This 1978 issue GG-W-113 US military wrist watch was made by the Hamilton Watch Co., under government contract. It was issued mainly to Air Force pilots and navigators, although members of other branches definitely got their hands on this higher quality version of the US Military field watch. The GG-W-113 was known to be more accurate than watches made under the more common specification MIL-W-46374, and soldiers and sailors often tried to trade up to this superior Air Force issue watch.
The GG-W-113 was issued with tritium painted hands and time markings, although for increased dial legibility, the watch face does not contain the H3 and radioactive symbol found on other tritium watches of that era.
This particular version of the GG-W-113 (mfg. part no. 39886) contains the excellent and venerable ETA 2750 manual-wind movement. This "17 Jewel" Swiss movement is found on other high quality watches like the Hamilton Khaki series (manual version). The GG-W-113 can be hacked, i.e., stopped and restarted, by pulling out the crown, to allow precise synchronization with other watches and standard time sources. This is an important feature for aviators, as precision and exact time coordination are crucial to most air operations.
The black strap may be original issue. At the least, I can say it is identical to the USAF issue straps of that period, and it came with the watch.
The back of the case is stamped with multiple "issue markings"
WRIST WATCH
GG-W-113
FED. STOCK NO. 6645-00-066-4279
MFG. PART. NO. 39886
CONT. NO. GS-03S-48452
DATE DEC 1978
SERIAL NO. 295830
U.S.
The watch case is Parkerized to protect it from corrosion, and it measures 34mm (w/o lugs), or 41 mm with lugs. Stainless winding crown, excellent face and hands, and Parkerized steel case with fixed bars all appear to be in original condition. There are a few tiny nicks on the case, but they can only be seen with a 12x lens. The condition of this watch is excellent. It looks hardly worn. Crystal is new. Winds and sets smoothly. Runs and keeps accurate time.
This watch was recently overhauled (complete breakdown, cleaning, and service completed 11/15/01) by a certified watchmaker. In the process of servicing this watch, my watchmaker found that it contained an 18th jewel. According to him this was not unusual. Hamilton often had to substitute slightly better movements to hit their quotas.
I am offering this fine example of the GG-W-113 for $190. US Buyer to pay $10.00 for USPS Priority Shipping with Insurance and delivery confirmation. Overseas buyers pay actual shipping, handling and insurance costs. Contact me for estimated shipping costs if you are an overseas buyer. I prefer PayPal, or credit card payment via Billpoint, alternatively, you can use BidPay, or send a USPS money order or cashier's check.
