BOOT CAMP MENTALITY
World of Watches|Spring 2021
The world may change but one genre stays: military-themed watches. We skim the surface for some casual and fun options
RUCKDEE CHOTJINDA AND ANDREAS ARPHAN
BOOT CAMP MENTALITY

Several watch models and inventions can be traced back to the military and its varied needs as time was (and still is) crucial to any operation. Military historians tell us that timing artillery strikes was the main thing, and ease of access was what moved the watch from the pocket to the wrist. Even before the days of wristwatches, we can still see legacy items, such as the trench wrist strap, that allowed pocket watches to be worn on the wrist in a relatively secure and convenient fashion. That World War I practice, preceded by British officers during the Boer War, was subsequently adopted among a wider public to the point where it became a norm. Historians generally agree that officers returning from the front had gotten used to the idea of wearing their timepieces on the wrist, and this put paid to the notion that wristwatches were only for aristocratic ladies.

Over the course of the last few issues, we have devoted many pages to the subject of how time found itself on our wrists, chiefly by examining the oft-ignored watch band - the very thing that makes the wristwatch what it is. While this story ran in WOW Thailand some issues ago, we held back until we could use it to cap off the discussion. As you read this story, various themes that have played out across 2020, and right into this issue, can be attributed to the military and its need for no-frills precision timekeeping.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2021 de World of Watches.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2021 de World of Watches.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE WORLD OF WATCHESVer todo
DARING VENTURE
World of Watches

DARING VENTURE

Tudor partners Swiss Watch For New Boutique at The Exchange TRX.

time-read
1 min  |
Legacy 2024
GEEKING OUT
World of Watches

GEEKING OUT

The biggest artisanal watch enthusiasts gather in Singapore for a weekend unlike any other in our region of the world.

time-read
1 min  |
Legacy 2024
INDEPENDENCE DAY
World of Watches

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Once seen as niche players, independent watchmakers are increasingly visible within the industry as reflected in this year's edition of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.

time-read
10 minutos  |
Legacy 2024
DYING OF THE LIGHT
World of Watches

DYING OF THE LIGHT

Hamilton updates the Khaki Field Murph once again, this time with a sparkling new white dial and a robust stainless steel bracelet.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Legacy 2024
OPEN SECRET
World of Watches

OPEN SECRET

Ernest Borel left no stone unturned when creating the Grandeur Skeleton duo.

time-read
1 min  |
Legacy 2024
GOTHIC INSPIRED
World of Watches

GOTHIC INSPIRED

Ernest Borel's Grandeur Big Date leans into the famed European architectural movement.

time-read
1 min  |
Legacy 2024
LIGHT TOUCH
World of Watches

LIGHT TOUCH

Maurice Lacroix adds ultra-light titanium options to their ever-expanding Aikon collection.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Legacy 2024
LAST WORD
World of Watches

LAST WORD

Longines introduces a smaller version of the Spirit Zulu, this time in titanium.

time-read
1 min  |
Legacy 2024
RACING PEDIGREE
World of Watches

RACING PEDIGREE

Bell & Ross brings the worlds of motoring and aerospace together in the BR-X5 Racing.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Legacy 2024
AUTUMN HUE
World of Watches

AUTUMN HUE

Grand Seiko continues its celebration of the 20th anniversary of Calibre 9R with the limited edition SBGA499.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Legacy 2024