Men’s 1940 Hamilton D37 Fairchild Gun Timer Watch

During the Golden Age of 20th century watch design – the Deco Era – wristwatches were an overwhelming status symbol. Customers and watch manufacturers alike took watch design seriously and the rolling out of new models – produced by some of the best designers of the age – was awaited with breathless anticipation. The result? Unusual watch designs and innovations remain sought after nearly a century later.

One concept in particular – the "duo-dial" or "dual-dial" wristwatch – seems especially to have captured the imagination of co

llectors. Originally created to be marked as a "physician's timepiece," these handsome, unusual wristwatches were designed to have an oversized sub-seconds register, big enough to be able to see at a glance when timing a pulse, administering medication or measuring anesthesia. Usually rectangular, their dials would be split evenly down the middle – half for the hour and minutes, the other half for sub-seconds. The design was an immediate success among professionals who needed sub-second timing; the look being so distinct that the wearing of such a watch was seen as a status symbol. Even so, duo-dials were a bit more expensive than a standard wrist watch and were not widely worn by non-professionals. Consequently, they were seen as "specialty" watches and not widely produced. Today, we find most have been passed from father to son (or daughter); consequently, good examples of true doctor's watches are extremely difficult to find.

During WWII, American watch manufacturers contributed heavily to the war effort, producing ordnance timepieces as well as specialty instruments for navigation and synchronization.

Hamilton Watch Company was tasked with providing mechanisms for numerous applications. One of their notable contributions was retrofitting their duo-dial Seckron physicians’ wristwatches to be used as camera and bomber timers, recording hits during simulation with enemy aircraft.

We’re delighted to offer this original “D37” Fairchild Gun Timer Watch, as-found, with jet-black dial with contrasting white hands and its original 17 jewel movement cleaned, oiled and calibrated so that it keeps time as it was intended. Measuring 39mm by 21mm, it is the type if vintage wrist-art that will guarantee you a place among the most admired revelers at the table.

While the timer itself is original an as-found save cleaning, we have taken the liberty of designing a strap so it can be worn as a wristwatch, but in its intended orientation. We had two goals in mind when designing a strap to accommodate the piece: First, to preserve it with no alterations to its horizontal design. The second task was to create a strap that would display the piece handsomely and allow the timer to be easily removed for servicing when necessary. What you see is our achievement – a hand-made black cordovan strap with a cowhide “saddle.” The watch itself is held in its saddle by two small bolts, as evidenced in the photos.

In this fashion the historic timer can be worn as an exceedingly handsome, uniquely designed work of wrist art. We hope you are as pleased with the result as we are.

Looking for an average watch? Sorry, this timepiece isn't for you. Looking for something to everyone at the firm/country club/practice sick with envy? You've found it.