Elgin Navigation Master

December 21, 2004, 17:23

Jerry Freedman

A friend just bought an Elgin version of the 4992B. It has a white 24 hour dial and does not have the letters GCT on the dial. Does anyone know anything about these watches? It does have the military gibberish on the back of the case.

December 21, 2004, 20:01

Rich Kuhn

The dial was probably re-done white after the war.

December 22, 2004, 10:19

Greg Crockett

A white 24 hour dial on an Elgin Master Navigation Watch would be a U.S. Govt Type A-13. After the A-13, the Govt wanted a black dial. The same watch with a black dial is the Type AN5740. The lack of "GCT" on the white dial is uncommon, however, I think it is a possible Govt. variation and not a post-war re-done dial (although this was common). For example, Hamiltion 4992B watches are also found with and without "GCT" on the dial.

Elgin made their Master Navigation watch for the British Royal Airforce (w/12 hour dial), the Canadian Govt and the U.S. Govt. If you could recite the data on the movement as well as on the back of the case we may be able to tell you a little more.

Best regards,
Greg

December 22, 2004, 11:03

Lindell V. Riddle

One additional point... Elgin built a comparitively small number of these. Hamilton ended up with the lion's share of government contracts. That obviously means the Elgins are far less common. They are an important part of the story and if in original condition can be very appealing to collectors.

If you can post pictures with emphasis on the details Greg spoke of it could prove interesting all around.