I joined Chapter 185 yesterday and have really enjoyed my conversations with Lindell Riddle. I recently purchased this watch from Larry Jones http://www.larjones.com/data/pwgnrl.htm He has some nice watches and is a good person to deal with.I would appreciate your comments regarding this watch or 4992B's in general. The watch is keeping perfect time and I really enjoy carrying it.

Bob

Bob welcome aborad looks like you bought a beautiful watch looks to be in top condition..

Nice watch Bob, and welcome.

Welcome Bob:

I have two .800 silver cased 4992B's. Neither is as nice as yours. From my observations, the "spec" lettering on the back of the case was much shallower on the silver cases than on the base-metal cases.

I was TOLD that some silver cases did not have "spec" lettering or, althernately, that some officers deliberately had it buffed off. Since it was shallow and the case was solid silver, there was little chance of damage.

We collectors, being the way we are.... place a value on clear and sharp lettering. One of my silver 4992B' has no lettering and one has it but it's fainter than yours.

That being the case, it's only fair to warn you that carrying the watch WILL wear that lettering and might diminish (although not destroy) it's value. It's your choice.

Or.... you can trade for one of mine!

In a perfect world, you need at least two...one with perfect and sharp lettering for admiring and one with a case worn smooth for fondling and carrying!

At least that is my plan...

PS...Peter, I wouldn't doubt some guys buffed off the "unsightly" lettering. National Match Springfield rifles in the 1920s and 30s had electro-penciled serial numbers on their shiny polished bolts. I've heard that some match shooters in those days would polish off the "ugly" numbers to purty up their rifles, much to the chagrin of the modern collector!

Thanks Clyde.

Methinks you might be a competitive high-power shooter. I've played THAT game (M1-A) and have shot bullseye-pistol for years.

Sorry for the off-topic!

Mea Culpa, Peter...

I must be honest and say that I am only a recreational High Power guy, but got it honest from my Dad who shot bullseye and HP rifle competition in the Marines in the 50s and early 60s.

The National Match '03s are amazing artifacts though...rather like a Ball 998E ! Real Cadillacs.

There, I got it back on topic...

I cannot read the contract number on your watch. I might be able to give some history on the watch. Also you can write research@nawcc.org with the movement serial number, and if it was produced during the war, we can give you the date of completion.

You might want to read Whitney's "Military Timepieces to learn about the 4992B. Briefly it was a Master Navigational Watch. It was mostly used for short term navigation on planes. The hack feature allowed it to be set before a mission agains an accurate time source. Celestial navigation is done with Greenwich Mean Time. Silver cases were prefered by the Navy.

Don

Donald, thanks for the information on my 4992B. The contract number is 86366. The seller reported that this is a 1942 contract. Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Bob