W.W.II. REVUE RAF Navigator's Pocket Watch.1941
SOLD
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Original W.W.II. period British Royal Air Force Navigator/Observer's pocket watch manufactured by Revue and supplied by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd, London. Dating from 1941.
Solid nickel case with screw-on back and bezel. British military markings engraved on back of case : "A.M." (Air Ministry), "6E/540" and the serial number "9674/41". The 540 is an engraving error, which has been officially cancelled and replaced by the correct Air Ministry assignation for an observer/navigator's pocket watch, "6E/50". Inside back stamped with an ink hand stamp, "G & S Co. Ltd" (Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd). Case diameter (not including crown) : 52mm. Case condition : 80%.
Nice quality, Swiss made, silvered, 18.5 ligne, 15 jewel movement. Unsigned, but positively identified as being made by Revue (calibre 30). Decorated with Geneve stripes. Breguet overcoil hairspring. Movement condition (appearance) : 95 %. Recently serviced. Time keeping : good.
Original matt silver coloured dial with subsidiary
seconds. Black numerals. Blued steel hands. Dial condition : 90%.
The “Société d’ Horlogerie à Waldenburg” was
founded in 1853 in the Jura town of Waldenburg by Gédéon Thommen & Louis Tschopp.
In 1859 the company was taken over by Gédéon Thommen, who became the sole owner.
The company originally used the brand mark “G.T.” and its improved manufacturing
and assembly methods were used in the production of quality watches. In 1885 the
company patented the G.T. “Springeruhr”, pocket watch with a mechanical digital
display. By 1870, the company manufactured 4,000 watches per year, which
increased to an output of 13,000 in 1890. From 1875 as well as cylinder watches,
the company was also producing lever pocket watches.
After Gédéon Thommen’s death, his son
Alphonse took over the business and registered the company name, “Thommens
Uhrenfabriken AG” in 1905. Alphonse continued as the company’s president until
1932. In March 1910, the company registered the trademark, “Revue” and sometime
after also made watches under the name, "Vertex". Due to the increasing demand
for wristwatches the opened an additional factory in Waldenburg as well as
others in Gelterkinden and Langenbruck.
When the demand for watches dropped during the
depression of the 1930s, the company also began manufacturing precision
instruments for industrial applications. In 1936 the company formed the
subsidiary, “Thommen” who specialised in the development and manufacture of
aviation navigational instruments. The company supplied timepieces and
instruments to both the British & German armed forces.
In the 1980’s the company renamed in their
instrument and watch brands, “Revue Thommen” and since 2001, they have been
manufactured under licence by Grovana Watch Co.
As well as “G.T.”,” Revue”, "Vertex" &
“Thommen”, throughout its history, the company has also made timepieces under
the brand names, “Vulcain”, “Cyrus” & “Sola”.
Inventory No. 521
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