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Aluminum Military Wristwatch Question "Click" to Login or Register 
posted
Hi, folks.

I hope there’s a simple answer to this question, but Dr. Google has failed me.

A friend recently acquired a Hamilton military wristwatch from the 1970s. It has an aluminum case, and of course I’ve seen other vintage military watches with aluminum cases.

Not until today did I consider WHY the military might choose to order aluminum cases, vs stainless steel (of which I know there are many examples).

Dr. Google is very good on the differences between aluminum and stainless, but nowhere did I find anything that suggested an “aha!” moment.

Does anyone know why the military opted for aluminum?

(By the way, I came across dozens of sales listings for new aluminum watches, many pointing to a so-called “military look”.)

Thanks in advance, stay safe.
 
Posts: 124 | Location: Ottawa in Canada | Registered: December 21, 2012
posted
Can you post pictures of the front and back of the watch?
 
Posts: 784 | Location: Tijeras, New Mexico USA | Registered: July 12, 2005
posted
Thanks. Here’s the back:

 
Posts: 124 | Location: Ottawa in Canada | Registered: December 21, 2012
posted
Oops. Here’s the real back:

 
Posts: 124 | Location: Ottawa in Canada | Registered: December 21, 2012
posted
Sorry it’s tilted. Using a new photo program and still learning.

Thanks for the help on this question: why aluminum?
 
Posts: 124 | Location: Ottawa in Canada | Registered: December 21, 2012
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Military Expert
Picture of Greg Crockett
posted
I'm not sure what alloy those cases are made of. And I'm not sure if the military contract specifications mentioned what the cases had to be made of, but it probably has something to do with avoiding corrosion and being antimagnetic.
 
Posts: 1951 | Location: East Lansing, Michigan USA | Registered: November 24, 2002
posted
That case looks like a parkerized steel case. Mil Spec cases for the GG-W-113 call for steel. BTW, the crown looks incorrect.
 
Posts: 784 | Location: Tijeras, New Mexico USA | Registered: July 12, 2005
posted
Thanks, I’m appreciating the knowledge (and re the crown). First time I heard of parkerizing. I will pass this along to my pal.

Again, thanks.
 
Posts: 124 | Location: Ottawa in Canada | Registered: December 21, 2012
posted
Are you sure it is aluminum? From the photo it looks like steel.
 
Posts: 872 | Location: Baltimore, Maryland USA | Registered: September 20, 2004
posted
Thanks. I think we have concluded that it is parkerized steel.
 
Posts: 124 | Location: Ottawa in Canada | Registered: December 21, 2012
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