Military pocket watch with a Decimal dial c1940

Code: WS32

This watch is sold in our Watches for restoration section and does not come with a warranty. If you are looking for watch with a full warranty, please go to our Stock page or ask for assistance to find what you are looking for.

The following chapter refers to Zenith watches, please scroll down past this to see important information relating to this watch

After the war the Zenith HS3 deck watches went into storage at the Chronometer Section of the Hydrographic Department at Hertsmonceaux Castle; there during the 1950’s they had the enamel dials replaced with special decimal dials, using smaller hour and minute hands. This indicated that the watches “time-telling” ability is of only secondary importance to their main intended function. The dial layout gives emphasis to minutes, which are picked out in red on the intermediate chapter ring and an outer ring has been calibrated to indicate 100 unites per minute. These watches were particularly useful for the rapid mathematical calculations, where time equations could be more readily determined and expressed in terms of decimals. At the time of the alteration the screw-back case has had the original “HS3” mark cancelled and has been engraved with the new Nato stores numbers; “8006” is made up from the last four digits of the movements serial number. Source: A Concise Guide to Military Timepieces by Z. M. Wesolowski

This pocket watch to my knowledge is not a Zenith. The movement looks almost identical to the types used for these watches but just has a regular regulator instead of a micrometer regulator. Under the dial there is a logo TU which I am not familiar with. The movement does come in a Zenith case however but is not a recase.

This watch is sold as described. It is working but does not come with a warranty

Movement – the nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement with a a wheel positioned on top the main plate for the sweep centre second hand. The movement is is in 99% mint condition

Case – the movement comes in a white metal open face case, which has a screw off back and bezel. The back is engraved with a broad arrow, British government mark and 562. The case has a smooth plain finish and is in 95% mint condition

Dial – the silvered dial has three chapter rings – see the opening paragraph for an explanation for the function. The dial is in 80% mint condition – scuffed and with scratches

The watch measures 51mm wide x 16mm deep

The watch has a bevelled mineral glass

The watch is stem wound / stem set