A11 Field Watch
Hi All, I am a WW2 history fan. I recently added a Dirty Dozen homage watch to my collection and am looking for the American equivalent. What do you think is the most authentic, modern representation of the A11? Thanks.
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Michael
Enjoying watches and horology with my son. Learning.
Hythe Kent England
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
7.50” / 19.05 cm
https://praesidus.com/
I recently picked up the Praesidus A-11 Type 44. I think it may be a bit overpriced, but quality and build are good.
That Praesidus looks great! It's too bad that Bulova only seems to have released a blue dial variant of their A11 Hack reissue, because the dial layout is very faithful.
I've heard decent things about the Timeworn reproduction 32mm A-11 with the hand wind Seagull movement (which I have in my Timex MK1 Mechanical), which is probably thinner than the others.
https://timewornwatches.com/product/usaaf_a11/
The Praesidus A-11 Type 44 also comes in a period-correct 32mm size (as well as 38mm), and has a Swiss hand wind movement from Soprod, but is $150 more expensive than the Timeworn. The Bulova Hack isn't as faithful to the A-11 spec in that it is larger, includes 24hr markings, and has an automatic.
The Praesidus has a coin-edge bezel and the Timeworn has a smooth bezel (actual A-11s came in both styles), so both options are quite authentic.
I recently picked up the Praesidus A-11 Type 44. I think it may be a bit overpriced, but quality and build are good.
Awesome. Yes I've been looking at those today, they look fab. Great to get some feedback, thank you. 👍
That Praesidus looks great! It's too bad that Bulova only seems to have released a blue dial variant of their A11 Hack reissue, because the dial layout is very faithful.
Oh such a shame...thanks for sharing.
https://praesidus.com/
Yes Sir
I've heard decent things about the Timeworn reproduction 32mm A-11 with the hand wind Seagull movement (which I have in my Timex MK1 Mechanical), which is probably thinner than the others.
https://timewornwatches.com/product/usaaf_a11/
The Praesidus A-11 Type 44 also comes in a period-correct 32mm size (as well as 38mm), and has a Swiss hand wind movement from Soprod, but is $150 more expensive than the Timeworn. The Bulova Hack isn't as faithful to the A-11 spec in that it is larger, includes 24hr markings, and has an automatic.
The Praesidus has a coin-edge bezel and the Timeworn has a smooth bezel (actual A-11s came in both styles), so both options are quite authentic.
Thank you so much for the fabulous information. Although 32mm is correct I struggle on a 7.5" wrist so will look at 38mm. Am I right in thinking some had sweeping second hands, although I really like the idea of a hand wound movement?
Or buy a real one for just a little more? https://www.joseph-watches.com/all-products/elgin-type-a-11-metal-1940s/
Thank you so much for the fabulous information. Although 32mm is correct I struggle on a 7.5" wrist so will look at 38mm. Am I right in thinking some had sweeping second hands, although I really like the idea of a hand wound movement?
Sweeping center-second hand with hacking was in the original spec, as was 15 or more jewels and 30-32mm case size.
MWC has some 38mm models - they aren't as authentic, but use quality Seiko movements.
https://www.mwc-usa.com/collections/classic-range/products/mwc-a-17-classic-1950s-pattern-us-korean-war-issue-watch-with-24-jewel-automatic-movement-1
The Bulova Hack commemorative. Not the current Hack auto. Sweeping quartz, and a-11 style. Had a chance ages ago to pick one up of a fellow tech for cheap and didn't. At the time they were all over ebay etc. Wished I'd done it, cuz now they appear to be uber-rare and too overpriced.
It looks like the MWC watches are available in the UK through these guys:
https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/a-11-1940s-ww2-pattern-us-military-watch-automatic.html
Or buy a real one for just a little more? https://www.joseph-watches.com/all-products/elgin-type-a-11-metal-1940s/
Now you see I was trying to be good and not 'Nerd Out' too much, but wow, she's a real peach. A whole new level of research will have to be done. Thank you sir.
It looks like the MWC watches are available in the UK through these guys:
https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/a-11-1940s-ww2-pattern-us-military-watch-automatic.html
Thank you.
Not A-11s, but possible future pickups for you(?):
https://timorwatch.com/collections/watches/products/heritage-field
https://vertex-watches.com/en-us/collections/the-m100-series/products/the-m100
Not A-11s, but possible future pickups for you(?):
https://timorwatch.com/collections/watches/products/heritage-field
https://vertex-watches.com/en-us/collections/the-m100-series/products/the-m100
They are great aren't they although price point seems high. Still...added to the list. Thanks.
Not A-11s, but possible future pickups for you(?):
https://timorwatch.com/collections/watches/products/heritage-field
https://vertex-watches.com/en-us/collections/the-m100-series/products/the-m100
I own and love the Vertex M100. It has been an essential part of my US Army uniform for the last two years, though the Praesidus Type 44 I just ordered is likely to see uniformed duty as well.
I’ve been looking at the various A-11 recreations as well, and just ordered the Praesidus Type 44 (38mm on Bonklip with aged lume). I thought long and hard about going fully authentic with the 32mm and standard lume, but at 7.25” I decided to get the 38mm.
If quality is as good as the reviewers say, I’ll likely add the 32mm with white lume in the future so I’ll have a choice of ultra-authentic or modern reimagined.
I also own the Vertex M100, which is a 40mm modernized take on the original Dirty Dozen watches. It is one of my favorite and most worn pieces, though I’m also hoping to get a Timor Heritage Field, which is period correct at 36mm and would also give me the choice of updated or authentic.
I’ve been wearing the Praesidus Type 44 (38mm) for about a month now and love it.
I just got the 32 mm version of the Type 44.
It takes about 15 seconds on the wrist to fully appreciate the "original" size.
On 71/4" wrist
I want to buy the Thorn A11 36 mm watch of titanium and saphire cristal.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKoCBXs