*GSTP, Military Issue, WW2, Black-faced, Pocket Watch, Possible RAF Issue*
An unsigned British Military pocket watch. A white metal nickel open face case which has a snap on back and bezel. A black enamel dial with Arabic numerals and lumen only on the hands and the hour markers. The lack of lumen suggests that this could have been an RAF issue watch. The back has the British Broad Arrow, followed by “G.S.T.P.”, (G.S.T.P. stands for General Services Timepiece/Temporary Pattern, which indicates that the watch was purchased by the British government for the armed forces 1939-1945), this is followed by the army reference number 127076. 5cm diameter.
With the looming war in 1939, the British armed forces, unprepared and slow to adapt, hurriedly sought solutions for anticipated shortages. The War Department hastily acquired pocket watches from diverse Swiss makers and retailers. Designated as “General Service” and categorized under “Temporary Pattern,” these pocket watches played a crucial role as essential timepieces for everyday tasks. The “GSTP” pocket watches, featuring a 15-jewel movement, luminous dial, and subsidiary seconds dial, emerged as the dependable workhorses of the Army’s horological instruments.
Pocket watches issued by the Royal Air Force were identical to those issued by the army except for lacking luminosity. Navigators, particularly during night bombing operations, often preferred 15-jewel pocket watches over wristwatches. The larger size of the pocket watch allowed navigators to place them conveniently on charts, facilitating easier readability of the time.
*Condition*
The face is in very good condition. The stem works to pull to change the time and to wind the watch. The second hand works and the watch appears to keep time. The case has minor scratches and some small dents to the back commensurate with its age and service. We can open the watch on request. Case is in overall good condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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