1948 Milton

When it comes to describing classic men's watches I think it really depends on the decade in question.  The 1960's was all about stylish round watches like featured in the TV series "Mad Men".  However, the generation that stormed the beaches of Anzio, Normandy, and Iwo Jima wore much smaller watches and often a tank style.

One of my favorite 1940s watches is the 1948 Milton.  It was produced through 1952 and it's design is timeless.  If you didn't know better you might think it was from the 1930s or made into the 1950s.

As introduced in 1948, the Milton was offered in a 14K natural gold filled case with solid 18K applied gold numerals and dots on the dial.  It was priced at $71.50... that's almost $1,000 in today's currency.

By 1952, nothing had changed with the Milton, even the price was the same.

The 19 jewel movement listed in the catalog was the 14/0 sized 982 movement.  At this time the 982M was used in the solid gold models and the 982 was used in 14K gold filled cases.

As I said, I like the Milton.  It has a very simple but elegant design and it's a decent sized watch, even by today's standards... it's not too big and it's not too small.

I've had my project watch waiting in the wings for a while now.  It came on a vintage metal strap with a clasp, not an expansion bracelet.  The crystal on the watch is plastic and a cylinder design with high walls.  I think that has protected the case from wear but this watch looks like its had very little, if any wear at all.

With the bezel removed I can take a closer look at the dial.  As far as I can tell this is the original dial.  The finish on it is perfect.

The inside of the case back has the model name inside - this is probably one of the earliest models to get the name inside the case back.  That's very much a 1950's thing.

The mainspring inside the barrel has set into a tight coil and will have to be replaced.  I find that is the situation with the majority of movements I overhaul from this era.

Everything is cleaned and inspected.  I need to replace the pallet fork, it's missing the lower pivot.  Other than that, this movement is in excellent shape.

The reassembled movement is ticking away thanks to a new pallet fork and white alloy mainspring.  Let's see what the timer thinks.  Based on the serial number, this movement dates the watch to 1950.

Nothing wrong with this movement - it's perfect and I'll leave it right like this.

This watch turned out fantastic.  Even Santa's little helper agrees that this Milton is a keeper.  It's too big for his wrist though, this may have to be a pocket watch for him.