United Kingdom. A Rare Army Issued Rolex GS MK II Pocket Watch with Black & Gold Dial

The obverse presents a black dial with large phosphorescent Arabic numbers and post war replacement Gold ‘moon’ style hour and minute hands, railroad track along the outer edge, a subdial in place of the 6 o’clock, signed ROLEX A.0322, with a glass crystal face, contained in its original nickel case with crown and fitted bow allowing for a chain, reverse screwback case signed Rolex A. 0322 G.S MK. II with a British broad arrow, internal case signed ROLEX 31 VICTORIES LE HAUTE PRECISION GENEVE SUISSE, internal watch signed ROLEX 15 RUBIES SWISS MADE, also denotes a 540 Calibre movement, the pocket watch measures 49.5mm in diameter (64.8mm including the crown) x 15.7mm in height, weighs 86.5 grams, the dial presents damage in the center of the small subdial, small chipping around the edge of the crystal, light wear to the exterior, otherwise a rare chronograph in very fine condition.

Footnote: At the outbreak of the Second World War, the British forces implemented pocket watches from numerous Swiss makers. The Rolex General Service Mark II presents a black dial pocket watch that was marked with an “A” prior to the issue number. The specifications were for a keyless watch with leather thong, strong lever in metal case with strong glass crystal, fully luminous with a 15 jeweled movement. Examples with black enamelled dials are very rare.