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Watches to wear with your flight jackets...

Pa12

Well-Known Member
A guy that I know from a local watch collector's club always refers to his 8" wrists as "man sized" (I guess mine are supposed to be girl sized). I just don't have the heart to correct him by telling him that his are technically "chronic masturbator" sized wrists.
Yeah that’s pretty big. I’ve never actually measured mine but comparing those measurements you posted compared to my nos strap, it wouldn’t work. Whatever size these nos straps are, they’re about perfect for me. The end of the strap just makes it through the second band keeper.
 

coolhandluke

Well-Known Member
Yeah that’s pretty big. I’ve never actually measured mine but comparing those measurements you posted compared to my nos strap, it wouldn’t work. Whatever size these nos straps are, they’re about perfect for me. The end of the strap just makes it through the second band keeper.
That's exactly how they fit me as well.
 
Ball Watch Roadmaster Pilot GMT. I work for the railroad, so it seems kinda fitting (Ball started as a result of a train wreck blamed on a timing error).
IMG_7229.jpeg
 

stanier

Well-Known Member
Just threw on one of my other nos bands. There doesn’t seem to be anything indicating a size. But for reference, the first hole is 2 inches from the pin.View attachment 168669
That's 2/8" closer than mine, which strangely perhaps is exactly where I need that hole, although the buckle side looks shorter than mine too, so I maybe would go to the second hole to the lug, which would be great! Cheers Pa12
 

stanier

Well-Known Member
Well I pushed another hole through in the end using a bradall from a mini screwdriver set and all is good. Don't think I'll bother trying to stitch round it though!
20241123_123024.jpg
20241123_123033.jpg
 

stanier

Well-Known Member
Out of curiosity, all this talk of A-11's for USAAF airmen, but what did US Naval aviators use / get issued with? And how would they have been stamped on the back? Sorry if everyone know this, but I don't!:D
 

Pilot

Well-Known Member
Out of curiosity, all this talk of A-11's for USAAF airmen, but what did US Naval aviators use / get issued with? And how would they have been stamped on the back? Sorry if everyone know this, but I don't!:D
Good ones are very rare and sought after…Totally different from the AAF A-11 ( if for the naval aviators).
Markings start with FFSC….
Hour hand is guilted…
Never the maker brand on dial nor a winged prop nor any other „ graphic BS“.
I dont have photos of mine here ( sent them to my Japanese seller ).
Prone to faking../ Frankensteining.
But here a bit info.
IMG_2892.jpeg
 
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Pilot

Well-Known Member
BTW, the original WWII canva ( the original not the 20 US$ „ NOS „ crap ) is very resistant / and sturdy and can endure more „ punishment“ than the A-11 can take..
 

stanier

Well-Known Member
Good ones are very rare and sought after…Totally different from the AAF A-11 ( if for the naval aviators).
Markings start with FFSC….
Hour hand ist guilted…
I dont have photos of mine here ( sent them to my Japanese seller ).
Prone to faking../ Frankensteining.
But here a bit info.View attachment 168737
They look very cool! Thanks for sharing Pilot. Going to see if I can find some other pics, cheers
 

Pa12

Well-Known Member
BTW, the original WWII canva ( the original not the 20 US$ „ NOS „ crap ) is very resistant / and sturdy and can endure more „ punishment“ than the A-11 can take..
I wondered about that. These “nos” straps are awfully thin. Like 2 pieces of poplin shirt material sewn together.
 

Pilot

Well-Known Member
I wondered about that. These “nos” straps are awfully thin. Like 2 pieces of poplin shirt material sewn together.
The crate and sticker on the crate are ww2 legit… the rest of the „NOS“ is.. not!
Easy to „ remake“ in a low cost economy.
 

Pa12

Well-Known Member
There were a few on crapola bay a few weeks ago.. 80+ U$ each… quite rare to find..
But a lot find that pricing „ extortion “.
Ok thanks. I’ll have to do some more research. Now I’m not sure what they should actually look like.
 
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