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Identification

Elgin Type A-8 Military Navigation Pocket Watch (Ground Speed Timer) with Original Box, 1945

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

Definitively identified by the original matching manufacturer's box label, which specifies 'ELGIN', 'WATCH, NAVIGATION (Ground Speed) Type A-8', 'Mfrs. Part No. 1778', and a stamped manufacture date of 'FEB 7 1945'.

Story

This Type A-8 navigation watch was manufactured by Elgin National Watch Company, a primary supplier of timing instruments to the U. S. military during World War II. The accompanying box dates the piece specifically to February 7, 1945, representing late-war production of these essential ground speed timers. The secondary market for WWII-era military timepieces remains active, driven by dedicated militaria and horology collectors.

Maker / Origin

Elgin

Condition & Value

The watch presents well cosmetically, with a clean black dial and intact hands, accompanied by its remarkably preserved original cardboard packaging. The watch dial and hands appear to be in excellent, clean cosmetic condition.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for WWII-era military timepieces remains active, driven by dedicated militaria and horology collectors. Elgin Type A-8 'Jitterbug' timers are relatively common, but examples retaining their original matching packaging are highly sought after. Buyers heavily prioritize functional movements and matching serial numbers between the watch case, movement, and original box.

Value Drivers

▲ Original 1945 manufacturer's box provides a significant collector premium.

▲ Clean, legible dial with intact hands indicates careful storage.

▲ Clear military specification markings on the packaging confirm identity.

Concerns

▼ Unverified functionality — a non-running movement would drop the estimate to the $100-$125 repair-market tier.

▼ Unverified case back and movement serial numbers — mismatched numbers would negate the 'full set' premium.

Best Venue

If functional and matching, list on a dedicated militaria or watch enthusiast platform (such as Chrono24 or a specialized forum) with an asking price around $190 to allow room for negotiation.

Upside Potential

If the watch is confirmed to be in pristine working order, recently serviced, and features perfectly matching serial numbers across the movement, case, and box, it could attract a premium from a strict completist, potentially pushing the value toward the $225 mark.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • eBay
    ELGIN Type A-8 Stopwatch Bomb Timer Manual Wind Military 1940s Black Dial 50mm
    Link could not be verified.
    $379
  • Diamond Mills & Co.· 2022-07-20
    AN ELGIN TYPE A-8 NICKEL CASED STOPWATCH, 15 jewels, black dial with arabic numerals, Serial No 41096648, with original packaging marked May 23rd 1944
    Link could not be verified.
    $50