Vintage Issued Bulova A-17A U.S. Military Navigation Watch

An original Bulova A-17A military navigation watch produced for the United States Armed Forces under specification MIL-W-6433A.

Developed as a purpose-built navigation watch, the A-17A features a highly legible matte black dial with large 12-hour Arabic numerals, an inner 24-hour scale and luminous hands and markers. The oversized winding crown was designed for easy operation and gives the otherwise compact watch a distinctly utilitarian appearance. The original luminous numerals and hands have aged to a fantastic warm cream-orange patina against the black dial.

The stainless steel case retains its matte, non-reflective military finish and measures approximately 31–32mm across excluding the crown. Despite its smaller dimensions by modern standards, the broad dial, oversized crown and long lugs give the watch considerably more presence on the wrist.

The caseback retains its original military markings, including WATCH NAVIG., TYPE A17A, SPEC. MIL-W-6433A, MFR. BULOVA PART NO. 10BNCH and U.S. PROPERTY, along with its original military order, stock and serial numbers. Inside is Bulova's manual-winding 10BNCH movement, a movement used specifically in these military navigation watches and equipped with a hacking seconds function so the watch could be synchronized precisely.

Fitted with an olive drab military-style NATO strap.

The watch is currently running and winding properly. As with any vintage mechanical watch, accuracy, power reserve and water resistance have not been tested and its service history is unknown.

Approx. case diameter: 31–32mm excluding crown
Movement: Bulova 10BNCH, manual wind
Dial: Black 12/24-hour military navigation dial
Case: Stainless steel, matte military finish
Strap: Olive drab nylon
Country: USA
Era: Late 1950s / early 1960s
Condition: Vintage, with age and wear consistent with its original military use