Wristwatch · 24-hour wristwatch

Alpha 24-Hour Dial Military Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage 1950s Alpha wristwatch features a patinated black 24-hour analog dial with gold-tone Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and matching hands accompanied by a red-tipped central sweep-second hand. The dial is inscribed 'ALPHA / 17 JEWELS' and 'ALPHAFLEX / WATERPROOF / INCABLOC'. According to the seller, the watch is powered by a 17-jewel manual-winding caliber FHF 28 movement operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour. The round metallic case measures 33 mm in diameter with classic lugs, an acrylic crystal, and a screw-down case back. It is paired with a black two-piece leather strap.

Three-quarter front view of the vintage Alpha 24-hour military wristwatch with patinated black dial — Second Hand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: secondhandhorology.com
Category: Wristwatch · 24-hour wristwatch
Maker / attribution: Alpha
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: WA-6139
Source-reported date: 1950s
Country: Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial Configuration and Visual Aging

The watch features an analog black dial displaying a 24-hour scale marked with gold-tone Arabic numerals, accompanied by an outer minute track and matching hands. Direct observation records that the dial face exhibits extensive spotting, bubbling, and aged patina across the surface.

Below the 24 position, dial text reads 'α ALPHA / 17 JEWELS', while above the 12 position it reads 'ALPHAFLEX / WATERPROOF / INCABLOC', with 'SWISS' visible at the very bottom edge. Seconds are tracked via a central sweep-second hand that terminates in a red tip.

Evidence for this section

“Black 24-hour dial exhibiting extensive spotting, bubbling, and aged patina across the surface.”
“Dial text reads 'α ALPHA / 17 JEWELS' below 24 and 'ALPHAFLEX / WATERPROOF / INCABLOC' above 12, with 'SWISS' visible at the very bottom edge.”
“The sweep-second hand with the red tip adds contrast against the 24-hour aged dial.”

Case Specifications and Physical Condition

The round metallic case measures 33 mm in diameter (35.3 mm including the pull-push crown), 40.8 mm lug to lug, and 9.2 mm in thickness, with a lug width of 17 mm. Direct visual inspection reveals a polished finish displaying wear, minor nicks, and surface scuffs on the lugs.

The case is fitted with an acrylic crystal, a fixed bezel, and a screw-down back, and it is paired with a black two-piece leather strap. External case back markings recorded in the listing read: 'Alpha Incabloc Antimagnetic Made and cased in Switzerland Waterproof 57 97 46'.

Evidence for this section

“Case Measurements (mm) Case Size: 33 Case Diameter w/Crown: 35.3 Case Lug to Lug: 40.8 Case Thickness: 9.2 Lug Width: 17”
“Polished metallic case and bezel displaying wear, minor nicks, and surface scuffs on the lugs.”
“Case Back Markings: Alpha Incabloc Antimagnetic Made and cased in Switzerland Waterproof 57 97 46”

Reported Movement and Manufacturing Origin

According to the seller's product description, the watch is powered by a manual-winding mechanical movement identified as caliber FHF 28, featuring 17 jewels, an operating frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, Incabloc shock protection, antimagnetic features, and a reported 44-hour power reserve. As movement photographs are not provided in the listing, these mechanical components are not verified by direct visual examination.

The source presents conflicting claims regarding the watch's origin: the listing overview notes 'Swiss made' and cites case back markings stating 'Made and cased in Switzerland', but the specification table designates the country of manufacture as 'United States'. The 1950s date attribution likewise represents an approximate dealer assessment.

Evidence for this section

“caliber FHF 28 featuring 17 jewels and sweep-second hand. It operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour with an approximate 44-hour power reserve. Swiss made.”
“Country of Manufacture: United States”
“Case Back Markings: Alpha Incabloc Antimagnetic Made and cased in Switzerland Waterproof 57 97 46”

Open research questions

What accounts for the conflict between 'Country of Manufacture: United States' in the specifications table and the 'Swiss made' dial and case back markings?
Can physical uncasing confirm the movement as a caliber FHF 28 and identify any maker or import stamps on the bridges?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Alpha 24-Hour Dial Military Wristwatch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Movement Caliber	FHF 28	“caliber FHF 28 featuring 17 jewels and sweep-second hand”
Jewel Count	17 Jewels	“17 Jewels 33mm FHF 28 Swiss Wristwatch”
Case Size	33 mm	“Case Size: 33”
Vibrations Per Hour	18,000 vph	“Frequency: 18,000vph”
Case Back Markings	Alpha Incabloc Antimagnetic Made and cased in Switzerland Waterproof 57 97 46	“Case Back Markings: Alpha Incabloc Antimagnetic Made and cased in Switzerland Waterproof 57 97 46”
Crown Type	Pull-Push	“Crown: Pull-Push”
Case Lug to Lug	40.8 mm	“Case Lug to Lug: 40.8”
Power Reserve	44-hours	“Power Reserve: 44-hours”

Visible details

Black 24-hour dial exhibiting extensive spotting, bubbling, and aged patina across the surface.
Gold-tone Arabic numerals configured in a 24-hour layout with an outer minute track.
Luminous-style gold-tone hour and minute hands with a slender central seconds hand bearing a red arrowhead tip.
Dial text reads 'α ALPHA / 17 JEWELS' below 24 and 'ALPHAFLEX / WATERPROOF / INCABLOC' above 12, with 'SWISS' visible at the very bottom edge.
Polished metallic case and bezel displaying wear, minor nicks, and surface scuffs on the lugs.
Fitted with a black textured leather strap with black stitching.

Research qualifications

Source specifications inconsistently list 'Country of Manufacture: United States' alongside 'Swiss made' and a case back marked 'Made and cased in Switzerland'.
Movement caliber FHF 28 and internal components are not visible in the supplied photograph and rely solely on source documentation.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Vintage Alpha 24-Hour Military Watch – 17 Jewels Swiss 1950s – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 775dbd8064

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.