Bulova US Army 1943 watch and "Monuments Men": an iconic timepiece of the U.S. Forces

The Bulova A-10 Cal.10, an iconic US Army watch from World War II, appears in the film Monuments Men worn by Matt Damon, George Clooney, and Bill Murray. Used on every front, it bridges military history and cinema with remarkable historical accuracy.

The Bulova A-10: An Iconic Military Watch

When it comes to naming the most emblematic watch of the American forces in World War II, the Cal-10 hack-watch model (also known as the A-10), manufactured by Bulova, Hamilton, or Elgin, would undoubtedly top the list for land forces military watches. Produced in large quantities after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it was issued across every battlefield of the war.

Already in service with the US Army since 1935, the Bulova A-10 equipped GIs of the US Army and US Marine Corps in the Pacific, as well as ground and airborne troops on the European front.

The Bulova A-10 on Screen: Monuments Men

In the film Monuments Men, the Bulova A-10 first appears on the wrist of Matt Damon, portraying James Granger (inspired by James Rorimer), one of the key figures in the US Army’s Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives program. This unit of art experts, enlisted in the infantry, was tasked with recovering and safeguarding works of art stolen by the Nazis during the occupation of Europe.

Also issued to paratrooper units, the watch has appeared in other iconic productions, including on John Wayne’s wrist in The Longest Day and worn by actors in the series Band of Brothers, which tells the story of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division during the liberation of Europe.

A Commitment to Historical Accuracy

Throughout Monuments Men, the Bulova A-10 can be seen on the wrists of George Clooney, Bill Murray, and many other main actors. A noteworthy detail: British actor Hugh Bonneville, portraying a soldier from the British Army integrated into the mission, wears a Cyma Dirty Dozen—the standard-issue watch for Commonwealth forces at the time.

This attention to detail showcases the exceptional work of the film’s prop department. George Clooney, both director of the movie and a passionate watch enthusiast, was likely instrumental in ensuring such meticulous historical accuracy in the uniforms and accessories.