Military Issue Watch
A military issue watch carries the precise engineering and hard-wearing utility demanded by armed forces across the twentieth century.
Military Issue Watch
A military issue watch comprises rugged timepieces, pocket watches, and navigational instruments commissioned for official service. Collectors encounter wristwatches and pocket watches spanning from the Edwardian era and the First World War through to the Second World War and the 1960s. These items bear specific government or department markings, reflecting standard issue for army, navy, and air force personnel.
The most common versions met on this page are Second World War wristwatches, including British WWW pieces, German service watches, and ATP models. Alongside these, trench watches from the 1910s and pilots' pieces from various air forces appear regularly. Each piece connects directly to a specific military department or campaign.
How They Were Made
These instruments utilise durable metals such as stainless steel, nickel, brass, and standard steel for robust case construction. Dials typically feature clear enamel or painted finishes with high-contrast numerals for rapid legibility in difficult conditions. Glass or acrylic crystals protect the face, while leather straps or metal components secure the piece during active deployment.
Movements inside are mechanical calibres designed for reliability under field conditions, often housed in moisture-resistant or dust-proof casings. Engraved case backs display broad arrows, serial numbers, and specific military contract codes denoting their official origin.
Military Issue Watch Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for military issue watch among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some cockpit clocks from early military aviation kept time while banking steeply above the clouds.
What Varies in Quality
Condition involves the preservation of the case finish and the legibility of the enamel or painted dial. Pieces that maintain their unpolished contours and correct period calibres represent the higher tier of available specimens.
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The Military Issue Watch Glossary
- WWW
- Wrist Watch Waterproof, designating a specific specification of British military wristwatches issued during the Second World War. These pieces form a core group for collectors.
- ATP
- Army Trade Pattern, a classification stamped on British military watches procured during the early stages of the Second World War. They are robust, standard service timepieces.
- Broad Arrow
- A government mark utilised on British military property to denote official ownership. It appears on dials, case backs, and associated equipment.
- Trench Watch
- A transitional timepiece bridging pocket watches and wristwatches, developed during the First World War for use in the field. They feature wire lugs soldered to the case.
- Calibre
- The internal movement or mechanism of a watch, manufactured by specific horological houses. Collectors study these to verify the authenticity of the piece.
Military Issue Watch: Frequently Asked Questions
What does the broad arrow mark mean?
The broad arrow is a government property stamp found on British military equipment. Its presence confirms that the piece was officially commissioned for service.
Collectors look for this mark on the case back and dial as a primary indicator of authenticity.
Were these watches worn in combat?
Many of these pieces were issued directly to soldiers, pilots, and naval personnel for active deployment. They served as essential tools for synchronising operations and navigation.
Consequently, signs of wear often reflect their active history in the field.
How do I identify a Second World War British military watch?
British service watches from this period frequently display specific codes like WWW or ATP on the reverse. They also feature the government broad arrow and fixed wire lugs or solid bars.
These standardisations helped quartermasters track equipment efficiently.
What is a Dirty Dozen watch?
The Dirty Dozen refers to a group of twelve Swiss manufacturers who supplied standardised waterproof wristwatches to the British Army towards the end of the Second World War.
Finding all twelve models forms a celebrated challenge for military watch collectors.