Bulova Military Issued WW2 Officers Watch, 1940s

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History & Significance During the Second World War, Bulova was one of several American manufacturers contracted to produce wristwatches for U.S. military use. These watches were designed as practical tools, prioritizing legibility, durability, and ease of service over any decorative elements. Issued across various branches, they became standard equipment for soldiers and personnel who relied on accurate timekeeping in daily operations. The typical WWII Bulova military watch features a compact stainless steel case, a highly legible dial with bold Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds display. The restrained design reflects wartime material constraints and the need for reliability under demanding conditions. Today, these watches serve as tangible artifacts of mid-20th-century military history and represent an important chapter in American watchmaking during a period defined by utility and mass mobilization. Writer’s Thoughts There’s something very honest about these wartime Bulovas. They’re small, straightforward, and entirely purposeful. I like how the dial tells the story, simple printing, clear numerals, nothing unnecessary. This is the kind of watch that feels earned rather than styled, and it wears with a quiet confidence that modern military-inspired pieces rarely capture. It’s easy to imagine this being worn day in and day out, doing exactly what it was meant to do. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. This watch is offered in honest condition. Specifications Brand: Bulova Model: Military Issue Year: 1940s Case Material: Stainless steel case with smooth fixed bezel Case Size: 32 mm Dial: Cream military dial with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds Crystal: Acrylic Movement: Manual wind Bulova movement Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Stainless steel pin buckle Contents: Watch only Condition Case: Stainless steel case shows honest wear consistent with age and use. Original proportions remain intact. Crystal: Acrylic crystal shows light surface marks from wear. No cracks observed. Dial: The original dial is well preserved with even aging and clear printing. Hands: Original hands show light aging consistent with the rest of the watch. Strap/Bracelet: The leather strap is new. Buckle/Clasp: The buckle is new.