1940s Old Stock! Swiss Selza waterproof bumper automatic military steel watch

My heart just about stopped when a watchmaker pulled this out of his floor safe. Completely untouched 1940s New Old Stock bumper automatic military style Swiss watch.

I liked several things about this piece right away: The bright mirrored silver and white two-tone dial. The polished solid steel case. The light dial aging that has, in my opinion, enhanced this watch over time. And, of course, the red sweep seconds hand.

Putting it on my wrist, I immediately noticed that, while most of these early bumper military watches are on the small size with 16mm lugs, this one was bigger. It surprisingly has 18mm lugs and a case measuring 33.5mm across and 41mm lugs tip to tip, which is a perfect size for many collectors. The maker, Swiss company Selza, began making watches in Selzach, Switzerland in 1923.

The watch is co-branded Tisnart, which is correct as internet research shows. High-quality movement with 17 jewels and Incabloc shock protection. Definitely designed around WW2 possibly for military use. This is a real time capsule piece.

Only under very close inspection can you see anything that distinguishes this watch from new. Just some tiny marks on the back, commonly called drawer marks, from sitting in storage all these years, sliding back and forth as the drawer was opened. This vintage watch runs, sets and keeps time.

The watch comes on the half-padded black crocodile grain leather strap. The watch has drilled lugs for spring bars rather than fixed lugs, which makes easier and more versatile to strap.

SELZA TISNART BUMPER AUTOMATIC WW2 MILITARY TYPE WATCH - NEW OLD STOCK. Dimensions: 33.5mm across (not counting crown), 41mm lug tip to tip, 11.2mm thick, 18mm lugs.

Case: high-polished solid Stainless Steel waterproof. Leather Band: crocodile grain black leather calf-lined with half padding. Bonus Nylon straps: red NATO or both of the black and maroon braided tropical nylon NOS straps included. Runs, sets and keeps time.

Not tested for water-resistance - servicing recommended due to long-term storage. SEE SQUINKY'S COMPLETE MILITARY WATCH BAND SELECTION: We are known as the largest supplier of OLD STOCK military watch vintage bands.

We have 100s of military watch straps for sale. Including nylon NATO bands, 1-piece straps, Squinky Aviator thick pilot's bands with screw fittings, original WW2 era cuff or canvas bands. Try one of our NOS braided nylon pull-through straps show here. They are available in maroon, grey, black, green, blue or brown - the perfect complement to a fixed lugs or spring bars military, diver or chronograph watch. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Wristwatches".

The seller is "squinky" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Model: Automatic Waterproof
Department: Men
Watch Shape: Round
Case Color: Silver
Lug Size: 18mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Mechanical (Automatic)
Type: Wristwatch
With Papers: No
Year Manufactured: 1940-1949
Indices: Arabic Numerals
Dial Color: Silver, White
Band Color: Maroon, Black
Display: Analog
Band/Strap: Two-Piece Strap
Brand: Selza
Case Size: 33.5mm diameter, 41mm lug tip to tip
Number of Jewels: 17
Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
Style: Military
Band Material: Leather, Nylon
Features: 12-Hour Dial
With Original Box/Packaging: No