to the second, a critical need for navigation and operational coordination.
Waltham's A-17 watches were issued to U.S. Air Force pilots and navigators, becoming an essential tool for their missions. The watch's design was focused on functionality and legibility, with a straightforward interface that avoided any unnecessary complications that could distract from its primary purpose as a tool for timing and navigation.
As with other military watches of the era, the A-17 was built to last, and many examples have survived to the present day, becoming highly prized collectibles. The Waltham A-17 is not just a timepiece but a piece of military history, representing a period when precision and reliability could mean the difference between life and death for the servicemen who relied on them.
the American Waltham Watch Co. and the American Watch Co., holds a significant place in the annals of American and global watchmaking, marked by innovation, quality, and a complex history of rise, decline, and enduring legacy. Let's explore this history in detail.
The Founding Era: Innovation and Expansion (1850s-1860s)
The Waltham Watch Company was founded in 1850 in Waltham, Massachusetts, by Aaron Dennison, Edward Howard, and David Davis. Their vision was revolutionary: to manufacture watches using interchangeable parts on an industrial scale, a stark contrast to the then-prevailing method of handcrafting individual watches. In 1854, they successfully produced their first model, the "Dennison, Howard, & Davis," watches, at their factory in Waltham, thus marking the birth of the American system of watch manufacturing.
Growth and Technological Advancements (1870s-1890s)
The latter half of the 19th century was a period of rapid growth and technological innovation for Waltham. The company introduced several advancements, such as the first American-made watch with a stem wind and set mechanism, significantly improving the usability of watches. Waltham's timepieces gained a reputation for reliability and accuracy, earning various awards and becoming the choice for railwaymen across the burgeoning American rail network.
International Expansion and Challenges (1900s-1920s)
In the early 20th century, Waltham expanded its reach globally, exporting watches to multiple continents. They also diversified their product line, introducing automobile clocks and high-grade pocket watches. However, the company faced challenges from Swiss competition and changing consumer preferences, leading to financial strains.
The Great Depression and World War II (1930s-1940s)
The Great Depression hit Waltham hard, as it did with many American businesses, leading to bankruptcy and reorganization in 1937. During World War II, Waltham shifted its focus to producing precision instruments for the military, such as chronometers, which were crucial for navigation and operations.
Post-War Decline and Closure (1950s-1957)
After the war, Waltham struggled to compete with the flood of cheaper, yet high-quality, Swiss watches. The company made efforts to modernize its product line with automatic watches and wristwatches, but these were not enough to save it from financial difficulties. In 1957, Waltham Watch Company ceased watch production, marking the end of its era as a watch manufacturer.
- Model: Waltham A-17
- Reference: A-17
- Year: 1950's
- Dial Color: Black
- Style: Military
- Bracelet: Fluco Vigo Black Leather Riveted Open End Cuff Strap
- Sizing: Fits up to 8" Wrist
- Box: No
- Papers: No
- Other Accessories: No
This watch was acquired by a private auction. Previous owner information is unknown.
The case is in phenomenal condition given its age. No major dings or dents with only minor dents.
The dial and hands are completely original and untouched. The patina of the radium lume is completely even and has a beautiful patina.
The movement has been serviced by our professional watchmaker and is keeping fantastic time. Running at +15 seconds a day.
- Case Size: 32.0mm
- Lug Width: 16.0mm
- Lug to Lug: 35.8mm
- Thickness: 14.0mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Back Material: Stainless Steel
- Bracelet Material: Leather
- Crystal: Bubble Acrylic Crystal
- Luminescence: Radium (Original)
- Manufacturer: Waltham
- Caliber: Waltham 6/0-D
- Country: USA
- Movement Type: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17
- Power Reserve: ~40 Hours
Free overnight shipping
Free 7-Day returns
2-year warranty
Secure payments