My Cart

Close


Bulova
SKU: vws4262cs

Bulova A-11 - USA Military Issued Wrist Watch - c.1940s

An authentic Bulova A-11 military watch from the Second World War, affectionately known as "The Watch That Won the War."

Case
Chrome Plated
Box
No
Dial
Black
Papers
No
View full specification
£595.00GBP

Enquire Now

Vintage Watch Specialist Buyer Protection

  • 12 Month Warranty Included
  • Authenticity Guarantee
  • Fully Insured Next Day Delivery
We ship watches worldwide tracked and insured More Information

Nicknamed "The Watch That Won the War," the A-11 is one of the most significant military wristwatches ever produced. Developed to a strict US military specification during the Second World War, it was supplied by just a handful of manufacturers including Bulova, Elgin and Waltham. Unlike many military watches, the A-11 was issued not only to the US Army but also to the US Army Air Forces and Allied personnel, becoming the standard navigation watch for pilots and navigators. Its highly legible black dial, hacking seconds and dependable movement made it an essential instrument during wartime, and today it is regarded as one of the cornerstones of any serious military watch collection.

What's on Offer

This original 1940s Bulova A-11 military wristwatch is a superb example of one of the most iconic American service watches ever produced. Housed in a chrome-plated case measuring 32mm, it features the classic matte black military dial with bold Arabic numerals, chemin de fer minute track and distinctive syringe hands, all designed for maximum legibility in demanding conditions. Beneath the dial beats Bulova's reliable 17-jewel Calibre 10AK manual-wind movement, offering approximately 42 hours of power reserve. The military issue caseback retains its original specification engravings, including the A-11 designation and military contract markings, confirming its wartime heritage. Fitted to a green NATO-style strap, this is a genuine piece of military history that remains as wearable today as it was over 80 years ago.

Presented in very good vintage condition, the watch displays the honest wear expected of an original wartime-issued timepiece. The black dial has developed attractive character while remaining highly legible, and the military engravings to the caseback are still visible. It is supplied with a 12-month warranty.

Case
Chrome Plated
Box
No
Dial
Black
Papers
No
Crystal
Plexiglass
Model Ref
A-11
Winding
Manual
Bracelet
Nato Style
Movement Type
Mechanical
Condition
8.5/10
Calibre
10AK
Date of Issue
1940's
Jewels
17j
Warranty
12 Months
Power Reserve
42hrs
Lug Height
40mm
Width
32mm
Lug width
16mm
Wrist Size
Adjustable

Do you have questions about this watch?

Contact our team below and we'll be happy to help you with this watch or any other watch you might be interested in

Read out latest customer reviews

See why buyers from across the world trust Vintage Watch Specialist

"An outstanding watch at a fair price with superb service before the purchase, safe delivery and helpful advice throughout. I cannot recommend the company highly enough."

Barrie

"A lovely little watch, reasonably priced, in excellent used condition exactly as advertised. Delivered very promptly in good strong packaging. Altogether a happy purchasing experience."

Kevin

"Javid was really helpful, he sent loads of images to me as I couldn’t make up my mind as I was buying a gift. Extremely happy with it would definitely buy from him again."

Jan

Vintage Watch Specialist's Authenticity Guarantee

Guaranteed Authenticity

  • All of our watches are approved by our in-house authenticity check
  • Every watch is inspected meticulously by our experts
  • Any deviations from the original condition or specifications are listed

Worldwide shipping

  • Free UK shipping
  • Subsidised international shipping
  • All shipping tracked and insured

Warranty and Returns

  • All watches are covered by our free 12 month warranty (unless otherwise stated)
  • All watches are sold serviced and fully functioning (unless otherwise stated)
  • Please see our full warranty and returns policy here

Join our mailing list!

Pop your email in to get our newsletter and latest arrivals.