MWC A-17 Classic 1950s Pattern US Korean War Issue Watch with 24 Jewel Automatic Movement and 100m Water Resistance

Product Details

SKU Code: A-17/100

This automatic self-winding A-17 pattern watch is a classic design based on the models used during the Korean War in the 1950s. It features a glass crystal and a self-winding automatic mechanical movement with the option to hand-wind. While retaining the classic 1950s appearance, this watch includes several important updates to enhance its day-to-day usability. Key upgrades include increased water resistance from 30m to 100m and a screw-down crown and caseback. This family of watches also includes the A-11, based on the WWII USAAF pilots' watch, and the GG-W-113, based on the Vietnam War issue model.

Modern Enhancements

All original watches, whether A-11, A-17, or GG-W-113, used plexiglass, which was suitable for its time but does not meet modern standards for water or scratch resistance. The updates mean that, unlike the original splash-proof models, this watch is suitable for swimming and other water activities. Despite these improvements, it retains its historical retro appearance, achieved by manufacturing a special curved glass crystal that closely mimics the original.

Key Features

This watch boasts a heavy stainless steel 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 nighttime performance.

Historical Background

The entire range of A-11, A-17, and GG-W-113 watches came into being in January 2009 when MWC was approached by a US veterans association interested in recreating the GG-W-113 watch. This watch was to be identical in appearance to the originals made by Hamilton, Bulova, and Benrus during the Vietnam War. After examining samples and original specification sheets, the resulting watch was very close to the original and featured a high-grade fully jeweled hand-wound movement. This watch, the GG-W-113, is still made by MWC. Following its success, another order was placed to recreate the A-11, an even earlier model. The original A-11 watches, made from 1943 onwards, were produced with cheap metals due to wartime resource limitations, making them less durable. This 1950s pattern A-17 watch sits between the 1940s A-11 and the 1960s GG-W-113, combining elements of both.

Developed in 2019, the new 100m series models blend traditional appearance with contemporary performance standards.

Specifications

• Width Including Crown: 40mm
• Width Excluding Crown: 38mm
• Crystal: Hardened glass
• Thickness: 11.5mm
• Weight: 61g
• Lug Size: 20mm
• Lug to Lug: 45mm
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Caseback and Crown: Screw-down
• Movement: 24-jewel mechanical self-winding automatic with "Hack System"
• Strap: 20mm

This watch offers a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality, making it a suitable choice for both collectors and daily wearers.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.50 / £9.99 / US$12.75
    • UK: £9.99 (Small items, e.g., 1 or 2 straps: £5.99)
    • Rest of World: US$22.25 / €20.00 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.00 / £19.99 / US$25.50
    • UK (UPS/DPD): £12.95
    • Rest of World: US$44.50 / €40.00 / £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.

    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.