Many pocket watch collectors focus their attention on pre-World War I timepieces, before wristwatches became mainstream. And yet the pocket watch continued evolving and improving, playing a significant role in World War II.

The U.S. military issued the Hamilton Model 23 Chronograph (stopwatch) to all branches; they were especially useful in the Air Force for navigation. It’s a “flyback chronograph” – you start, stop and reset it “on the fly” via the single pusher.

This 1942 example was one of 27,100 made. As you’d expect, Model 23 Chronos were used and abused. Pristine examples are rare. As its Keystone case doesn’t have a military marking on back cover, it’s likely it never saw active service.

If you’re looking for a military grade military Hamilton pocket watch that’s as robust, accurate and beautiful as the day it was made, this is the Hamilton Model 23 Chronograph I would recommend.

All our treasured timepieces are completely disassembled, expertly cleaned and oiled using the finest quality watch oil and gear grease, and adjusted for accuracy. Full one year warranty.