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Pocket Watches

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clockwatcher WRT Addict

clockwatcher

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Evening all!

In addition to the Swedish military Lemania watches that I was recently given, I got two pocket watches. One is a Leonidas, running and keeping time, that is marked on the case GS/TP with a broad arrow and 086876 with Bravingtons engraved below.

I gather that the Bravingtons identification is because these watches were sold off by them post-war but can anyone tell me anything about Leonidas movements and who might have used these pocket watches?

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The other watch is key wound in a very worn silver plated brass case. There are no makers names anywhere on the watch, only the letters G R K under the balance. The train is intact as, when I give a little wind, the balance wheel spins freely but it won't run.

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post-742-0-81363200-1445543461_thumb.jpg

Sorry about the poor quality pics but hopefully they'll be enough for identification purposes.

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WillFly Distinguished Member

WillFly

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Posted

The Bourquin family founded Leonidas in the 1840s. They specialised in making miltary timepieces and were part of the Leonidas/Droz company in the late 1930s. The company was taken over by Heuer about 1960. And, yes, a lot of military stuff - never actually used - was bought by Bravingtons the jewellers, engraved with their mark and then sold off in their shops. So it's likely that yours - like some of mine - never heard a shot fired in anger.

 

As to who wore pocket watches in the military, I'm not sure. Wrist watches were obviously more convenient in battle situations.

 

Cheers,

 

Will

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