WW2 Era Pierce Chronograph Watch Case

A new old stock military chronograph watch case by Pierce, c.1945.

During WW2 all branches of the armed forces took possession of chronograph wristwatches from the Swiss manufacturer, Pierce. These were used for a number of military applications and later, or soon after the war, the War Department set about upgrading their remaining store of watches to reflect changing needs. To support this, Pierce supplied their latest waterproof cases, which were of a more robust product.

The example on offer here is one of several that remained redundant and later disposed of during the MOD sales of the 1980s. These were the result of the closure of the Royal Navy Chronometer Branch at Herstmonceaux Castle, in Sussex. Undoubtedly, the case was made ready in the late 1940s, as the military engraved it with the Trade Pattern "T.P." and "G.W." Gunnery Watch acronyms, plus broad arrow and serial number marks.

The case is in excellent stored condition, complete with waterproof pushers, springs, lead gasket, crown, stem and glass, all intact. As is, it is a piece of history in the story of how military watches developed. Still, equally, it could be utilised for its original purpose, which was to serve as a replacement for a redundant Pierce movement.

To my knowledge, this is the last one.

Code: 51421