Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the Waltham 8-day CDIA (Civil Date Indicator, Aeronautical) clock, with a U.S. Navy "Anchor" marking on the rear. These were used in various applications, including Aircraft or any other situation where a compact clock with low light visibility was a must. We have heard that they may have been used in Submarines, but we have not been able to confirm this.

The controls are relatively simple, with a winding knob that pulls to adjust the 24 hour time. Next to it there is a "Set Date" button that with a pencil or pen tip push advances the "Civil Date" dial one increment. It is faintly stamped on the face plate with:

The back of the bakelite housing still has the complete manufacturers information:

CONTRACT NO 84106
F.S.S.C NO. 88 - C - 590
MFRS. PART NO. CDIA
WALTHAM WATCH CO.

The watch is in very good condition, with the expected wear from age and use. The clock is fully functional, as far as we can tell. Ready to add to any WWII Naval or Aeronautical collection.

NOTE: This clock is sold as is, and we cannot guarantee that it will run when received. It is being sold for collectors purposes only.

More on the Waltham CDIA 8-Day Clock:

The Waltham CDIA was used extensively in WWII USN and Marine Corps aircraft. Its large 2 3/4 inch dial and continuously running sweep seconds hand was easy to read and the dual mainsprings assured reliability. This is the clock found in the Corsairs and other late Pacific theater aircraft.

The movement used in this clock was extremely rugged and versatile. Variations of the basic movement were used in everything from automobiles to armored vehicles and aircaft. The USN kept these in service until the 1980s although I do not know for what applications.

The Civil Date changes at midnight. The corrector button short months is just above the winding knob and is actuated by a simple push with a pencil point. The movement is 8 days running and is wound normally. The time is set by pulling the winding knob away from the case. To increase ruggedness under field conditions, Waltham chose to forgo the mechanism that holds the knob in the setting position. A spring applies force to return the knob to the winding position the whole time the hands are being adjusted. This also prevented the clock from being left in the hand setting mode which could adversely affect the timekeeping. Like the Elgin and Hamilton 37500 and the USN Jaeger A-10, the CDIA has a 24 hour dial.

Also, unlike many clocks of the time, they used a fluorescent luminescence paint that is activated under UV light as an alternative to the more common (and dangerous) radium. It is a 24-hour clock, meaning the hour hand circles only once per day. This is a very common aviation theme, as found in other iconic pieces like the Glycine Airman.