While many collectors gravitate toward the elegant pre–World War I pocket watches of the railroad era, the story of the pocket watch didn’t end there. In fact, it evolved—quietly and purposefully—into a mission-critical instrument of war. During World War II, as the wristwatch became standard-issue for troops, pocket watches like this rare Breitling military issue were reserved for specialized roles, including navigation and aviation.

Issued under U.S. Military Contract No. 5273 in the early 1940s, this watch bears the engraving “U.S. PROPERTY,” linking it directly to its wartime service. Breitling—better known today for their pilot’s chronographs—crafted these Swiss-made timepieces to meet the uncompromising demands of military performance. The black dial is simple and functional, with crisp 12-hour markers for quick legibility under pressure. Housed in a robust, purpose-built case, this watch was designed to take abuse and keep accurate time.

The movement is just as dependable: 18 jewels, adjusted to three positions, with a stop function for timing precision in field conditions. These are extremely hard to find today, especially in complete, functional condition. For the collector seeking a military-grade pocket watch with authentic WWII provenance and the Breitling name on the dial, this is a rare opportunity—and one worth saluting.