Superb Military Elgin BW Raymond HS3 deck watch c1943

This is a superb example of a deck watch made by the Elgin Watch Co, USA for use in WW2. After the war it was purchased by the UK government and sent to the Chronometer section at Herstmonceux castle in Sussex, when the case was engraved with “HS3, 55464”

Movement – the high quality nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and a micrometer regulator.  The movement has gold train wheels, a gold capped escape wheel, striped damascening and a wheel positioned on the top plate which is for the sweep hand on the dial. The movement also has a working hacking feature, so that when the winder is retracted to set the hands, the balance stops, allowing for synchronisation of timepieces. The movement is signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, USA, BW Raymond, 21 Jewels, Adj 5 Positions, Temperature” 41755464. The movement is in 95% mint condition – a superb example

Case – the movement comes in a metal keystone case made for Elgin. The case has a screw off back and bezel. The case is engraved on the back H.S.3, 78017 and also has an engraved military arrow. It is also engraved “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, Ser No 225” (this number has been crossed out). The case has turned edges and a smooth plain finish on the sides and back. The case is in 95% mint condition – it has hardly any signs of wear at all

Dial – the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Elgin” and features a military arrow also. The dial is in 100% mint condition – even the hands have their original blue steel bloom

The watch has a mineral glass

The watch measures 51mm wide x 14mm deep

The watch is stem wound / stem set

The watch comes in a wooden box with glazed aperture, latch and leather lined watch holder.