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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Aircraft cockpit clock

Elgin WWII 8-Day Aircraft Cockpit Clock

Partially verified

This is a vintage panel-mounted Elgin 8-day aircraft cockpit clock reported by the seller as dating from the 1940s WWII era in the United States. Designed for aviation instrumentation, the clock features a black-coated metal case fitted with four mounting lugs containing screws and an oversized knurled winding crown at the lower left. The matte black dial displays Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, an outer minute/seconds track, and luminous hands showing age-related discoloration. The dial is marked '8 DAYS' above 'ELGIN'. The source also reports a vintage Snyder Aircraft Co. label on the reverse.

Oblique view of an Elgin 8-day WWII aircraft cockpit clock showing black case, dial, and mounting tabs
Oblique view of an Elgin 8-day WWII aircraft cockpit clock showing black case, dial, and mounting tabs — Secondhand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Clock · Aircraft cockpit clock
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-5690
Source-reported date
1940s
Country
United States

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

Identity and Provenance

This timepiece is an aircraft cockpit clock manufactured by Elgin. The seller reports it is from the WWII era, noting its design for use in U.S. military planes.

The item is described as including a Snyder Aircraft Co. label on the reverse, which the seller identifies as a known supplier of flight instruments and accessories during the war years.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is a vintage Elgin aircraft cockpit clock from the WWII era”
  • “featuring the traditional 8 Days manual-wind movement used in U.S. military planes.”
  • “includes a rare surviving Snyder Aircraft Co. label, a known supplier of flight instruments and accessories during the war years”

Dial and Visual Features

The clock features a matte black dial with Arabic numerals at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions and an outer seconds track. The hands and numerals display luminous material.

The dial contains the markings 'ELGIN' and '8 DAYS'. The finish exhibits signs of aging, including discoloration of the luminous hands and oxidation of the screws.

Evidence for this section
  • “black military-style dial with luminous hands and Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12.”
  • “The dial is marked "ELGIN – 8 DAYS" and includes a full seconds track around the edge.”
  • “Vintage – signs of age and oxidation, visible wear on screws and hands”

Construction and Mechanism

The clock is housed in an all-black metal case designed for panel mounting, featuring four screw points and a domed acrylic crystal. A large, knurled winding crown is situated on the case.

The movement is identified as an 8-day manual-wind caliber. The internal mechanism was not inspected by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock is encased in a robust all-black metal case with 4 screw mounting points, large winding crown”
  • “Crystal: Domed acrylic”
  • “Duration: 8-Day Power Reserve”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this Elgin 8-day model?
  • Can the Snyder Aircraft Co. label be verified as original to the timepiece?
  • What are the official U.S. military specifications or contract numbers associated with this clock model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin WWII 8-Day Aircraft Cockpit Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandElgin“Brand: Elgin”
Movement duration8-Day Power Reserve“Duration: 8-Day Power Reserve”
Movement typeManual Wind“Movement Type: Manual Wind”
Case materialBlack-coated metal case“Material: Black-coated metal case”
Country of originUnited States“Country of Manufacture: United States”
EraVintage – 1940s (WWII-era)“Year / Era: Vintage – 1940s (WWII-era)”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial marked '8 DAYS' and 'ELGIN' in white print below the 12 position.
  • Arabic numerals at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 positions with painted luminous fill showing aging and patina.
  • Outer white track calibrated for minutes and seconds with numeric markers at five-minute intervals.
  • Large knurled winding crown located at the lower left perimeter near the 7 to 8 o'clock position.
  • Black-coated flange case with four corner mounting tabs containing visible screws with oxidised washers or surrounds.
  • Three centrally mounted hands including hour, minute, and seconds indicators.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and interior are not visible in the provided image.
  • The Snyder Aircraft Co. label is reported by the seller to be on the reverse and is not visible in the supplied view.
  • WWII era and 1940s manufacture date are source-reported.

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

Consulted source

Vintage Elgin WWII Aircraft Clock 8 Days Manual-Wind - ALL Black - Sny – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 3c31715693

Terms in this record

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

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