The modern wrist watch gained popularity in World War I and World War II. Previous to the wars it was considered most un-manly to wear a wrist watch. It took the rigors of combat to convince men that having both hands free while being shot at or while trying to fly an aircraft in combat was a worthwhile endeavor.
The GG-W-113 watch and subsequently the Mil-W-46374 watches found considerable favor with military personnel during WW2. Essentially a quick glance at a very legible time piece was all you needed. The watch also needed to withstand pressures, moisture, shock, vibration and not be reflective to give up your position. (The picture below was snipped off the internet).