First off, let’s get one thing straight: I’m not talking about some dodgy back-alley deals with “genuine” WWII watches that probably spent the war hiding in a drawer. Nah, we’re talking *replicas*. And frankly, some of ’em are pretty darn good these days.
Why buy a replica? Well, a genuine WWII-era watch? Fuggedaboutit. They’re rare, expensive, and probably need more TLC than my grandma’s prize-winning orchids. A decent replica? You can wear it without having a full-blown panic attack every time you bump into a doorframe. Plus, you can actually *use* it, instead of having it gather dust in a display case (unless that’s your thing, no judgement!).
You see, I was looking at a Mil-Vaer Men’s Field Watch, all quartz movement and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and locking screw-down crown – sounds legit, right? And then I saw Cyma WWW Dirty Dozen British Military watches for sale… Omega, Longines… fancy stuff! Really makes you think, doesn’t it?
Then there’s the Ailager® watches, “stunning replica and inspired watches perfect for collectors and reenactors alike!” They even come in presentation boxes! I mean, who doesn’t love a good presentation box? And I almost forgot about the WWII German Personal Equipment, fine quality replicas of original WWII German & British, and U.S. Vietnam military watches with luminous numbers, hour & minute hands for low light conditions. Original markings, stainless steel! I tell you, it’s a rabbit hole.
Of course, there are different *types* of replicas. You’ve got your homages, which are more “inspired by” than “exact copy.” Then you’ve got the outright replicas, trying to be as close to the original as possible. (And then, of course, you have the fakes, which… well, let’s not go there.)
And don’t even get me started on the A-11. Apparently the Elgin A-11 was *the* watch during WWII. Everyone and their dog were wearing them (probably a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea). Finding a genuine one these days? Good luck, my friend. That’s why the high-quality reproductions are so popular.
So, where do you even *find* these things? Well, a quick Google search will turn up a whole bunch of options. Just be careful, okay? Do your research. Read reviews. Make sure you’re not getting ripped off. And for crying out loud, don’t buy anything from someone who says they’re selling “genuine” WWII watches for $20. Common sense, people!
