A chrome plated keyless wind Leonidas military pocket watch circa 1940, the cream dial with...

A chrome plated keyless wind Leonidas military pocket watch circa 1940, the cream dial with black Arabic numerals, quarterly numerals being luminous, outer minute track and subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o' clock, plain case numbered to reverse G.S.T.P N 6867 beneath British broad arrow, with Swiss lever escapement. Case diameter 52mm. Together with Similar example.

Pocket watches were hurriedly purchased by the procurement office from numerous Swiss makers and from commercial retailers, in anticipation of the shortages that were likely to follow. Most of these pocket watches were regarded as "General Service" timepieces and classified as "Temporary Pattern". While more appropriate watches were not yet available to the Army in sufficient numbers these "GSTP" pocket watches had to suffice, becoming the workhorses of the Army's horological instruments. "General Service" watches were exactly that. They fulfilled the role of the contemporary timekeeper for routine duties such as those performed, for example, by radio operators and drivers. Each Swiss-produced GSTP watch had a 15 jewel movement, luminous black or white dial and subsidiary seconds dial. Cases were normally provided with snap backs, although some do have screw backs. This particular Leonidas pocket watch is a typical example of the standard British Army GSTP.   For reference please see Weselowski, Military Timepieces, page 41.