Aristo A-8 'Jitterbug' Stopwatch

Sure, Analog:Shift is a business built around the love of watches — primarily mechanical watches. However, in essence, it's our love for timepieces and timekeeping in general that is the common theme throughout the items we procure. And that includes the love of clocks, such as pocket watches, travel clocks, and more.

After all, in the couple of hundred years preceding the First World War, personal timekeeping was dominated by pocket watches, and before that, larger clocks were at the forefront, horologically. We still believe a good clock — such as a classic travel model from the 1920s or 1930s — has a place in the watch lover's collection.

Some military timepieces are famous because they were flashy. Others because they were worn by heroes. And then there are the ones like the Aristo A8 "Jitterbug"—quiet, specialized instruments designed to solve a specific problem perfectly.

Issued initially to U.S. bomber crews during World War II and later into the Korean War, the A8 wasn't for telling the hour. It was for survival. This was a navigation timer: a precision stopwatch used to calculate bombing runs, headings, drift, and dead-reckoning position in the air. When you're flying a B-29 through heavy flak at 25,000 feet, timing isn't abstract—it's math that keeps you alive.

What makes the Aristo special—what earned it the nickname "Jitterbug"—is its astonishing beat rate: 144,000 vibrations per hour, three times the frequency of most mechanical watches of its era. The result is a second hand that seems to vibrate around the dial, ticking like a live wire. It's mesmerizing—an object built for pure function that accidentally became hypnotic.

Produced between roughly 1950 and 1953, this example wears its history authentically: a purposeful case, bold Arabic numerals, a clean sector-style dial, and a wild, humming sweep hand. The movement engages and snaps reset with the crisp mechanical authority of proper mil-spec engineering.

The A8 Jitterbug has never been a watch that chases collectors, which is precisely why it feels so compelling now. It's pure purpose, pure history, pure presence.

Underrated? Absolutely.

Unforgettable once seen in motion? Even more so.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.