A Remarkably Well-Preserved Cortebert GSTP WW2 Military Pocket Watch with Military Engravings and Beautifully Aged Lume, c.1940s

GSTP watches were made by numerous manufacturers but were all of similar design, which was more than likely specified by the British authorities.   The British armed forces were slow to embrace change and consequently, when war broke out again in 1939 they were ill-prepared with insufficient timepieces for the servicemen and women. Pocket watches were hurriedly purchased from various Swiss manufacturers in anticipation of shortages.  Most of these watches were regarded as 'General Service' and classified as 'Temporary Pattern'. These pocket watches became the timekeeping workhorses of the early part of the war whilst more appropriate wristwatches were being commissioned. 

History. Abraham-Louis Juillard opened his small watchmaking store in Cortébert village in Switzerland in 1790. This date is commonly used as the date of founding although the Cortébert brand name was not registered until 1855 using the bottony cross as a logo.

What’s On Offer 

Can you believe this pocket watch has survived so many years in such remarkable condition? It has all the hallmarks we would expect to see on a military timepiece including a rich black dial, bold Arabic numerals and a sub-seconds counter at 6 o'clock. The original lume remains on the quarter numerals and on the original hands and it has aged beautifully to the holy grail colour of pumpkin! The caseback boasts original military markings which read: GSTP T5535. It also bears the arrow which denotes the watch as property of the MoD. This pocket watch is in full working order and runs well having recently been serviced. What an exceptionally nice possession to have, a genuine piece of British military history in the shape of a wonderful timepiece. Any military or vintage enthusiast would be overjoyed with this piece. 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Black

Crystal: Acrylic

Bracelet: N/A

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 526

Jewels: 15

Waterproof: No

Power reserve:

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: 

Date of issue: c.1940s

Warranty: 12 Months VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 52mm

Lug width: N/A

Lug height: (lug to lug) N/A

Wrist size: N/A