Field Watch Appraisal

Military-Style Field Watch with 24-Hour Dial

The item is a military-style field wristwatch, likely intended for robust use. It features a dark, possibly brass or bronze-toned metal case, which exhibits significant wear and patina, suggesting moderate to heavy past use. The case appears to be a single-piece design, or a two-piece design with a base that integrates the lugs, though the case back is not visible. The bezel has a fluted or coin-edge texture, which is a common design element in vintage watches, providing a tactile grip for rotation, although its functionality (e.g., as a timing bezel) is not explicitly clear from the image. The crystal covering the dial shows some minor scuffing or dust on the surface, but no major cracks or chips are immediately apparent. The dial is black with highly contrasting yellow (or possibly aged tritium/lume) Arabic numeral hour markers for 1-12, and a smaller inner ring of white Arabic numerals for 13-24, indicating a 24-hour military time format. The markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock are notably larger and rectangular, providing quick orientation. A minute track with prominent markers at 5-minute intervals (05, 10, etc.) is present around the outer edge. The hands are white sword-shaped for hours and minutes, with a slender red seconds hand, all likely coated with luminous material to match the hour markers, enabling readability in low light conditions. At the 6 o'clock position on the dial, small text reads "JAPAN DE MOV'T", suggesting the movement is Japanese-made, although the specific manufacturer is not specified. The lugs are fixed or integrated, designed for a NATO-style strap or similar pass-through strap, typical of military watches to ensure the watch remains secured even if one spring bar fails. There is a crown on the right side of the case for time adjustment, which appears to be in good condition. The overall aesthetic is utilitarian and durable, consistent with field watches from the mid to late 20th century. The visible wear on the case indicates it has been regularly used, contributing to its authentic vintage character.