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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Aircraft cockpit clock

Waltham Aircraft Clock Model Ref. A-13A-1

Partially verified

This Waltham aircraft cockpit clock and elapsed-time timer, reference A-13A-1, dates to circa the 1960s according to the source. The unit is housed in a square-fronted, black powder-coated aluminum casing measuring 60 mm across with diagonally arranged mounting apertures. The matte black dial displays aged vanilla-toned luminous Arabic hour numerals, an outer elapsed-time track graduated from 5 to 60, and three exposed dial screws. Four center-mounted hands operate along coaxial shafts to present standard timekeeping alongside independent elapsed minutes and seconds. The seller states the clock is powered by a 20-jewel, 8-day mechanical movement.

Front view of the Waltham A-13A-1 aircraft clock showing black dial, luminous numerals, and four center-mounted hands
Front view of the Waltham A-13A-1 aircraft clock showing black dial, luminous numerals, and four center-mounted hands — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Clock · Aircraft cockpit clock
Maker / attribution
Waltham
Reference
A-13A-1
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws2066
Source-reported date
c. 1960s
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 Configuration

The object is identified as a Waltham A-13A-1 aircraft clock and elapsed-time timer, which the source dates to approximately the 1960s. It features a square-fronted, powder-coated aluminum casing measuring 60 mm in width, intended for dashboard mounting.

The interface includes two control knobs located on the front of the housing. The upper right knob is used to start, stop, and activate the flyback function for the elapsed time display without affecting the primary time of day.

Evidence for this section
  • “Model Ref: A-13A-1”
  • “Case Powder Coated Aluminum”
  • “Width 60mm”
  • “Pressing the upper right knob will start, stop and activate the flyback”
  • “Date of Issue 1960s (Approx)”

Dial and Visual Features

The matte black dial features Arabic hour numerals and a chapter ring calibrated from 5 to 60 for the elapsed time feature. The dial is secured by three visible screw heads positioned near the 2, 6, and 10 o'clock markers. The numerals and hands exhibit vanilla-toned luminous material.

Four center-mounted hands operate on coaxial shafts: two broader hands display the time, while two thinner hands function as the stopwatch minutes and seconds, which reset to the 60-position.

Evidence for this section
  • “stark black dial with luminous Arabic numerals”
  • “Chapter ring is marked in increments from 5 - 60”
  • “Three visible screw heads securing the dial near numerals 2, 6, and 10.”
  • “Four coaxial central hands: broader hour and minute hands, a thin seconds hand, and an elapsed minute hand terminating in a luminous arrow tip.”

Mechanical Specification

The clock utilizes an 8-day, 20-jewel, keyless, self-starting mechanical movement. Technical specifications provided by the source state the unit includes an anti-magnetic cobalt alloy mainspring and an anti-magnetic temperature-compensated hairspring.

The retail listing specifies that the movement caliber is unknown.

Evidence for this section
  • “8-day, 20 jewels, keyless, self-starting movement”
  • “anti-magnetic cobalt alloy mainspring and an anti-magnetic temperature compensated hairspring”
  • “Calibre Unknown”

Open research questions

  • What specific technical differences distinguish the A-13A-1 reference from other A-13A series iterations?
  • Can the internal movement be attributed to a specific manufacturer based on the 20-jewel, 8-day configuration?
  • Are there identifiable manufacturing codes or inspection stamps on the rear casing of this specific unit?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Aircraft Clock Model Ref. A-13A-1
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model ReferenceA-13A-1“Model Ref: A-13A-1”
Case MaterialPowder Coated Aluminum“Case Powder Coated Aluminum”
Movement Jewels20 Jewels“8-day, 20 jewels, keyless, self-starting movement”
Case Width60mm“Width 60mm”
CrystalPlexiglass“Crystal Plexiglass”
Housing FinishSatin black“finished in a satin black colour”

Visible details

  • Square black mounting plate with two diagonal screw holes (upper left and lower right).
  • Two diagonally positioned front control knobs (upper right and lower left).
  • Four coaxial central hands: broader hour and minute hands, a thin seconds hand, and an elapsed minute hand terminating in a luminous arrow tip.
  • Black dial with vanilla-toned luminous Arabic hour numerals and an outer chapter ring calibrated 5 to 60 with a triangular marker at 60.
  • Three visible screw heads securing the dial near numerals 2, 6, and 10.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber is stated as unknown by the retailer.
  • Rear casing and military specification plate details mentioned in descriptions are not visible in the provided primary image.

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

Consulted source

Waltham Aircraft Clock - Model Ref: A-13A-1 - c.1960s – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record fb37d5b72d

Terms in this record

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

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