That's a very nice looking watch mate. One to treasure.
It certainly would not have been purchased from Argos and not one issued to British military.
I wonder if those in the know could assist with some information on this, my late father's watch.
I do not know the history, it wasn't a subject he discussed really, but worn it as long as I can remember. He did serve, but again, unsure if it was something issued to him, or bought in Argos!
Any help appreciated.
That's a very nice looking watch mate. One to treasure.
It certainly would not have been purchased from Argos and not one issued to British military.
It’s a Bulova A17a
They were mostly issued to the USAF around the time of the Korean War or just after and used well in to the Vietnam conflict.
The majority of info is displayed on the case back, movement is the 10BNCH, it’s a Navigators watch.
It has a radium dial and they are generally pretty hot for radioactivity. All in all a really nice watch, small by todays standards but still wearable.
It’s a nice keep sake to have.
Edit: I should say bar the strap it looks all original
Don’t worry about not having an idea, that’s what forums are for, there are sad g1ts like me that know this stuff.
These were not available to the general public in this configuration (markings on the case back), if you look it has the government contract number, stock number and watch serial, these were supposed to go back in to stores when you left the forces, moved roles, didn’t need it any more.
Nor were these sold in the USPX, the only official way to get one was by needing one for your job, usually aircrew.
If he was not US aircrew he likely swapped it for something or won it in a bet.
There is one other option, he bought it when it was demobbed from service, however I am not sure the US did this. Most in civilian hands today were ‘lost or forgotten’ about when the man or woman left service. They then found their way on to the market.
Happy to help
https://dialandbezel.com/product/bul...igation-watch/
A bit more info here and here
https://www.60clicks.com/vietnam-war-watch-guide/