Here we have a good, original and complete example of a February 1943 WW2 US Navy Issue Waltham Civil Date Indicator Aeronaval cockpit clock. It has the 24-hour dial configuration with the diamond hour and minute hand, sweep central second and inner date track and indicator. The hours, minutes and hands are coated in the original luminous paint.
The dial is marked ‘8 Days’, ‘Civil Date’, ‘BU Aero U.S. Navy Waltham’.
It has the date adjust pusher to the bottom left with the large, knurled crown. To the rear it has the US Naval Anchor signing, with the contract number, F.S.S.C Number and the Manufacturers Part number. It has the yellow test stamp number 576.
Inside is the Waltham 8 Day movement which has 15 jewels and is marked as adjusted to temperature and 1 position.
The Waltham Civil Date was used extensively in WWII by US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. It has a large 2 ¾ inch dial and sweep seconds hand which make it highly legible, with the dual mainsprings ensuring reliability. It was found in the F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat and B24 Liberator.
It is unusual as it used a fluorescent luminous paint that is activated under UV light. This still has some glow after exposure to sunlight.
The rear is signed with the US Navy Anchor with the following:
Contract number: NOa(S)-1839
F.S.S.C. NO. 88-C-590
M’F’R’S PART NO. CDIA
Waltham Watch Co
Test Ok 576
The dial is in good original condition. It has the matte black finish which is good and even. The minutes/seconds, hours and date track are all clear and unworn. They are in the original fluorescent luminous paint which has a lightly aged tone. The signing to the dial of ‘8 Days’ and ‘Civil Date’ is good and clear. The further manufacturer and issue signings are in a dark tone, blending with the dial as not to distract from the time. The hands are all original, good and unbent. They have the matching fluorescent luminous paint which has a lightly aged tone.
The case is formed of a painted aluminium front, with the Bakelite housing to the rear. It has all the original screws to the casing, which are often lacking. The front has slight wear to the paint on the edges but overall is in good condition. The dial surround holds the original glass with the gasket. To the bottom left is the date pusher, which works well. The crown is knurled with the painted finish which has wear. It winds and sets with the spring pulling it back down to ensure it remains running.
The rear Bakelite housing is good, with no damage. It has all the important original signing to the rear which is legible. The movement screws and screw plugs for regulation etc are present.
The movement is in good condition for the age. The service history is unknown, but it has a daily gain of 50 seconds, with a good amplitude of 280 degrees.
Case dimensions:
Width: 82.5mm
Length: 82.5mm
Depth: 37.65mm