WORLD WAR 2 - SERVICES WATCH

[Mervyn Mitton]

When WW2 commenced the British Forces were lacking equipment in many fields - compass' , watches - even binoculars. These were essential items for Signals, Artillery and other specialised units. The short term solution was to buy them from other Countries.

This pocket watch has full makers markings for the famous U.S. company - ELGIN. I will show a number of photos - the issue number is there and someone may have access for sales ? However, the Broad Arrow of the Board of Ordnance is back stamped - showing British usage - I wonder though what the other letters stand for ?

The 'smart' thing back after the War for small boys, was to have a watch with a radium dial - you spent your time in a dark room looking at the glow - well , we didn't have T.V. However, look at the plastic dial cover and you will see why this wasn't a good idea. The radium has burnt into the plastic cover - in exactly the proportions to the amount on the face. Still probably not a good idea to wear one.

A few years ago we had a Signals officer' medals ,binocs and watch. The watch was a Swiss Rolex and the Binocs. - Bausch & Lombe from the US - all had the broad arrow.

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[leigh kitchen]

Can't see it being the case, but G.S.T.P. - General Service Time Piece? No, I can't see that being right.

[leigh kitchen]

And by coincidence I've just looked at this recently updated thread - post no. 29 Merv:

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=25133&pid=379589&st=20&#entry379589

Great minds think alike, even if they may be wrong?

[Tony]

A cracking watch and with a new glass it'll look fantastic.

Only 5000 of these watches with the serial number 41774472 were made, the year of manufacture was 1942. It's an open face 3/4 plate (meaning the balance wheel is at the same level as the other cogs) and pendant set (standard watch movement winder and hand adjustment) watch.

Elgin is a very well known US watchmaker, the company has been making watches since the US civil war which goes some way to explain the quality.

I didn't see any repairer's ID marks so it has probably worked happily all its life. I did wonder if the 49 was a jeweller's repair/overhaul ID mark but watchmakers usually add the tiniest engraving to the inside of the back cover.

Tony

Edited January 15, 2010 by Tony

[Tony]

By the way, GSTP may also be the abbreviation for General Service Temporary Pattern due to these watches being not of standard government issue e.g. bought overseas at the hurry up.

Tony