Vintage Issued Bulova U.S. 1917-H Military Watch

An original U.S. military-issued Bulova 1917-H field watch, likely dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s, with an exceptional naturally aged tropical dial. Made as a general-use watch for American servicemen, the 1917-H followed the military watches Bulova produced during World War II and remained in use into the Korean War era.

The standout is the dial. Originally a much lighter cream color, decades of age and exposure have transformed it into a warm, uneven tobacco tone, what collectors often refer to as a “tropical dial.” The discoloration, spotting and fading are entirely irregular, giving the watch a patina that simply couldn’t be replicated intentionally. The Arabic numerals, railroad minute track, skeletonized hands and small-seconds register at six remain beautifully legible against it.

The watch has a compact steel case (approximately 32mm), oversized winding crown and small-seconds register at six o’clock. The caseback is stamped U.S. 1917-H, identifying the military specification. Unlike the better-known A-11 aviation watch, the 1917-H used a non-hacking movement with subsidiary seconds and was intended as a general-service field watch.

Fitted with a khaki canvas military-style strap. The case, dial and crystal all show considerable age and wear consistent with a vintage military watch.

The watch is currently running and keeping time. Service history is unknown, and as with any vintage mechanical watch, no guarantee is made as to long-term accuracy or performance.