Skinner Brings Vintage Vietnam War Watches and More in Upcoming Sale

Under the shadow of the Vietnam War, the U.S. government decided that the military required more specialized forces to combat insurgency. This move included an expansion of Navy SEAL teams, complete with sweeping updates to the troops’ equipment and specifications. From this period came the Tornek-Rayville TR-900 dive watch, which was able to operate at depths up to 300 feet without a magnetic signature. One of the few surviving TR-900 watches will come to auction in Skinner’s timed October sale. Due to the use of promethium-147 to illuminate the watch face, most of the TR-900 watches were destroyed at the end of their usefulness. The available watch was saved from that fate and handed down through a military family. 

Several other notable wristwatches are on offer, including a vintage Rolex Daytona Cosmograph ref. 6263 “Sigma” watch. This piece was manufactured around 1973 and is accented with white gold markers. Beyond wristwatches, the sale will also highlight tall case clocks, mantel clocks, and carriage clocks. Rounding out the offerings are scientific collectibles such as 18^th-century amputation sets and a three-inch globe that will fit in a pocket. Find the complete catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.