Among diving watches, the US Military issued Canteen watch is one of the earliest and most iconic models made. Initially issued in the 1940s it was made by Elgin, Hamilton and Bulova. Specifically engineered for divers, the large over-sized cap and chain securing it to the case give it a unique and now historic appearance.

This specific example has a Elgin made canteen case circa 1944 or 1945. The movement is the Waltham 2987 18 jewel made between 1943 and 1945 with the hack feature / function. The watch was issued to UDT team 2 during the Korean War time period. The back of the case is stamped UDT 2; USN; BUSHIPS 100. The inside of the case says Cased and Timed By Elgin National Watch Co; Watch Star Case Company; Stainless Steel 2156; 2235574. Watch functions just as it should. It is approximately five to six minutes fast per twenty-four hours. In addition, a period correct strap is present with the following information on the back; ORDANCE DEPT. U.S.A; PART NO 7646909; MOLDED INSULATION CO.; PHILADELPHIA, PA; V12. This strap is what was originally issued with this model.

The historic Under Water Demolition Team 2 connection this watch has truly makes it a special piece. During World War 2 UDT 2 team was made up of primarily Seabees. The team was sent to Roi-Namur where they had success. Upon returning to Hawaii UDT 2 decommissioned and absorbed into UDT teams 3 through 6. In 1950 the Korean War started and the need for UDT teams increased. UDT 2 was reinstated during this time and were based in Little Creek, Virginia. This team was primarily involved with testing and experimenting with the then new Aqua-Lung scuba system. They also worked with techniques involving lock-out and lock-in operations from submarines, cold weather diving, miniature submarine testing and parachute training. After the war UDT 2 was absorbed into UDT 21. From this time onward UDT teams would expand their expertise in areas such as clearing obstructions, infiltration of waterways to attach ships, clearing ordnance from high seas, intelligence and covering the withdrawal of friendly forces. To say the least, UDT teams put all their equipment, including watches, to the toughest tests possible!

Please review the photos of this impressive watch. The image of Collier’s magazine cover from May 1955 is for example purposes only and is not included in this sale. Other historic images shown are also not included with the sale and are being used to show the context of this model in use originally.

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Shipping

All items will be shipped to address registered with Liveauctioneers if a credit card payment option is used - no exceptions. Please inquire about shipping costs to a particular location or country before the start of the auction. All items will be packed & shipped by Nations Attic. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via USPS International or FedEx International.

by Nation's Attic Inc
October 31, 2020 10:00 AM CDT
448 South Pattie Ave.
Wichita, KS, US 67211

Nation's Attic Inc

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $19 $2
$20 $99 $5
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $150
$5,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $19,999 $500
$20,000 $49,999 $1,000
$50,000 + $5,000