The Benrus Watch Company participated actively for the war effort during the WWII period. Benrus was the official watch for the AEA (American Export Airlines). The AEA flew regularly between the USA and Europe during the war period with their flying boats to support the troops, this was especially so right after D-Day on the 6th of June 1944.

During wartime, time has a different meaning. This is what the management of the American Export Airlines (AEA) must have been thinking too. So they gave their pilots and servicemen applicable 24 hours time converters. Shown below is such a converter from 1944.

The actual converter had to be applied on the surface of the crystal, in this way they could convert civilian time with military time.

The American Export Airlines was established in 1937 and flew regularly with their flying boats between the USA and Europe until autumn 1945.
The official watch of the AEA during this period was the Benrus Sky Chief. A “Inter-Office Memorandum” of the AEA, written by Mr. A.S. Graham, written on July 25th 1944 confirms the use of these converters. This is just after D-Day landings in Normandy on the 6th of June 1944, the AEA was flying between the USA and Europe support the troops.

From:     A.S. Graham                              July 25, 1944
             Manager, Public relations
To:        Benrus Watch Holders
             E.H. Elmer
Subject: 24-hour Watch Dial

As an additional service to members of our organisation to whom Benrus Watches have been issued, we are forwarding herewith, a decal, easily attached to your watch crystal that provides a 24-hour time dial. Full instructions for applying this decal are given on the "Nudial" card.

Good luck with it!

A.S. Graham

Below you will find a Benrus advertisement from 1944 in which the Benrus Watch Co. states that they are the official timekeeper of the AEA.