Story Highlight
– Collectors seek ‘dirty dozen’ WWII military timepieces.
– American troops used Type A-11 specifications since 1942.
– Bulova produced Hack field watches during wartime efforts.
– New Bulova A-11 Jimmy watch priced at $795.
– Authentic pieces used in Jimmy Stewart biopic production.
Full Story
Collectors of World War II timepieces are increasingly drawn to the ‘dirty dozen’ watches, crafted by twelve different manufacturers for the British military during the final stages of the conflict.
In contrast, American forces had access to their own specially designed military watches, adhering to the Type A-11 standard from 1942. Approximately 4 million of these essential field watches were produced by Elgin, Waltham, and Bulova.
For those interested in vintage timepieces, acquiring one of these historical watches is relatively affordable, with prices starting at just a few hundred dollars.
Recently, Bulova has reaffirmed its historical significance in the context of World War II by launching several reissues of the Hack field watch. A noteworthy release coinciding with the upcoming film “Jimmy,” a biographic account of renowned actor Jimmy Stewart, highlights this connection. Stewart served as a combat pilot in the US Army Air Corps during the war before establishing his Hollywood career.
The A-11 Jimmy model emphasizes the link between Bulova and Stewart’s military past. As a material heritage partner for the film, Bulova also supplied original timepieces showcased throughout the movie.
The initial production of the Type A-11 began in 1942, commissioned by the U.S. government to meet the stringent requirements of military aviation personnel, who needed reliable and precise timekeeping for high-stakes operations. One of its key features was a hacking seconds function, which enabled soldiers and pilots to synchronise their watches accurately for time-sensitive missions.
Kelly Stewart Harcourt, the daughter of Jimmy Stewart, remarked, “The watches featured in Jimmy are original pieces from the Bulova museum, worn on screen, and they help bring authenticity to my father’s extraordinary story and the era in which he served. The new Bulova A-11 Jimmy is a meaningful tribute that honours both his legacy and the history shared by so many of his generation.”
The new watches, priced at $795, are set to be released in early October, ahead of the film’s premiere. They come in a 37mm steel case, featuring a matte black dial with luminous hands viewed through a domed sapphire crystal. Unlike the hand-wound models from the 1940s, this contemporary version houses an automatic Miyota movement with a hacking seconds feature and a 42-hour power reserve. Additionally, it boasts improved water resistance of up to 50 metres.
