After the introduction of trench watches during World War I, the wrist watch took its rightful place in military arsenals everywhere. Time was precious on the battlefield, and a good watch became a valuable resource for successful military operations. As a result, military watches have developed as a popular genre for watch collectors. These are functional instruments at their core and carry a certain degree of exclusivity and collectability due to their limited, government-issued roots. And because of their unique appeal, brands have also released modern watches that carry several of the same features found in true vintage military models.
Military watches follow a very specific design ethos but also vary depending on their intended purpose:
Many of these characteristics are governed by military-specified guidelines, which are documents provided to manufacturers seeking to produce timepieces for military branches. They are traits found in several types of military watches, and in many ways, are a big part of their overall appeal. What’s important is finding the piece that appeals to you as a collector and that fits in with your daily wear and wardrobe preferences.
You keep it simple no matter what and your watch should both accessorize and serve up that collectible vintage appeal. If you prefer something understated that also has an interesting story behind it, these might be a few features to look for in a military watch. Best part? These watches can still be abused while offering the utility of a reliable timekeeper. Consider:
Our Pick: The Sinn Military Chronograph
If you’re seeking a bold, military-inspired look but aren’t looking to track down a vintage piece, you still have a world of options. These watches are perfect for daily wear, boast an aggressive look, and don’t often carry the high price tags associated with their vintage counterparts. Look for:
Our Pick: The Bell & Ross Aviation BR03-92
You need a watch that looks the part and plays the part. You probably don’t exactly do the whole office job thing and might even find yourself in harm’s way on occasion. Either way, consider these characteristics for your next watch:
Our Pick: The Breitling Emergency
Overall, a military or military-inspired watch can serve as a great everyday option. Their functional and utilitarian features make them perfect in most casual situations as well. Whether you choose a modern interpretation or a true government-issued vintage piece, the world of military watches is an exciting place for all types of watch collectors.
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For the F-100 fighter pilots of Tuy Hoa AB, RVN, the watch of choice in 1969 was the Rolex, GMT Master.
I got mine from the China Fleet club (world's greatest base exchange in a duty free port) in may.
It cost $146.00!
I just sent it back to Geneva for refurbishing and it's like new!
What is the first watch pictureD in this article?
It's a PAM 448, California Dial.