This watch closely replicates the original World War Two design from 1943, now upgraded with modern features. It includes a high-performance self-winding 24-jewel mechanical movement and a box sapphire crystal that is both shatter and scratch resistant, while maintaining the appearance of the original plexiglass crystals used during WWII. Various manufacturers such as Elgin, Bulova, and Waltham produced these watches based on US government specifications. This model is particularly similar to the Elgin 539, which featured a 15 or 16-jewel movement and was made for the USAAF between 1940 and 1945. Unlike the original plated base metal, this recreation is crafted from solid stainless steel for enhanced durability.
The creation of this watch began in January 2009 when MWC was approached by a US veterans association to produce a watch identical in appearance to the original GG-W-113 watches used during the Vietnam War. Following the success of that project, MWC was asked to recreate this earlier WWII model, now difficult to find in good condition due to the use of cheap metal during the war years.
DIMENSIONS
Width Including Crown: 38mm
Width Excluding Crown: 36mm
Thickness: 12.9mm
Lug Size: 18mm
Lug to Lug: 43mm
Lug Type: Spring
Dial Colour: Black
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Caseback: Screw-down 316L Stainless Steel
Crown: 316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50m/165ft)*
Movement: 24 Jewel Automatic
Crystal: Shatter and Scratch Resistant Box Sapphire*
Luminous Material: Luminova
Serial Number on Caseback
Strap: 18mm
Supplied in a Gift Box
24 Months Guarantee
Sapphire Crystal Benefits
Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral crystal. Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals due to its strength and resistance to shattering and scratching. These characteristics make it appealing to military and security personnel, police officers, and those with active outdoor lifestyles, who account for over 70% of our customers. When accidents result in a cracked crystal, over 90% involve watches with mineral glass crystals. Even hardened mineral crystals do not compare to sapphire for durability. Sapphire crystals are heat-treated to remove internal stresses, enhancing their strength. They are then made into watch crystals with two layers of anti-reflective coating. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is now used on the latest iPhones. However, due to its cost, sapphire crystal is typically found only on higher-end watches.
