My interest in Vietnam War military watches began a few years ago after watching the film Bullitt, in which Steve McQueen wears a watch that immediately captured my attention. Intrigued by this watch, I began to explore the history of Vietnam War military watches. This era, marked by intense conflict, required robust and reliable watches for the armed forces. Among these Vietnam War military watches, the Hamilton MIL-W-46374A has a special meaning for me, a watch that I own and cherish.
What is a military watch?
Military watches are designed to meet the specific needs of the armed forces. They must withstand extreme conditions, offer optimum legibility in all circumstances, and operate with impeccable precision. Unlike civilian watches, they are subject to rigorous specifications established by military standards. These include MIL-W-46374 and MIL-W-3818A.
Military specification requirements
- Shock resistance: Vietnam War military watches must be able to withstand intense impact and vibration without compromising their functionality. For example, they are often tested by dropping them from a height onto a hard surface.
- Water-resistance: They must be water-resistant to operate in the rain or even underwater. Tests often include immersion to a certain depth to verify water resistance.
- Dust resistance: Military watches from the Vietnam War must be protected against the ingress of dust and sand, common in combat environments.
- Legibility: Dials must be easy to read, even in the dark, thanks to luminous indices and a clear design.
- Accuracy: Vietnam War military watches had to maintain rigorous precision for effective coordination of military operations, often verified by timekeeping tests under different conditions.
- Overall durability: Watches had to be built with robust materials to withstand the rigors of the field.
The emergence and evolution of the wristwatch
The rise of the wristwatch is closely linked to military needs. In the early 20th century, wristwatches began to replace pocket watches thanks to their practicality. During the First World War, soldiers needed watches that were easy to consult during combat operations. This trend has continued over the decades, with each conflict bringing its own innovations and specifications. Military watches from the Vietnam War are a perfect example.
Key dates and historical events
- World War I: Transition from pocket watches to wristwatches for soldiers.
- World War II: Introduction of stricter military specifications for watches, such as resistance to magnetic fields and water-resistance.
- Korean War: Improvements in the robustness and legibility of military watches.
- Vietnam War: Refinement of specifications to meet specific combat conditions.
The USA in the 60s
1960s were a period of great turmoil in the United States. It was marked by the civil rights movement, anti-war protests and profound cultural changes. The Vietnam War was one of the most controversial conflicts of the era. It sparked intense debate about U.S. foreign policy and military involvement. American soldiers sent to Vietnam faced difficult combat conditions that required reliable, durable equipment.
Cultural context
- Civil rights movement: the struggle for racial equality and civil rights, with emblematic figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.
- Anti-war demonstrations: strong protest movement against American involvement in Vietnam, particularly among young people and students.
- Popular culture: the war’s influence on the music, cinema and literature of the time.
The Vietnam War
The Vietnam War lasted from 1955 to 1975. It was the scene of intense conflict between the communist forces of North Vietnam and the non-communist forces of South Vietnam. The latter were supported mainly by the United States. American involvement peaked in the 60s and 70s, with a massive mobilization of troops and equipment. The often extreme conditions of combat put military equipment to the test, including Vietnam War military watches.
Brief chronology
- 1955: Start of American involvement in Vietnam.
- 1964: Gulf of Tonkin incident, escalation of US military involvement.
- 1968: Tet Offensive, a major turning point in the war.
- 1973: Paris Agreement and gradual withdrawal of American troops.
- 1975: Fall of Saigon and end of the war.
Military watches from the Vietnam war
MIL-W-46374
The MIL-W-46374 specification was established for Vietnam War military watches. These had to be resistant to shock, water and dust, while offering high precision and durability. Brands such as Hamilton, Benrus and Marathon produced watches to this specification. These watches featured black dials with luminous indices for optimum readability in the dark. In addition, they were often fitted with sturdy nylon straps.
MIL-W-3818A
The MIL-W-3818A specification also defined the requirements for Vietnam War military watches, with an emphasis on robustness and reliability. Bulova was one of the leading manufacturers of watches complying with this specification. MIL-W-3818A watches were designed to maintain rigorous accuracy even under extreme conditions, a crucial element in the coordination of military operations.
Iconic military watches from the Vietnam War
Benrus DTU-2A/P
The Benrus DTU-2A/P, compliant with MIL-W-46374 specification, is an iconic Vietnam War watch. Its stainless steel case, black dial and nylon strap make it a model appreciated for its sturdiness and legibility. In fact, Steve McQueen wore a similar Benrus in the film Bullitt, contributing to its popularity among Vietnam War military watches.
Hamilton MIL-W-46374A
Hamilton was a key manufacturer of military watches during the Vietnam War. The MIL-W-46374A model, conforming to the MIL-W-46374 specification, was thus widely used by the US armed forces. Its durable construction and precision made it the watch of choice for soldiers.
Marathon GG-W-113
The Marathon Watch Company also produced Vietnam War military watches to MIL-W-46374 specification. The Marathon GG-W-113 shared many features with Hamilton and Benrus watches, offering exceptional reliability and durability.
Bulova MIL-W-3818A
The Bulova MIL-W-3818A was another notable military watch used during the Vietnam War. Designed to meet stringent specifications, it offered the ruggedness and precision essential in harsh combat environments. Its simple, functional design, with luminous indicators and rugged construction, made it a popular choice among Vietnam War military watches.
My military watche from the Vietnam War: a Hamilton MIL-W-46374A
Among the military watches from the Vietnam War, there’s one that has a special meaning for me. It’s my 1972 Hamilton MIL-W-46374A. Purchased on eBay on April 12, 2024, the ad stated: “NOS Vintage HAMILTON Mil-W-46374A Military watch. 1972 Manual wind movement. 33.5 mm size. Watch is being sold in New Old Stock, Unworn working / running condition. May have minor imperfections due to years of storage. Watch comes with Brand New Nato. New aftermarket Box. No paperwork. Please see pictures for exact condition”. The watch did indeed appear to be in exceptional condition, and I told myself I’d be remiss if I passed it up. I had to have it. It was perfect!
Personal description
However, I have a small wrist and NATO bracelets don’t fit me very well because of the “bulge” created by the strap’s return. And I can’t replace the NATO strap with a leather one like Steve McQueen did on his Benrus, because the lugs on my version are fixed. Nevertheless, I really like this watch for its simple, effective dial, its operation (the sound produced by the crown when wound is clean and shows the robustness of the movement), and its exceptional condition for a 1972 watch (52 years old after all!).
Conclusion
Military watches from the Vietnam War, such as the Hamilton MIL-W-46374A, Benrus DTU-2A/P and Bulova MIL-W-3818A, are prized collector’s items, appreciated for their history and durability. The heritage of military watches lives on in modern models, which continue to innovate and respond to specific needs, whether in the military, sports or exploration fields.
In addition, brands such as Rolex have also contributed to military watchmaking, offering robust and reliable models used by various armed forces around the world. To find out more about the history of Rolex military watches, you can consult specialized sources, or wait a few months: I may write an article on the subject…