Men's RARE Original Elgin UDT Frogman Canteen Military Dive Watch

Description: STRICKLAND VINTAGE WATCHES Men's RARE Original Elgin UDT Frogman Canteen Military Dive Watch - SERVICEDWorld War II was a turning point in horology. American watch houses ceased civilian production during these years and devoted themselves to producing timing instruments for the war. Elgin, then one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world, produced ship's chronometers, pocket and wrist watches and special order pieces military such as this example. The agreement with American watch houses was that they would support the war effort by supplying timepieces for ground troops and equipment; however, after the war all timepieces had to be destroyed or decommissioned. American watch executives felt that if these watches were allowed back into the states, they would cripple business at a time when plants had not been able to produce and sell civilian watches for years. The United States government agreed and most of these faithful time companions were unceremoniously crushed, buried, or dumped to prevent them from competing with civilian watch sales. We're thrilled to be able to offer this piece to those who won't settle for less that the absolute rarest and best examples of military horology. Extraordinarily rare and in astonishingly original condition, this post-WWII Elgin Buships "canteen" or dive watch was produced in 1951 for use by Navy "UDT" or underwater demolition teams – the precursors to Navy SEALs. In fact, 1951's "The Frogmen," the first movie about WWII underwater demolition teams – and the first movie featuring Scuba diving – showcased "canteen" dive watches with screw crowns. They were extraordinary instruments; part art, part engineering, part ordnance unmatched in resilience and excellence. Featuring its original, factory high-grade Elgin model 647 17 jewel incabloc shockproof movement with center-sweep; housed in a 39mm by 31mm waterproof case with screw cap; this museum-grade example remains in fine original condition. Aside from a missing crystal, it emerged from its Seattle estate remarkably intact and original. Inside back marked “Timed and Cased by Elgin/Star Watch Case Company/Stainless Steel/2156/2236420.Of course we have left the watch exactly as found, save replacing its crystal, installing an N.O.S. correct nylon strap and cleaning, oiling and calibrating the piece. We invite you to take a moment to study this historic piece, as well as encourage you to immerse yourself in the mesmeric world of military horology! ABOUT US: For those of you who may not know us, we at STRICKLAND VINTAGE WATCHES travel extensively, purchasing watches for our clients. Featured as Forbes magazine's "Best of the Web" honoree consecutively since 2000 for timepieces, we're committed to bringing the best, the rarest, the cleanest examples of old wrist and pocket watches to clients around the world. SHIPPING: All buyers to pay actual shipping costs. If there is a handling fee listed, that is for insurance. We are happy to combine shipping on multiple items. For items shipped within the United States, we ship either via FedEx, USPS Priority Mail or USPS Parcel Post.INTERNATIONAL buyers will be handled through eBay’s International Shipping Program. eBay controls the cost of shipping, we do not. WE WILL NOT FALSIFY CUSTOMS FORMS. ALL CUSTOMS FEES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER. Your purchase acknowledges that you understand these policies. FLORIDA RESIDENTS will be charged an additional 7.5% for sales tax. CONTACT US: You may reach us - STRICKLAND VINTAGE WATCHES - Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST) TERMS OF SALE: We take great pride in our images and item descriptions and are careful to note as much about an item as we can. We do not sell items on approval; therefore, all items we sell on eBay are sold AS IS and all sales are final. If you have a question or would like to see the image of an item at another angle, we are happy to accommodate you. Please check our feedback; we try to be as accommodating as possible. WE WILL NOT GIVE PARTIAL REFUNDS! Strickland Vintage Watches is a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and have been honored as one of Forbes magazine's "Best of the Web" in timepieces, and have been on eBay since 1998.

Price: 6995 USD

Location: Tampa, Florida

End Time: 2024-10-16T04:38:51.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD