International Watch Company. A stainless steel military issue keyless wind deck watch
Date: Circa 1940, reissued to the Royal Navy in 1971
Movement: Gilt Swiss lever, cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, swan neck regulation, No.1014395
Dial: White, black Roman numeral hour markers, black outer minute track, blued steel spade hands, centre seconds, No.4395
Case: Polished round, screw down back engraved H.S.↑3, No.1014395
Signed: Movement
Size: 51mm, box 12cm x 8.5cm x 3.5cm
Accompaniments: Wooden display case with MOD issued card
Footnotes:
In the 1940's IWC supplied watches to the German Luftwaffe. The Grosse Fliegeruhr was robust, accurate and most importantly highly legible. Only 1200 pieces were produced (movement numbers between 1.013.801 and 1.015.000) with 1000 destined for the Luftwaffe. The remaining 200 movements were used in English deck watches such as the current example.

In the early 1970s the watches were recalled by the Hydrographic Service and returned to the Royal Observatory which had by then relocated from Greenwich to Herstmonceaux Castle in Sussex. There they were serviced and adjusted before being re-issued.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Ω
Ω VAT on imported items at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.

Movement: Runs when wound
Dial: Light marks in places, hairline crack between 7 and 8
Hands: Light tarnishing visible under a loupe
Glass: A couple of minor nicks to the edge in places
Case: Surface scratches throughout, more prominent scratches to band by 11 and 1
Box: Scratches and tarnishing commensurate with use, small section of wood missing from underside

We do not test any watches for their accuracy and as such timekeeping cannot be guaranteed.

We advise that if you are bidding on a watch, that you or your agents are completely satisfied with the condition of the lot. We recommend that all watches are serviced and polished after the sale as they are handled throughout the viewing period. Please note that although Bonhams endeavour to include reference to any replacement parts within our Condition Reports we cannot confirm that each individual element of the watch is original or that, if replaced, the replacement has been made using original manufacturer's parts.

Please note that due to the UK leaving the European Union there will be further import charges applicable if you are based in the EU. Please do familiarise yourself with local duties.