Additional info:
- Black dial with lumed arabic numerals & lumed hands.
- 10k rolled yellow gold plate on sterling bezel
- Stainless back
Engraved inscription on back: "JIM TO NANCY 12-25-44"
I believe the '47 movement was a replacement at time of service in 1947 as per jeweler's marks in caseback. It appears same jeweler serviced watch again in '52. I've included closeup of marks.
Movement appears to have a circle stamped next to "Swiss". Circle code says movement is a 1944. Case s/n starts with a "4", so watch is indeed a 1944 and most probably retains the original movement. I suspect you are misidentifying the "17" for "17 jewels" as a "47"
For a couple years during WWII, some watches were made of Sterling as a base metal instead of steel to show support for the war with the idea that the steel was more important for the war effort. It was more of a feel good move to make civilians feel a part of the war effort than anything else. Add that to the name with the armed services connotation - excellent patriotic marketing.
We recently ID'ed Kmlow's identical watch (w/white dial) as a tentative "Military Miss", I think this one is spot on to the ad.
Nice watch, love the band! 1944 Military Miss
OMG! How did I miss that one!
You are absolutely correct. I never even looked at the circle, but that "47" was glaring at me, which is of course a "17".
I have a number of sterling based war era watches, mostly Gruens, that are gold filled on sterling. Limited supply was a very real issue at the onset of the war.
In reply to OMG! How did I miss that by timeless