Classic Military Watches - The Vintage Team is military-inspired this week, starting with four pieces from Graham Fowler's British Military Watch Friends collection.
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Classic Military Watches
A few weeks ago, Graham Fowler, a longtime friend of his, approached the Vintage team with a small collection of military watches that included his line in his collection. While we're sure Graham was sad to see the band go, we only asked the right questions and were happy to accept the offer. From there we had a clear theme to work on. Aside from a Benrus Type I or II here or there, the selection of military watches in our store didn't really represent where this category fits in the grand scheme of vintage watches. Whether for inspiration or direct use, military watches are undoubtedly where the watch business began, and it's time to highlight the entire collection.
Iwc Big Pilot's Spitfire Is A Stylish Salute To Classic Military Watches
This article features four watches from Grahame's collection, but there are many more options in the larger drop for the week. As always, click through the slideshow above or head over to Vintage Watches for all the pieces.
One of the first videos filmed introduces Graham Fowler as "the real deal", and in the latest issue of the magazine, Vol. 9, as "an English legend of the New York men's fashion scene" - not bad. The man is a serious collector of not only watches, but also vintage clothes, as well as vintage scooters. We're excited to offer a few of his watches - maybe one day we'll have a few of his scooters for sale.
I think many of you know that I'm a big fan of military watches and when I get the chance to sit down with Graham Fowler and look at vintage military watches I take it. Earlier this year we were offered several watches from Grahame, including these two beautiful Lemania Chronographs that were originally released by the Ministry of Defence. We had to jump on them. They excel in metal and having both is a dream come true.
Having two very similar watches in my hands, I can't help but compare the two examples. It's fun to stand these two side by side and go into the little details with my trusty Lupe system. When looking at both, the biggest difference is that one has an almost white dial with black painted hands and dial details, while the other has a black tritium dial with white painted dial details. The next thing that pops out is the single button chronograph and the traditional two button chronograph. The list of differences could go on, but I'll spare you for now.
Swiss Military By Chrono Ultimate Classic Military Chronograph Watch Sm30052.05
It's amazing to think that these beautiful watches were designed to be used as tools and were released with one purpose in mind. A whitewashed Lemania would be given to the Royal Navy for someone on a nuclear submarine; these watches had to have no light due to the radioactive properties of lume, which could affect the radioactivity monitoring equipment in the vehicle. Another with a black dial would also be issued to the Royal Navy, but for Air Force pilots. This watch has a luminous dial and the familiar 'T' on the bezel. The dial should have had this "T" to indicate the type of lighting used; in this case, it's tritium. This "T" can be found on other British-made watches, such as Rolex MilSubs and Omega Military Seamasters.
Often military watches are very worn and worn; it just comes with the territory. They are also regularly serviced and rebuilt or change hands. Watchmakers basically do whatever it takes to keep watches functional and working properly because the lives of the people who use them depend on it. When Graham showed me these, I was impressed not only with the watches, but with their condition. It was obvious that they had been cared for for years and we are very pleased to be able to offer both of these beauties and hopefully they will go to good homes.
The question comes down to white or black dials, one or two buttons, or why not both? Check out all the details here and here!
What is our interest in vintage military watches? They look great – Rolex MilSub and Breguet Type XXS, anyone? – but they are as real as tool watches. These wristwatches actually provided a level of security for everyone present. When a few seconds can make the difference between life and death for you and your team, it takes the importance of accuracy and reliability to a whole new level. Different soldiers had their own characteristics that were acceptable for official use, but in general, these watches were characterized by accuracy and precision of timekeeping, durable construction, ease of use, readability in various conditions and easy repair.
Bulova Debuts A New Military Collection With A Classic Hack And A Unique Pilot's Watch
Hamilton is a watchmaker with a rich history of military watchmaking. The company began supplying the US military with pocket watches beginning in 1914 and eventually expanded its repertoire to include wristwatches. To date, the most popular design is the time-only field watch (now known as the Khaki Field Mechanical), which focuses on accurate readings. In the 1970s, Hamilton also offered its watches to the British military, as you can see in the engraving given to the Royal Navy in 1972 (case marked "0552" for the Royal Navy and "/72" made in 1972). year) and the wide arrow icon on the dial. There were similar CVC, Newmark and Precista designs, but I find this Hamilton version to be the most impressive of all. This asymmetrical steel body is not a beautiful design in itself, but "form and function". The heavy-duty case design on the right side allows the crown and pushers to be installed, providing additional protection from the outside. The dial is matte black, which is often chosen to reduce glare, and the circular "T" adds a military feel, indicating that tritium has been used on the dial. The subtle effect of the slightly gilded imprint on the dial is reminiscent of the patina that belongs to a watch.
When it comes to the tool watch category, this is one that celebrates wear and tear from actual use. This watch is not in perfect condition, but that is what makes this piece an attractive military piece, flaws and all. We don't know the exact story behind this clock, but that's actually what makes clocks fun: filling in the blanks with our knowledge and imagination. Graham Fowler: "One man's downfall is another man's work of art. It all depends on how you frame the story." Look here.
It's as simple as that little "circle P" on the dial here. Well, there is one more thing about this Seiko that appeals to me, but I mean the promethium lume? How cool is that? In the only article you'll ever need when it comes to luminous material, Jack Forster explains exactly what the material is and even notes Seiko's use of it. Like tritium, promethium was developed after radium was deemed too dangerous for commercial use. Seiko was one of the manufacturers that did some work to revive Promethium by the 1990s. 7T27-7A20 delivered to Royal Air Force.
Outside of the Promethium, I see a simple design that I believe describes what a military wristwatch really is. From the strong contrast between the matte black dial and white print, to the matte stainless steel case and buckle strap, all the classic calling cards are here. This Seiko will set you back, but there are few better military chronographs out there.
Vintage Military Watch With Nato Strap And Leather Wallet On Army Green Background, Classic Timepiece Mechanical Wristwatch Stock Image
With this watch, Seiko was recognized by the R.A.F. as the world's leading manufacturer of quartz analog chronographs. Great Britain relies on industry leaders for its military needs, the mechanical chronograph has relied on Lemania for decades, and in the late 1980s and 1990s the R.A.F. Seiko dials for watches are very important to me. You can make this piece of Seiko history your own at Shop.At Vintage Watch Specialist. Our military watches include everything from World War II service watches to custom dive watches. Whether you are a general military enthusiast or a military watch collector,
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