In the world of watches there is a very special category that not only combines functionality and style, but also brings a profound history and a number of technical innovations: military clocks. These timepieces are not just accessories; They are tools that were developed for use under extreme conditions and can often decide on life and death.
Military clocks have a long and fascinating story that goes back to the 19th century. Their development was advanced through the requirements of the military, which required precise time measurement for military operations. During the First World War, various armies began to use special watches for use in the field, and this tradition continued over the years.
What makes a clock a military clock?
They are often certain characteristics and functions that distinguish them from civil watches. This includes robust constructions that withstand bumps and vibrations, as well as excellent readability under all light conditions. Luminous digits and indices are therefore common, as are scratch -resistant materials such as sapphire glass that ensure a long service life.
Newsletter Waltham military clock
In addition, military clocks are often waterproof and anti -timing in order to meet the special requirements in the field. Some models also have special functions such as chronographs, tachymeters and even a violin meter for use in nuclear environments.
Which known military clocks are there?
Over the years, some models have established themselves as icons in the world of military clocks. This includes the famous "Pilot's Watch" by IWC Schaffhausen, which was worn by planes in World War II, as well as the legendary "submarine" by Rolex used by British Navy divers.
Other well -known brands that manufacture military clocks are Panerai, Bell & Ross, and Luminox, to name just a few. Each brand has its own unique story and design language, but they all share the common obligation to functionality and durability.
However, we would like to go into more detail here on two other watches.
Glycine Airman (1953): an icon of the US Military
This model from the American watch brand has been produced since 1953 and was specially intended for the US Military. In the Vietnam War, it was officially issued the US Air Force pilot.
Newsletter Glycine Airman Fliegerwatch
Glycine Airman is a real eye -catcher. It is not only robust and intended for military use, but also stylish at the same time. It is characterized by large luminous, a date display and a rotating bezel.
The crown on the 4th has only one purpose: to fix the bezel. The bezel cannot be turned in the position of a position. However, this system for fixing the bezel has not proven itself. Instead, the simpler snap mechanism is widespread in Lünetten nowadays ("Click ... click ... click").
Minerva Pythagore: a masterpiece of precision and gait reserve
Minerva was founded in Villeret, Switzerland in 1858. During the majority of its history, the company developed its own caliber. The Minerva Pythagore is equipped with one of its most famous creations.
The legendary manual elevator 48 was developed in 1943. This work strikes with leisurely but typical 18,000 revolutions per minute and has a gear reserve of 45 hours.
However, what makes this clockwork so special is its incredible appearance. Andre Frey designed this beauty and adhered to the so -called golden cut developed by Pythagoras. Everything you see on the clockwork is located at an angle of 0, 45 or 90 degrees.
The built -in fine regulation ensures the accuracy - a swan neck regulation, the name of which is devoted to its appearance. A set screw by turning ensures that the recreation fixed between the Schwanenhals is adjusted. The unrest spiral is connected to the back. If the spiral becomes narrower, the unrest moves faster and thus the clock. Accordingly, it runs slower if you expand the effective length of the spiral.
At this point it is to be mentioned that these models are not typical watches for a war. They are far too expensive and high quality to equip a large army with it. Instead, they are intended for small and special departments such as marine, pilots etc. The equipment of the watch depends on the military requirements.
For large armies, simple but robust basic caliber were used, such as the AS 1080. These are still known as Wehrmacht's works. The optical beauties and fine -tuning were not matters here.
In the end, we can state that in the past numerous military clocks have been manufactured for various purposes. The functionality is accordingly. For example, large number leaves and various distance and timepieces were required for use in the dark fluorescent or for use in air traffic.
Today we can choose our favorite from a variety of military clocks. One thing is certain: each piece carries its story with it.
