As we mark 80 years since VE Day, we’ve been exploring watches made specifically for WWII. Last week, we covered the Dirty Dozen, and now we’re turning our attention to the Type A11. Unlike the Dirty Dozen, which arrived near the end of the war in 1945, the Type A11 was worn throughout the conflict by American soldiers and is often referred to as the “watch that won the war.” It was first manufactured in 1942 by three American brands: Elgin, Waltham and Bulova. The A11 followed strict specifications set by the US government. While these brands were already producing military watches, a more robust and accurate wristwatch was deemed essential as the United States entered the war. The A11 was manually wound and featured a hackable movement, a central seconds hand and a shock-resistant acrylic crystal. Due to material shortages during wartime, the cases were made from chromium-plated brass or silver instead of steel, which was reserved for weapons and vehicles. Most A11s measured 32mm in diameter, with a 39mm lug-to-lug and a 16mm lug width, and were typically paired with one or two piece olive drab canvas straps. To ensure durability under extreme conditions, the movements used 16 jewels to minimise wear caused by friction. Elgin models ran on the calibre 539, Walthams on the 6/0 Premier and Bulovas on the 10AK CHS. Air Force-issued models were fully lumed, with all markers and hands coated in luminescent material for optimal readability in all lighting conditions, while versions issued to paratroopers and infantry did not always include this feature. What are your thoughts on the ‘watch that won the war’? #BarkandJack