Leonidas - 350523 - 1900-1949

Object: authentic Swiss military pocket watch (G.S.T.P.) and predecessor of TAG Heuer.
Brand: Leonidas (Saint-Imier, Switzerland)
Period: circa 1940 (early World War II)
Serial number: 350523

Historical significance and military purity:
This Leonidas timepiece is a rare survivor from the early British war effort. As the conflict intensified, the British Ministry of Supply relied on the precision of Swiss-made movements for critical logistical and tactical operations. The case back features the iconic "broad arrow" (pheon), denoting it as official British Crown property.

The rarity of the "unmolested" state:
What sets this specific piece apart is the absence of civilian re-issue markings. Post-war, thousands of these watches were bought by retailers like Bravingtons, polished, and re-stamped for the civilian market. This watch is a true survivor: it was never processed for civilian resale and remains in its original issued military state. For the serious collector, this purity is a key factor in its historical value.

Leonidas later merged with Heuer (now TAG Heuer). This watch represents the rugged, technical roots of what would become one of the world's most iconic luxury watch brands.

Specifications and condition:

Condition: fully original and unrestored ("unmolested").
Movement: mechanical manual wind (15 jewels). Currently in running condition.
Patina: features a stunning, natural "radium burn" on the dial. This characteristic browning, caused by decades of original radium lume, is the ultimate hallmark of authenticity.
Case: chrome-plated brass with honest wear consistent with active military field use.