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Today's Newsletter

• Military Watches

• Hots & Cots

• All About The Bez

The Main Thing

The History of Military Watches

Once upon a time, in the recent past, the wristwatch emerged as more than just a timekeeping tool. It became a symbol of style, status, and function. Let's go back in time. Today, we'll explore the history of wristwatches and the military.

WWI

Picture this: It was World War I. It was a time of turmoil and change. This was true in geopolitics and technology. Soldiers in the trenches needed a simpler way to track time. They needed something more practical than fumbling for pocket watches. Enter the wristwatch.

It was first seen as a girly accessory. But, soldiers quickly adopted it for its convenience. These early wristwatches were tough and practical. They were built to endure the harsh conditions of war. They also had to keep soldiers organized for complex maneuvers and ground movements.

WWII

Fast forward to World War II. Wristwatches played an even more pivotal role in military operations. Pilots relied on precision timing for coordinated airstrikes, while soldiers synchronized their maneuvers with split-second accuracy.

The iconic designs of brands like Rolex and Omega became synonymous with wartime heroism. These watches served as essential tools for navigation, coordination, and communication on the battlefield.

Quick break!

I want to be around for as long as possible. Only so I have more time to enjoy my watch collection.

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Korea/Cold War

As the world plunged into the Korean Conflict and the Cold War, wristwatches continued to evolve alongside the shifting geopolitical landscape. Military organizations around the globe refined their specifications for wristwatches, demanding greater durability, accuracy, and functionality.

The era saw the rise of dive watches designed for underwater missions, aviation watches equipped with advanced navigation features, and field watches built to withstand the rigors of combat in diverse environments.

Present Day

Let's move forward to the present day. Wristwatches have gone beyond their military origins.

They are now timeless fashion statements and everyday essentials. In an age of smartphones and smartwatches, analog watches have maintained their allure, blending classic craftsmanship with modern technology.

Luxury brands cater to collectors with intricate complications and exquisite designs, while affordable brands offer stylish options for everyday wear.

But the story doesn't end there. With the resurgence of interest in vintage timepieces and the growing popularity of independent watchmakers (microbrands), the world of wristwatches is more vibrant than ever.

Enthusiasts search flea markets and online auctions for rare treasures from past eras. Artisans push the limits of watch innovation with daring designs and odd materials.

Famous Military Watches

There are some of the brands used by various armed forces components throughout history. They’re just examples. This list is not all-inclusive.

Omega Seamaster 300m - Britain’s Royal Navy

Marathon Navigator - USAF

Luminox - US Navy SEALs

Hamilton Khaki Field - All US military branches

Conclusion

This is a basic summary. I had to restrain myself from nerding out and writing a dissertation. But you wouldn’t read that. For a more detailed timeline, check out this article or do a quick Google search.

In a world where time is fleeting and eternal, the wristwatch is a timeless companion. It reminds us of the past, grounds us in the present, and guides us toward the future.

Whether you're into history, fashion, or simply love timekeeping, the wristwatch's story is worth cherishing and passing on for generations.

Help Me Buy My Dream Watch

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Every book sale gets me closer to my dream watch.

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Shoutout Of the Week

Hots & Cots

If you’re in the military, thank you for your service. And if you are, you should be using Hots & Cots to give feedback on your living and dining facilities.

Hots & Cots is a community designed for veterans, by veterans. It allows you to discover, rate, and share insights on military accommodations, connecting you to the best living options at every duty station.

If you’re serving, click the button below to check them out!

Lessons in Time/Chrono University (which do you like better?)

What’s the Bezel Do?

Dive watches are popular. There's the Rolex Submariner, the Omega Seamaster, and everything in between. You'll see them everywhere. Dive watches are often worn for their toughness, not their practicality.

If a watch can withstand depths of 300 meters, it can likely endure my daily activities.

One thing that makes a dive watch special is the bezel (that's the ring on the outside of the watch face). It's not just for looks. It has a real purpose!

Here are a few of them.

Elapsed Time Tracking

The primary purpose of the bezel is to track elapsed time during a dive. It has minute markers or numerals. Divers can align them with the minute hand to measure time since the start of the dive. This allows divers to monitor their air supply. They can track their remaining time underwater and decompression stops.

Unidirectional Rotation

Dive watch bezels are unidirectional, meaning they can only rotate counterclockwise. This design stops the accidental movement of the bezel. If the bezel gets bumped or turned, it will only show a shorter elapsed time. This helps to prevent divers from underestimating their dive duration.

Safety Precaution

The bezel can be set to align with the minute hand at the start of a dive. This use of the bezel is a safety precaution. It helps divers track their dive time. This helps them avoid the risks of long exposure to underwater conditions.

Quick Reference

The bezel gives a quick and easy reference for divers. They can check their remaining dive time without needing their watch's dial. Its simple design and clear markings make it convenient. It's a great tool for monitoring dive duration while underwater.

In summary, the bezel of a dive watch is a critical tool. It's for tracking time, making dives safer, and giving information to divers underwater. Its one-way rotation and clear markings are key features. They are indispensable in any dive watch design.

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Out Of Time

Signing Off

Thanks again for reading today’s Own The Watch. We’ve had a large influx of subscribers lately so if you’re new here, WELCOME!

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Wear it well and wear it often.

—

Ian

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