A gun metal alarm pocket watch made by Zenith and retailed by Birch & Gaydon LTD, circa 1915,...

A gun metal alarm pocket watch made by Zenith and retailed by Birch & Gaydon LTD, circa 1915, the black dial with bold luminous Arabic numerals, subsidiary alarm and seconds dials positioned at twelve and six o' clock respectively, the gun metal case numbered 10702, hand and alarm set pushers flank the winding at one and eleven o' clock, case bears an integral stand, fitted with a signed movement with Swiss lever escapement. Case diameter 47mm.

Although this watch does not bear any military property stamps, it does have certain attributes which would make it an admirable service timepiece. The retailer, Birch & Gaydon Ltd of London, supplied the British military with equipment throughout the Great War and, as is probably the case with this watch, also retailed their stock privately to members of the armed forces. The watch itself was made by the Swiss maker Zenith, circa 1915 employing an unusual 15 jewel movement with a built-in alarm which is operated by a second spring barrel and a hammer which strikes against a gong. Clever case design also enabled the user to position the watch upright on an integral stand..  For reference please see Wesolowski; Military Timepieces page 28.