Vintage oversized military watches

Aug 04, 2013,09:30 AM
 

Hi all, 


A good friend of mine is getting more and more interested in watches. He's looking into vintage watches, where I'm more interested in modern pieces. So it's something I can't help too much with so thought I'd drop it here. 

He likes the style of pilots watches and old military watches. He feels the true vintage watches have 'lived' and have a story.  For that reason he preferres a vintage piece over new models. 

We find vintage military watches, like Jaeger or IWC, are traditionally small at 35 or 36mm. Does anyone know vintage pieces in this military or pilot style at a more 'modern' 43mm or something size? Looking forward to the suggestions!

Cheers, Rik
This message has been edited by Maverik on 2013-08-04 09:31:17

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a lot of history and 43 mm ;-)

 
 By: Bruno.M1 : August 4th, 2013-11:53
A special order from the Italian Army : 2500 pieces 'Zenith A.Cairelli' - Tipo CP-2 Made in 1970, only for Military use, not available for the public On the back you can find these engravings : A.M.I.=Aeronautica Militare Italiana M.M.=Marina Militare M.M...  

Excellent suggestion

 
 By: Maverik : August 5th, 2013-07:49
Thank you Bruno, excellent suggestion.

Don't look any further: HEUER BUNDESWEHR

 
 By: Eddy C. : August 5th, 2013-01:10
Great watch, modern size. I sold mine because it was just too big for me, otherwise I would have never parted. It's superb. This was mine: ...  

Very nice

 
 By: Maverik : August 5th, 2013-07:50
Hi Eddy, Looks amazing. Might be something for me too!

Heuer is the easy choice. The Zenith Cairelli the Breitling AVI, the Breguet Type XX

 
 By: amanico : August 5th, 2013-03:50
The Lemania RAF, the Hamilton RAF Chrono or its Cousins, are much more original choices. We are around 39 to 40 mm here. If your friends wants a bifgger Watch ,then the Longines Weems, with its 47 mm case, is for him! Best, Nicolas

Heuer and Zenith are on top

 
 By: Maverik : August 5th, 2013-07:52
Hi Nicolas, Looks like I found a good direction here. The Heuer and Zenith are on top of the list. Thanks all for thinking along. Cheers!

More original

 
 By: Maverik : August 5th, 2013-12:08
I suppose the Lemanias are more true or original military vintage watches. The Bundeswehr has a more sporty look to it, probably due to the chronograph. Same goes for the Zenith Cairelli.

some early military watches used pocketwatch movements,

 
 By: SteveG : August 5th, 2013-18:36
and were necessarily large. This made sense anyhow, since a larger dial meant larger markings and hands, better for reading at a glance. The classic navigators' chronographs mentioned are of course eligible, and I might suggest that the various Lemania mi...