Deciphering Elgin A-11 Case back

[Streetsnake]

Hi all,
Brand new here. I've recently upped my watching collecting hobby a bit and am trying watchmaking with limited success. My main interests are vintage chronographs and military, although I'm a novice at both. I recently purchased a former watchmakers small collection of parts, tools, movements, etc. Of course there wasn't anything overlooked by the son selling his father's goodies. However, I did find a little gem that appealed to me at least...and Elgin A-11 case in excellent condition. I have been trying to understand what all the numbers are on the back. I was hoping someone could help me out.
Type A-11
Spec no. 94-27834 (are all the A-11s the same?)
Serial No. AF43-35125 (1943 watch?, Should the serial no. match the movement?)
MFR'S Part No. 1783
ORD.NO.W535AC-34898 (no idea here...have seen many different variations)
ELGIN

 

[Jack_W]

There is the Military Watch Resources Forum - The Military Watch Resource - Community Fora

Jose "JJ" Gomez has a recent and affordable book on how to ID watches. "US Military Wrist Watches" Check Amazon; it seems out of print.

The last number is the order number and would change as the war progressed. The AF43 does stand for 1943. As long as the movement serial is within a year, I would not worry too much. Watches got abused in the war and the military watch makers needed to get watches out the door ASAP.... movement swaps were done.

Post pictures of your watch; this is a 1942 A-11 with a rare white dial:

 

[Streetsnake]

Here are some pics. Please let me know your thoughts. Thx

 

[Jack_W]

What is the plan for it? Looks used but also like it has been polished and re-chromed.

 

[Streetsnake]

What is the plan for it? Looks used but also like it has been polished and re-chromed.

It's weird, I thought it might be re-chromed as well but wondered why. It was in a box full of other empty cases. I'd like to find a movement for it if possible.

 

[DoughBoyWatches]

Correct movement should be a mil-spec grade Elgin 539 with nickel and black/blued screws, ratchet and crown wheel, and hairspring regulator. The serial number should start with a letter "T"

Type A-11
Spec no. 94-27834
(military specification number - there a 94-27834 then there are also 94-27834-A/B/C although never seen an A)
Serial No. AF43-35125
(AF43 is year the watch was issued - numbers are the case number and will have a watching tag with a red stamped serial on back as you see in my photos.)
MFR'S Part No. 1783
(just what it is a manufacturers number which would be keytstone, wadsworth, or Star)
ORD.NO.W535AC-34898
(Military contract number)

here is an excellent blog this guy is funny YOU MAD, BILL, YOU MAD
the bible of mil watches would be Marvin E. Whitney "Military Timepieces" be prepared to spend about $100 for it.