Unusual (at least to me) watchband

[jamac]

My first post gentlemen and Ladies, bear with me please.

I came across this interesting piece of work when I bought a small bin containing some old tools; small files, screwdrivers, whetstones et. c. from a lady who was selling some old books. I bought the books and she prevailed upon me to part with $ 5 for the odd bits and pieces in an old cigar box. I believe she said this belonged to her dearly departed husband so it's possibly fairly old. I couldn't prevail upon her to keep it. I've grown to really like it, very fast on/off once practiced and watch is properly oriented. Has BERKELLY Made in U.S.A. engraved inside both halves.

Anyone?

Thanks, J

 

[St. Valentine]

The bracelet looks like one of the "Olongapo bands" that were made in the Phillipines and used by US soldiers in Vietnam. In the old days leather straps were common and metal bracelets not so usual as today. So some just started to make their own from scratch. This seems like one of the early attempts to make them commercially.

 

[nice hat dude!]

The guys on the Vintage Watch thread could possibly be of help to you Jamac,and welcome to the Lounge

 

[jamac]

Thank you for the reply Frank; that led to some interesting information.


I appreciate the welcome NHD; I will look for the watch thread, thanks .

Cheers,
JFM

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Hello. Actually the watch band (it's design) has been around for some time. I have seen them in California with "southwestern art" designs on them, including turquoise mounted on the bands. Some have been made of sterling silver, and some made of steel. I've also seen the same design while I was in the U.S. Navy, in the ship's store, in many shops visited in other Nations, and even in catalogs (J.C. Penny, Sears, etc.).