Waltham U.S Military Issued Pilots Watch (Type A-17) "Korean War Era", 1950s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Waltham Type A-17 is a U.S. military-issued pilot's timepiece that was in production from 1950 to 1956 (Korean War Era) and was the new and improved version of the WWII-era Waltham Type A-11. The A-17 was designed as a navigation timepiece for pilots and aviators and had been in development for some time as an upgraded version of the A-11, featuring radium Arabic numerals, 5-minute indices, lumed pencil-style hands, and a subsidiary 24-hour track. The practical dial layout and no-nonsense design give the wearer the perfect utilitarian feeling that makes these early military watches so sought after. Although this is a smaller watch in nature, the dial layout was designed for fast legibility. The A-17 is powered by the US-made Waltham 17 jewel 6/0 D manual wind movement. The Waltham A-17 was supplied in three production runs. 1950, 1952, and 1956. What the Waltham Type A-17 lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. That being said, the A-17 definitely doesn't feel like a "small watch" once it is on the wrist due to the large presence it delivers from the purpose-built design. SPECS Stock # WTHA17-5 Brand Waltham Style Military Pilots Watch Model Type A-17 Serial 27XXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 31.5 Strap 2pc Military-Style Canvas Strap CASE & BRACELET The impressive case remains in extremely crisp, gently used condition and is believed to remain unpolished. The screw-down coin-edge bezel is remarkable as well, showing light signs of use. The case back retains all of its original factory and military numbers and markings in clear and crisp condition. The watch comes supplied on a 2-piece military-style canvas strap. DIAL & HANDS The original matte black dial features a charming vintage aesthetic, and remains in wonderfully vintage condition, exhibiting wear consistent with the age and use case of the watch. The white outer minute track and inner 24-hour scale remain bright and fully intact. The original radium lume plots and Arabic numerals have aged evenly to a dark beige patina, closely matching the original radium hands. Under UV light inspection the 1 o'clock numeral and the 5, 10, and 11 o'clock lume plots are missing. The hands themselves exhibit minimal oxidation or corrosion, particularly for a timepiece of this style and era. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running; the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.