6200--ca. 1950s w/USAF provenance--posted by mghcal

Note: "I've seen quite a few milsub stories on this forum and have really enjoyed them, I thought I'd share something that some here might enjoy too. Most wont consider it a military sub since it wasn't government issued and has never been on a dive except maybe a swim at a local lake, but it was given to my grandfather James Griggs by the men of the 3918th Field Maintenance Sqd. which he was Chief of back in 1955 at Upper Heyfordshire Air Base in the U.K.



The watch was never taken to 200m that I know of, but it has traveled countless hours in B-47s and B-52s at 30,000 feet, from travels to the bases in Greenland and Guam, and pretty much everywhere in between. It went through the harsh conditions on a B-47 during the Cold War and the nuclear deterrent flights, to the Cuban Missile Crisis when my grandfather was the Chief of the 4917th Strategic Wing, which had 15 B-52s. The wing received the Selser trophy for best annual bombardment unit, the highest award in the 8th Air Force. He retired in 64'. The watch was worn everyday till May 8, 1998 when he passed. Some may say it looks worn and tired with it's faded bezel, spotted dial, and broken band. But it's been through a lifetime of use, and to me is in surprisingly good condition.









He was a veteran of WW2 having served in the Aleutians and 2 campaigns in the South Pacific flying in the old B-29s, he then served in Korea. I have his old Waltham from those days, the back and sides are worn through to the base metal. Must have been why they decided to give him a watch. He was the greatest man I've ever known, I'm sure some of you know what I mean and think the same of your fathers and grandfathers.









His most prized possession is now mine, and I wear it proudly everyday. Don't have any doubt that it'll last another 50 years, maybe a few more scratches and dents but I'm sure Mr. Ridley can keep it running." - M.