WW2 Sniper CES

[ArtioZen]

I typically don't get involved in the "full kit" CES collecting and stick to just the obvious contents of the Crate, however I just experienced an opportunity of a lifetime to increase my collection and along came a couple of the extra items - the spotting scope and a pocket watch. The latter is what this post is really about.

Can anyone provide further info per the war time use, types and specs of such watches? I have seen the later wrist watches posted here..I also collect civilian pocket watches back to 1870 or so - this is my first broad arrow example..

Many shanks in advance.

Information

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[speckles]

I have come across a few of those for the entire kit. I never really pulled the trigger because the “kit” is never ending. I do have the wrist watch however... I let the pocket watch go.

[Gil Boyd]

General Service Time Piece - GSTP. Not sure it was ever listed in the CES though, but may have been at the very start. Clearly the G10 watch was issued "generally" as a starred item later with the binos, something you dare not lose, but certainly can't remember the pocket watch scenario!

[Paul S.]

I wonder if the pocket watch dates back to WWI when wrist watches were not as common.

[boristhepig]

The 1946 and 1951 Sniping pamphlets both list under additional equipment Watches, GS (General Service). The corresponding pictures see below shows a pocket watch with a black face.

[speckles]

Attachment 96870Attachment 96869This is what I got

[Giove]

This may interest you.

From the book: "Military Timepieces 1880 - 1990" by Z. M. Wesolowski.

[Gil Boyd]

I have to agree a watch of sorts was most probably used by the NO2 as indicated, but certainly it was only in the very early 70's from my recollection, and I hope Peter picks up on this, that watches, strapped for the use of, were finally issued to snipers and included in the CES. They became a starred item and issued to all NCO's and Officers.

Speckles,
The CWC watch you show is a fairly recent addition, and issued with MWC, SEIKO and others. What is the date on the back please which will indicate its manufacture date?

[boristhepig]

Picture of my mechanical CWC (Cabot Watch Company) W10 wristwatch, this one is 1975 and I have recently had it cleaned and serviced, I believe the CWC manufactured W10 mechanical watch first came into service in 1972. It was replaced in 1980 by the G10 quartz watch.

[chosenman]

I believe the GSTP was CESSI, Complete Equipment Schedule Supplimentary Issue. Probably available at unit level along with camouflage x2 scarf, compass and binoculars.
When sniping recommenced in 1973 the wrist watch took the place of the GSTP and was also available at unit level along with prismatic compass and binoculars however these items were no longer CESSI and drawn from stores as starred items which the sniper would sign his life away for.