In short, a canteen watch made the jobs of divers easier.
The watch, which earned its name because of its shape and design (it looks like an over-sized cap linked to the case by a chain), filled a need for navy divers in the 1940s.
At that time, divers needed water-resistant watches, but most of the reliable watches and technology was still several years away at that time.
Canteen watches were made for the U.S. Navy’s Bureau of Ships by Elgin, Bulova and Hamilton and came with “USN BuShips” inscribed on the watch, which led canteen and BuShips being used interchangeably.
Canteen watches were produced in limited numbers for a short time and were not common or technologically groundbreaking.
However, they stand out for their story and their strange look.
Some modern companies which have a similar designs to the canteen include TW Steel, Italian U Boat and modern Hamilton’s own Khaki Navy Frogman.
Mark Sirianni
25 Fraley St.
Kane, PA. 16735
watchdoctorpa@gmail.com
1-814-558-4818 Cell
1-814-837-9435
9 Comments
Chas Thomas
Fascinating, as always!
Johnny
Very interesting Mark. Didn’t even know a watch like this existed.
John Titcombe
Mark,you always have something interesting and intriguing about watches.
Mark Morgan
Very interesting
Russ
Waterproofing has always been interesting to me. I found a “dive” watch at the bottom of a spring in central Fl and it was full of water and rust. No telling how long it had been down there or even if the crown was screwed down all the way when the spring broke holding on the rubber watch band “at least that’s my assumption”. Thanks again Mark
Brad Kaste
I wonder if Lloyd Bridges,…aka Mike Nelson of “Sea Hunt” fame,….ever wore one?
Dennis Jones
Mark thanks for that info.
Rick
Thanks Mark. I never saw a watch like this. It does make me wonder if the extended crown protector would be uncomfortable wearing it out of the water.
Jeffrey Morrissey
You’re a great, interesting writer! I look forward to every piece of yours and only wish they were longer and more-frequent!