Circa 1942 Elgin UDT Diver Canteen WWII Watch Military U.S.N. Wristwatch

Watch Overview

The Elgin U.S. Navy “Canteen” wristwatch was developed during World War II under specifications issued by the United States Navy’s Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS). These watches were designed to meet the operational needs of naval units performing underwater and maritime tasks, where reliable timekeeping and enhanced protection against moisture were essential.

The defining feature of this model is its distinctive canteen-style crown protection system. This design incorporates a sealed inner winding crown that is covered by a large, screw-down outer crown cap, secured to the case by a retaining chain. The system was engineered to reduce the risk of water entering the case through the crown during exposure to wet or submerged environments.

Elgin was one of the American manufacturers contracted to produce these military wristwatches for naval use. Dials were designed for maximum legibility, typically featuring a matte black finish, bold Arabic numerals, and a clearly defined outer minute track. Period-correct examples are signed with “ELGIN” and “USN BUSHIPS,” reflecting their intended military application.

Today, Elgin U.S. Navy canteen-style watches are recognized as historically significant military timepieces. Their specialized crown design and documented naval association place them among the earliest purpose-built wristwatches intended for underwater and maritime military use.

This example features the classic matte black military dial with bold Arabic numerals and an outer minute track for maximum legibility. The dial is signed “ELGIN” beneath 12 o’clock and “USN BUSHIPS” above 6 o’clock, both debossed in tonal black. The original radium lume plots and hands have aged naturally to a warm, creamy patina consistent with genuine WWII-era military watches.

The watch is housed in a stainless steel case with a smooth bezel, offering an anti-reflective finish well suited for military use. The case retains its original inner crown, which seats securely beneath the watertight outer canteen crown cover. The case back is correctly marked “USN BUSHIPS,” with light tool marks consistent with service use.

This Elgin is coming on an green canvas strap, complementing its military character. Highly collectible and increasingly scarce, this is a historically significant U.S. Navy-issued timepiece—built for extreme conditions and carrying undeniable wartime provenance.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Elgin
• Type: Wristwatch
• Model: “Canteen”
• Year / Era: Circa 1942 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: United States

Dial & Display

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

Movement

• Type: Manual-winding
• Caliber: Grade 539
• Jewels: 16
• Movement Functions:
  • Sweep seconds
  • Adjusted for accuracy in four positions, isochronism and temperature
  • Model 2
  • Movement SN T109837
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 vph

Case & Band

• Material: Stainless steel
• Case Shape: Round
• Bezel: Fixed. Smooth
• Back: Screw
• Crown: Screw-down
• Band Type: Green canvas strap
• Case Back Markings: U.S.N. 3025 C

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 31.6
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 40.3
• Case Lug to Lug: 38.8
• Case Thickness: 12
• 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.

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