I am looking for information on an Elgin BWR Military Pocket Watch. Se# 42078543, 22J 16S. The rear cover is marked:
AN-5740
MFRS Part No. 1790
Contract No. W505-AC-37880
Ser no. AF-43-7887
Elgin.

It has a Black face w/ White number 24Hr

It looks like you have an Elgin Grade 581 made around 1942 for the U.S. Govt. Your watch was made for air navigation within U.S. Army and Navy aircraft. These watches were the equivelent of the Hamilton 4992B Navigation watch. These watches were built from high grade railroad watches and were adjusted to keep time to exacting standards.

Air Navigation pocket watches were often kept in a wooden or metal case to avoid damage from being dropped or from stray voltage inside aircraft.

I would suggest entering the serial number in the following web address for Elgin factory specifications:

Elgin Watches

Best regards,
Greg

Hi Steve,

The black face GCT dial that you mention comes in 2 styles: numbered 1-24, and numbered 0-23.

Does your movement have any military or gov't markings on it? Some of the grade 581 movements are marked U.S. Army A.C. and some are not marked.

Regards,
-Steve

quote:

AN-5740
MFRS Part No. 1790
Contract No. W505-AC-37880
Ser no. AF-43-7887
Elgin.

The face is marked 1-24. The back of the case is marked:
AN-5740
MFRS Part No. 1790
Contract No. W505-AC-37880
Ser no. AF-43-7887
Elgin.
There are no other markings.