1950 Elgin USN Buships Diver Canteen-Style Watch Grade 554 15 Jewels Military-Style Wristwatch UDT 5

Watch Overview

This project watch has a real case, but the case has been plated. The crown is a reproduction. The movement is an authentic Elgin movement. It features a classic black military-style dial designed for maximum legibility. The dial is fitted with bold Arabic numerals, a clearly defined outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock. The dial is signed “ELGIN” and “USN BUSHIPS” at 12 o’clock. The luminous hour markers and hands show natural aging and uniform patina.

The watch is housed in a round case with a smooth bezel. It retains the correct canteen-style crown assembly with chain. The screw-back case construction further contributes to the watch’s durability.

Powered by a manual-winding Elgin Grade 554 movement, featuring a small-seconds hand, 15 jewels and a total of four adjustment. Marked “ELGIN U.S.A.”. It is currently running and has been inspected by our in-house watchmaker.

The watch is fitted with a black canvas strap that complements its military-style aesthetic, making it suitable for both daily wear and collection display.

Today, Elgin BUSHIPS canteen-style wristwatches are recognized as historically significant American military-inspired timepieces. Their specialized crown design and close association with WWII naval specifications place them among the earliest wristwatches developed with maritime service conditions in mind.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Elgin
• Type: Wristwatch
• Model: “USN BUSHIPS” “Canteen” - Style
• Year / Era: Circa 1950 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: United States

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: Black
• Features: Arabic numerals. Small-second. Luminous indexes and hands

Movement

• Type: Manual-winding
• Caliber: Grade 554
• Jewels: 15
• Movement Functions:
  • Sub-seconds
  • Adjusted for accuracy in two positions, isochronism and temperature
  • Model 7
  • Movement SN H968296
• Power Reserve: 38 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 vph

Case & Band

• Case Shape: Round
• Bezel: Fixed. Smooth
• Back: Screw
• Crown: Screw-down
• Band Type: Black canvas strap
• Case Back Markings: U.D.T. 5

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 31.5
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 37.4
• Case Lug to Lug: 38.2
• Case Thickness: 14.5
• Lug Width: 16
• Band Width: 16

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: The watch is in good condition, some signs of wear consistent with use and aged, a solid case, bezel and dial.
• Extras: This timepiece has been fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately. It is ready to wear.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

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