SKU: MWC/ZWK/PW

Military Pocket Watch

Military pocket watches, along with their civilian equivalents, are seeing a significant increase in popularity. Historically, they were employed for land-based, airborne, and naval applications. During WWII, they were frequently used by RAF and USAAF navigators and bomb aimers (US: bombardiers) in preference to conventional wristwatches. These pocket watches were easier to place on a chart, bench, or in the nose of the aircraft while working or approaching a target. At the time, wristwatches were small, with an average diameter of only around 32mm, making the larger pocket watches, with case sizes of around 50mm, much easier to read.

This classic WWII pattern military watch, featuring a small subsidiary dial second hand, is based on designs made by a variety of manufacturers. It has a traditional 17-jewel hand-wound movement and has been upgraded to a glass crystal, which is superior to the easily scratched or damaged acrylic/plastic crystals used during World War II.

This particular pocket watch has a solid stainless steel case made from Military Grade 316L stainless steel, with a subsidiary dial second hand.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Diameter: 47.5mm
• Length with Crown: 58mm
• Thickness: 14mm
• Crystal Width: 40mm
• Crystal Type: Domed Glass
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Caseback: Stainless Steel
• Luminosity: Luminova
• Movement: 17-Jewel Hand-wound Mechanical Movement
• Included: Complete with chain
• Packaging: Delivered in its original box
• Guarantee: 2-year factory guarantee

ESSENTIAL WINDING INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES

To wind the watch from an empty state to full, you'll need approximately 30 turns of the crown (most other hand-wound watches require 40 or more turns, so this movement needs somewhat less). Once fully wound, the watch boasts an average power reserve of around 36 hours. It's crucial to exercise caution during the winding process.

For those who use the watch daily and wind it consistently, such as every morning, a slight variation in the number of turns will not significantly impact the overall power reserve, as it will remain well below the maximum of around 36 hours.

Some users have reported that 25 turns are sufficient when winding every 24 hours. This is logical because the watch wouldn't need a full wind after 24 hours. Nevertheless, individual preferences may vary, and most owners tend to develop a sense of the optimal winding routine within the first few days of ownership.

Above all, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of not overwinding the watch, which could lead to locking up issues or, worse, damage or breakage of the mainspring. Adhering to the recommended winding procedures ensures the longevity and proper functioning of the timepiece.

Note: Overwinding occurs when a mechanism is wound beyond its designated stopping point, posing the risk of damage or destruction to the winding mechanism. Overwinding is a concern primarily for manually-wound watches, not for their automatic counterparts, which normally cannot be overwound.