A-17 U.S 1950s Korean War Pattern Military Watch with Shatter and Scratch Resistant Box Sapphire Crystal (Automatic)

Product Details

SKU Code: A-17

This automatic, self-winding A-17 pattern watch is a modern recreation of a classic design used during the Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953). While visually almost identical to the original, this updated version is equipped with a modern 24-jewel self-winding mechanical movement and upgraded with a box sapphire crystal. The sapphire crystal provides superior shatter and scratch resistance and enhances water resistance, while maintaining the appearance of the original plexiglass used in vintage models. Although the movement is automatic, it still offers the option of hand-winding if desired.

The A-17 watch is part of a family that includes the A-11, based on the WWII USAAF pilot's watch, and the GG-W-113, inspired by the Vietnam War models of the 1960s and 1970s.

This watch features a heavy-duty 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 night-time visibility.

The history behind these watches dates back to January 2009, when MWC was approached by a US veterans association interested in recreating the GG-W-113 model, which had been originally produced by Hamilton, Bulova, and Benrus during the Vietnam War. After examining samples and original specification sheets, MWC produced a watch very close to the original, using a high-grade, fully-jeweled hand-wound movement. Following the success of the GG-W-113, the association requested a recreation of the A-11, a model from an earlier era. It was a natural progression for them to ask MWC to complete the lineup with the 1950s A-17, which bridges the gap between the 1940s A-11 and the 1960s GG-W-113.

DIMENSIONS

• Width (Including Crown): 38mm
• Width (Excluding Crown): 36mm
• Thickness: 12.9mm
• Lug Size: 18mm
• Lug to Lug: 43mm
• Lug Type: Spring

Dial Color: Black
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Caseback: Screw-down 316L stainless steel
Crown: 316L stainless steel screw-down locking crown
Water Resistance: 5 atm (50m/165ft)
Movement: 24-jewel automatic
Crystal: Shatter and scratch-resistant box sapphire
Luminous Material: Luminova
Serial Number: Engraved on caseback
Strap: 18mm
Supplied in: Gift box
Guarantee: 24 months

Sapphire Crystal Benefits

Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal compared to standard mineral glass. Sapphire crystal is the best material for watch crystals because it is extremely strong, shatter-resistant, and scratch-resistant. These qualities make it ideal for military personnel, security forces, police officers, and individuals with active outdoor lifestyles—groups that make up over 70% of our customers.

To provide context, over 90% of incidents involving cracked watch crystals involve those made of mineral glass, even when hardened. Sapphire, on the other hand, is significantly more durable. After manufacturing, sapphire crystals are heat-treated to remove internal stresses that can cause weakness. They are then made into watch crystals with two layers of anti-reflective coating. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is also used in the latest iPhones. Due to its superior qualities, sapphire crystal is typically found in higher-end watches, as it comes at a higher cost.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
    • UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
    • Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
    • UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
    • Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com

    If you need to clarify any details regarding local taxes for your location, please contact us before placing an order. For clarification, goods shipped to the EU can be dispatched from our EU location if ordered at https://mwc.eu/, and we also have a dedicated UK shipping center at https://mwcwatches.co.uk/. In the United States, orders under $800 do not incur taxes or fees. In Australia, orders up to AU$1000 are tax-free. Many other countries have similar regulations, which you can verify using this helpful link: Zonos De Minimis Values and also this link to calculate taxes for shipments to most countries worldwide https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

    We do not accept liability for goods lost after delivery to a PO Box. We reserve the right to cancel orders where the delivery address is a PO Box. Similarly, we do not accept liability for goods lost after confirmed delivery to APO or BFPO locations.

    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

    Some delivery companies allow for delivery without a signature, leaving the item in a "safe place" (e.g., shed, garage, porch). If you choose this option, it is at your own risk. We initially send items by a secure service requiring a signature or proof of delivery. Using a "safe place" increases the risk of theft. We advise ensuring deliveries require a signature to ensure safe receipt.

    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

    For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch.