What's the story behind these? Why did the US issue Breitlings?
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Which watch?
- Thread starter loadtoad
- Start date
What's the story behind these? Why did the US issue Breitlings?
Good questions…I have no idea. I’m not a mil watch guy or a Breitling guy…that Breitling is my only mil watch as well as my only Breitling, and it was a gift. I’ve attempted to do some light research but haven’t had much luck…I probably need to delve into a mil watch forum and do some dedicated searching. Also, I believe Hamilton and Elgin manufactured similar type mil watches during the WW2/Korean War era.
I don’t know the service history of the watch but I’d venture to say that the crystal is a replacement.
@mad dog has a navigation stop watch here (as he knows well), the middle piece of the navy system that included a Master Navigation Clock, a Navigation Stop Watch, and the wrist watch. They were used at sea and in the air with the Master Clock on the ship, the pocket watch being assigned primarily to ship navigation departments and aviation patrol squadrons. As for Breitlings, they wanted to feed from the federal tit so they combined with Wakman Watch Company to plus up the contract (Wackman made the small 8 day clock found in most Cold War military jets up too and including the F-4). On top of that, after WWII the Swiss stopped importing their movements in an effort to prop up their specialized market. By combining with an American company Breitling was able to get a solid foothold in the US and ship Swiss movements legally. In the end…Breitling swallowed up Wakmann and became the company we know now.
Very cool, thanks.
BREITLING US MILITARY NAVIGATION CHRONOGRAPH
SOLD OUT BREITLING WORLD WAR ll - US NAVY navigators Chronograph with 18 Jewels in fine working order and running strong. Chronograph starts, stops and resets well. Dial is signed Breitling under the top register but it is etched into dial so therefore difficult to see in photo, but it is...
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Breitling Stainless Steel Military Navigational Stop Chronograph WWII Pocket Watch
Brand: Breitling Circa: 1940s Case: 50mm stainless steel signed Breitling Watch Corporation Movement: Hand-wind mechanical, 18 jewel, caliber 5, Valjoux Dial: Original mint condition black signed Breitling in the center Crystal: Plexi Box and papers: Gift Box Condition: Excellent with some...
backintimeintl.com
How does @ChuckMK23 find time for these shenanigans? Between getting paid to fly and corrupting the youth with sea stories, it would seem he stays very, very busy.
Listen I hardly have the best deal - I find it remarkable that major airline pays full FO salary for almost a year awaiting training to sit at home and enjoy vacation lifestyle. That's winning! ?
Listen, I am clearly on the road to being crotchety old fat fuck myself. ?
Beat ya there buddy!
