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

WA-6046
1 In stock
$6,900.00 $6,500.00
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...
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THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

IF THE MERCHANDISE YOU PURCHASE FROM Secondhand Horology, LLC (“Secondhand Horology”, “WE”, OR “US”) IS SUBJECT TO A THIRD PARTY WARRANTY, THEN THE MERCHANDISE WILL BE GOVERNED BY SUCH THIRD PARTY WARRANTY (TO THE EXTENT SUCH THIRD PARTY WARRANTY IS ASSIGNABLE BY US TO YOU) AND WILL NOT BE GOVERNED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. IF THE MERCHANDISE YOU PURCHASE FROM US IS NOT SUBJECT TO A THIRD PARTY WARRANTY, Secondhand Horology WARRANTS THAT DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD (DEFINED BELOW), THE MERCHANDISE THAT YOU PURCHASED FROM US WILL BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP.

WE LIMIT THE DURATION AND REMEDIES OF ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE MERCHANDISE (INCLUDING THE PARTS THEREIN) AS DESCRIBED BELOW IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT.

WHO MAY USE THIS WARRANTY?

Secondhand Horology extends this limited warranty only to the consumer who originally purchased the merchandise (“you”) from Secondhand Horology. It does not extend to any subsequent owner or other transferee of the merchandise.

WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY COVER?

This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of the merchandise for the Warranty Period as defined below.

WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY NOT COVER?

This limited warranty does not cover any damage due to: (a) transportation; (b) storage; (c) improper use; (d) failure to follow the merchandise instructions or to perform any preventive maintenance; (e) modifications; (f) unauthorized repair; (g) normal wear and tear; or (h) external causes such as accidents, abuse, or other actions or events beyond our reasonable control.

WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE?

If the merchandise or any portion of the merchandise that you purchase is subject to a third party warranty, Secondhand Horology hereby assigns to you all of its rights and remedies under such warranty to the extent that such rights and remedies are assignable. If the merchandise or any portion of the merchandise is not subject to any other warranty as of the date of purchase by you, and subject to the terms of this Limited Warranty, Secondhand Horology

 warrants that the merchandise shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by you (the “Warranty Period”). The Warranty Period is not extended if we repair or replace the merchandise. We may change the availability of this limited warranty at our discretion, but any changes will not be retroactive.

WHAT ARE YOUR REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY?

With respect to any defective merchandise during the Warranty Period, we will, in our sole discretion repair or replace such merchandise (or the defective part) free of charge. We will also pay for shipping and handling fees to return the repaired or replacement merchandise to you if we elect to repair or replace the defective merchandise.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE?

To obtain warranty service, you must call +1(217)-802-6098 or email our Customer Service Department at info@secondhandhorology.com during the Warranty Period to obtain a Defective Merchandise Authorization (“DMA”) number. Read more about our return and warranty service policies.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

THE REMEDIES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND OUR ENTIRE LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. OUR LIABILITY SHALL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEED THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE, NOR SHALL WE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR LOSSES, WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Secondhand Horology is honored to have the opportunity to serve you. That is why we stand by all of our products with a full 12-month limited warranty. If an item we sell you should fail as a result of a manufacturer's defect at any time during the first 12 months, we will repair or replace the item at absolutely no cost to you.

If your watch has any symptoms of abnormally gaining time, losing time, or not keeping proper time please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email. If it is determined by Secondhand Horology that a repair under warranty is required one of our trained watch professionals will direct you on how to safely and efficiently ship the watch to us.


Not covered by warranty:

  • Regular wear-and-tear from normal use.
  • External damage to the product. Any damages resulting from wear to the watch case, crystal/glass, watch bracelet, watch bezel, straps, screws, crown/stem, finishes, clasps/buckles, or any other physical damage to the watch.
  • Defects caused by outside force or improper use. Consequential and incidental damages.
  • The loss of precious, semi-precious stones from settings.
  • Outside modifications and third party repair attempts of any kind will void the warranty.
  • Any damage if used under conditions which exceed the watch manufacturer’s water resistance guidelines.
  • Watches that are labeled as water resistant feature a screw down crown. The crown must be screwed down properly at all times to keep the watch casing watertight. Water damage is not covered under the warranty unless it is proven defective by the Secondhand Horology.
  • Shipping cost to Secondhand Horology.

Secondhand Horology is determined to stand behind every part of your shopping experience. The Secondhand Horology warranty allows you to make a completely risk-free purchase. This has been our policy and our promise since we began nearly three decades ago serving customers on a local level. Now, we are standing by this policy as we serve online customers from around the world. We look forward to serving you and giving you the incredible value and experience you deserve.

Product Description

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.

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.

We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Contact Us

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

WA-6046

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