WWII Elgin GCT US Army Air Force Master Navigation AN5740 watch with canister

Up for sale is this beautiful Elgin AN-5740 Master Navigation Watch produced in the base metal case for the U. S Army Air Force in 1943. Accompanying it is the intended US Army Air Force spring mounted canister to assist with vibration and magnetization while in use. There are three main companies that produced the AN5740/AN5740-1 during the WWII era... The Hamilton Watch Company, The Waltham Watch Company and The Elgin National Watch Company.

Hamilton produced the most by far with numbers over 140,000 by the time the 4992B run completed. Waltham produced the least with 5,000 pieces of the 1622 and Elgin produced about 20,800 units of this particular grade being 581.

American watch companies were called to service and the Elgin National Watch Company was no different as a. Tremendous contributor to the war effort and helped nailed shut any doubts the United States could produce accurate timepieces for navigation which was dominated by European countries at that time but under blockade.

If you are looking at this listing and reading this, you do not need to be schooled on the purposes for these navigational timepieces. They were used for navigating time distance the same way a chronometer was used aboard ships. It was also used as a secondary timepiece against those marine chronometers for compare. The watch could also be stopped by pulling the crown to be able to synchronize with others like it for any reason. Let's get into the details. Jewels: 22 jewels (center sweep) Serial # 41759735. Case: Base Metal (screw back/frame body) Keystone case SN # 86322 / 006322. Dial: Black 24hr marked "GCT".

This 581 is running smooth and keeping accurate time. The crystal has a crack as you can see in the photos between the 25 and 30 minute marker. This watch shows appropriate wear for its age and use. The serial number (41759735) on the movement dates this watch to about 1943 in its largest run of the grade of 10,000 units.

Please see and zoom all photos to assist with description. Government Operation, Service and Overhaul Instruction for the Master Navigation Type AN5740 pairs the Air Force application with its "box of soft iron to shield it from possible magnetization" "This shielding case has a 1 7/8-inch round opening through which the dial of the watch can be seen" The "soft iron box" or canister is in great, obviously used condition produced by the GEO. There were a few other manufacturers of these canisters as well but Adamson made the most and I have noticed so many more US ARMY A. (Air Corps) canisters than Air Force canisters during research. The Army Air Corps designation changed in 1941 and producing companies had to adjust as well. The glass porthole is clear, black cradle felt is clean, the springs still hold tension and support the watch doing its job. There is also black felt underneath the snap-in cradle as well and the "stem position" stamp is clear.

The front nomenclature plate reads. N A V I G A T I O N. Now is your time to own the pair as they were used together for a realistic price.

I believe the asking price to be fair and this is a great piece to acquire if you are beginning your collection or trying to round out your collection with a variant not owned. I have owned several Elgin A-13's, AN-5740's and deck watches, of all variations. Is one of my favorites and always will be. It is a watch that is instantly recognized by collectors, always in demand and holds value. I can be reached with any questions you may have.

I hope I can answer them. Thank you for looking at this listing. There may be another similar timepiece for sale so check my others. The item "WWII Elgin GCT US Army Air Force Master Navigation AN5740 watch with canister" is in sale since Monday, December 21, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Pocket Watches".

The seller is "macelroy1" and is located in Saint Petersburg, Florida. This item can be shipped to United States.

Brand: Elgin
Type: Pocket Watch
Year Manufactured: 1940-1949
Closure: Open Face
Model: GCT Grade 581
Caseback: Screwback
Style: Military
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Case Material: Base Metal
Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
Vintage: Yes
Dial Color: Black
Case Color: Silver
Serial Number: 41759735
Number of Jewels: 22 jewels
Department: Military
Pocket Watch Size: 16