Stunning Lodhi-Leonidas Military Pocket Watch Reissued to Pakistan During the 1940s
GSTP watches were made by numerous manufacturers but were all of similar design, which was more than likely specified by the British authorities. The British armed forces were slow to embrace change and consequently, when war broke out again in 1939 they were ill-prepared with insufficient timepieces for the servicemen and women. Pocket watches were hurriedly purchased from various Swiss manufacturers in anticipation of shortages.
Most of these watches were regarded as 'General Service' and classified as Temporary Patterns'. These pocket watches became the timekeeping workhorses of the early part of the war whilst more appropriate wristwatches were being commissioned.
What's on Offer
After doing some research we believe this particular pocket watch was originally issued to the British military during World War II but was then reissued to the Pakistan military shortly after the war and rebranded as Lodhi. The watch does contain a Leonidas movement commonly seen in the GSTP-issued pocket watches in WWII.
The stark black dial with extra bold Arabic numerals are both synonymous hallmarks of military equipment and the sparse design allowed for easy visibility. The oversized numerals are in very good condition - absolutely remarkable for an instrument just shy of a 90-year-old. The ornate cathedral hands have also survived, and still, boast their original lume which has aged to a sand colour. The Stainless steel has also faired well and shows very few signs of major wear. The original engravings are still present on the caseback showing the classic British military arrow and P standing for Pakistan. The GS-MK 2 stands for general service.