Gregory "Pappy" Boyington: legendary pilot and his Waltham watch

Legendary American pilot and ace of the Pacific War, Gregory "Pappy" Boyington led the famous VFM-214 squadron with bravery and charisma. At his wrist, a Waltham watch — compact, robust and perfectly suited to aviation. His story inspired the cult TV show "Black Sheep Squadron".

A hero born in the Pacific skies

A veteran of the American Volunteer Group in China, Major Boyington became one of the most renowned aces of the Pacific War. He led the daring VFM-214 squadron of the U.S. Marine Corps, later portrayed by Robert Conrad in the hit TV series Black Sheep Squadron.

Before the war: a hesitant America

On the eve of the global conflict, the United States was in the grip of a recession. President Theodore Roosevelt reduced military spending to boost the economy with most of the 1938 federal budget. The European situation still seemed distant to many Americans. Roosevelt struggled to shift public opinion away from a stance of neutrality. But in July 1939, by canceling a little-known 1911 trade treaty with Japan, he subtly laid the groundwork for future U.S. involvement in the war.

From Pensacola to the Flying Tigers

Quickly, the U.S. began supplying war materials to England, the Soviet Union, and China through a "Loan" program. Many volunteer pilots joined the fight alongside British and Chinese forces to counter Axis power. In this context, Greg "Pappy" Boyington resigned from his post as instructor at the Pensacola Naval Air Station on August 26, 1941, to join the famed Flying Tigers — American volunteers led by General Chennault and supporting Chinese defense.

Flying a Curtiss P-40B with its iconic shark mouth, Boyington achieved his first six aerial victories over Burma. Due to the age difference with the younger pilots around him, he earned the nickname that would follow him forever: "Pappy" Boyington.

The Waltham watch: built for the mission

It was at the Pensacola base that Boyington received his Waltham watch, which he kept throughout the war. Unlike the larger A-11 navigation Hack Watches issued to USAAF pilots, the Waltham was favored by naval aviators for its more compact size, making it easier to wear even after a mission.

With a crisp white dial and bluish luminescent hands, the watch offered exceptional legibility in both low light and direct sunlight. Its 36 mm case was well-suited for military wear, including glove-friendly winding and synchronization thanks to a well-sized crown. The small seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock enhanced in-flight time readability on the outer minute track.

Robust design, lasting legacy

The "cushion" case shape accommodated a flat mineral crystal, reducing glare and protecting the dial from impacts. The mechanical movement, with 17 jewels, 18,000 vibrations per hour, and a 24-hour power reserve — offered simplicity, durability, and easy maintenance. In 1944, Boyington was shot down and declared dead. He received the Medal of Honor and was posthumously promoted to lieutenant colonel.

However, he had in fact survived the crash of his F4 Corsair. Captured by the Japanese, he was held as a prisoner of war for twenty months and was liberated at the end of the war, with an astonishing record of twenty-two confirmed aerial victories… and his Waltham still with him.

A legacy that inspired generations

Boyington's extraordinary combat record earned him a place in history and inspired the television series Black Sheep Squadron, based on his memoir Baa Baa Black Sheep. The iconic show, created by Stephen J. Cannell, aired in France from March 1977 to December 1979 and inspired countless future pilots.