A-11 Watch Description and Condition Report
This watch is an A-11 model. Below, you’ll find a detailed description of its condition, any reported issues, and a full factory specification list.
Condition and Issues
We acquire these watches from various defense auctions and surplus sales. In many cases, they are sold as faulty, but our experience shows that most have either minor issues or none at all. Due to time constraints, our service staff can only perform a basic inspection, meaning some watches may function fine, while others might require servicing, minor repairs, or a battery replacement depending on the model.
-
Model: A-11
-
Condition: Grade A (see actual images)
-
Fault: The watch is in excellent physical condition and looks pretty much new. It uses a standard NH35A movement, which is easy to service. No fault is immediately apparent but it came in with a note saying "might need regulating" we left it running for 6 hours and nothing was apparent but possibly it might gain or lose over a period of 24 hours.
Factory Description and Product Details
SKU Code: A-11
Overview
This modern A-11 recreation closely follows the original 1943 WWII design, now featuring a high-performance, self-winding 24-jewel mechanical movement and a box sapphire crystal for enhanced durability. Unlike the wartime models made from plated base metal to conserve steel, this version uses solid 316L stainless steel, ensuring superior longevity.
During WWII, companies like Elgin, Bulova, and Waltham manufactured these watches under U.S. government specifications. This recreation most closely resembles the Elgin 539, which originally housed a 15 or 16-jewel movement and was issued to the USAAF between 1940-1945.
Historical Development
The concept for this model began in 2009, following a request from a U.S. veterans association to reproduce the Vietnam-era GG-W-113 watch. After successfully recreating that model, we were asked to develop this earlier WWII-era version. Genuine vintage A-11s are now rare in good condition due to the lower-quality materials used during wartime.
Technical Specifications
-
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
-
Caseback: Screw-down 316L stainless steel
-
Crown: Screw-down locking (316L stainless steel)
-
Dial Color: Black
-
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50m / 165ft)*
-
Crystal: Box sapphire, shatter & scratch-resistant*
-
Luminous Material: Luminova
-
Movement: NH35A, 24-jewel mechanical self-winding, hacking
-
Lug Size: 18mm
-
Lug to Lug: 43mm
-
Case Diameter (without crown): 36mm
-
Case Diameter (with crown): 38mm
-
Thickness: 12.9mm
-
Strap: 18mm width
-
Serial Number: Engraved on the caseback
-
Packaging: Supplied in a gift box
-
Warranty: 24 months
* Why Sapphire Crystal?
Sapphire crystal is the industry standard for high-end watches due to its exceptional scratch and shatter resistance. It is heat-treated to remove internal stress and features dual-layer anti-reflective coating for optimal clarity. While more expensive than mineral glass, sapphire is preferred by military personnel, police officers, and outdoor enthusiasts, who make up over 70% of our customer base.
Summary
The A-11 pays tribute to the original WWII design while integrating modern advancements for enhanced durability and performance. It’s an ideal blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary reliability.
