Name: MWC A-17 Classic 1950s Pattern US Korean War Issue Watch with 24 Jewel Automatic Movement and 100m Water Resistance
SKU: 260705

SKU Code: A-17/100

This automatic self-winding A-17 pattern watch is a classic design based on the models used during the Korean War in the 1950s. It features a glass crystal and a self-winding automatic mechanical movement with the option to hand-wind. While retaining the classic 1950s appearance, this watch includes several important updates to enhance its day-to-day usability. Key upgrades include increased water resistance from 30m to 100m and a screw-down crown and caseback. This family of watches also includes the A-11, based on the WWII USAAF pilots' watch, and the GG-W-113, based on the Vietnam War issue model.

Modern Enhancements

All original watches, whether A-11, A-17, or GG-W-113, used plexiglass, which was suitable for its time but does not meet modern standards for water or scratch resistance. The updates mean that, unlike the original splash-proof models, this watch is suitable for swimming and other water activities. Despite these improvements, it retains its historical retro appearance, achieved by manufacturing a special curved glass crystal that closely mimics the original.

Key Features

This watch boasts a heavy stainless steel satin finish case made from Military Grade 316L stainless steel, a sweep second hand, hacking function, black dial, and Luminova markings and hands for excellent nighttime performance.

Historical Background

The entire range of A-11, A-17, and GG-W-113 watches came into being in January 2009 when MWC was approached by a US veterans association interested in recreating the GG-W-113 watch. This watch was to be identical in appearance to the originals made by Hamilton, Bulova, and Benrus during the Vietnam War. After examining samples and original specification sheets, the resulting watch was very close to the original and featured a high-grade fully jeweled hand-wound movement. This watch, the GG-W-113, is still made by MWC. Following its success, another order was placed to recreate the A-11, an even earlier model. The original A-11 watches, made from 1943 onwards, were produced with cheap metals due to wartime resource limitations, making them less durable. This 1950s pattern A-17 watch sits between the 1940s A-11 and the 1960s GG-W-113, combining elements of both.

Developed in 2019, the new 100m series models blend traditional appearance with contemporary performance standards.