Men’s 1945 Hamilton USN BUSHIPS Watch

Hamilton Watch Company has excited customers and collectors alike since 1892, when the first of its watches rolled off the assembly line in Lancaster, Pa. — and for good reason. Hamilton became immediately synonymous with extraordinary watches, both pocket and wrist, in both form and function. Even so, Hamilton’s influence and respect go far deeper than case designs and mechanical innovations. During WWII, it virtually shut factory to civilian business to fulfill what they saw as an obligation to serve their country. And, it is generally accepted that had Hamilton not provided such extraordinarily reliable timepieces for the war effort, the outcome may have actually been different.

We enjoy offering rare and unusual military timepieces: This WWII era U.S. Navy "BUSHIPS" wristwatch by Hamilton is among the most scarce – for a number of reasons. Hamilton made few examples of this watch by comparison and most of those that were distributed have been either lost or destroyed.

Hamilton had an agreement with the U.S. Government to provide reliable timepieces for the military upon the condition they would be destroyed at war's end to prevent the civilian marked from being flooded with Hamilton's war inventory. The Navy did a fine job of following through with their end of the bargain. In the years we've been offering rare timepieces, this is the finest example we've offered.

Completely correct and in excellent original condition, this 38mm by 31mm example features the rare "USN BUSHIPS" dial with "Hamilton" blacked out above it. "Stained glass" hands, dial, "USN BUSHIPS/K-H-3" case – all completely correct and accurate. We've even fitted the watch with a Khaki canvas strap identical to those of the era, allowing it to be worn as it was intended.

It's a rare watch for someone of discerning taste, respect for history and the means to indulge themselves.