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?

[speckles]

Mine shows 1050/82... so I assume watch number 1,050 from 1982

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?

[Gil Boyd]

Speckles,
Yes absolutely right the 1050th watch of 1982 in larger text at the bottom of the rear plate, with the NSN NATO STOCK Number beside it including a 99 indicating it was made for NATO countries to avail themselves of it if they so wish.