Posting this thread at the request of a new forum member starhidiamu. Military watch collectors are a devoted and enthusiastic group, and relatively small in number in comparison to those specializing in other areas of militaria. As such I don’t expect this thread to be a beehive of activity, and perhaps locating is in the PSZnZ section may be a better location. But there is a thread with some watch coverage there, and the first entry happens to be watch of pre war vintage . . .
This watch was presented to Colonel Marian Korewo by the officer corps on his retirement as CO of the 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment in 1939. Korewo was a very accomplished military man whose career spanned the pre-war army through to the Polish Armed Forces in the West (brief bio posted below is from Generałowie Polski Niepodległej – T. Kryska-Karski). He held many important posts including CO of the 2nd Motorized Artillery Regiment of the 1st Armoured Division and also with the 5th Kresowa Infantry Division of the 2nd Corps. Korewo was awarded the Virtuti Militari, and was eventually was promoted to general.
Aside from the historical connection to this officer, this time piece is probably more interesting for its watch band than the actual watch. The band is actually a silver bracelet that has had a watch added. The watch is a Swiss made Cyma. The bracelet / band has a small enameled plaque bearing the crossed cannon motif of the 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment. The reverse is inscribed:
(to the) Commanding Officer of the 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment Colonel Marian Korewo to commemorate (your) service with the 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment from November 1st 1935 to June 21st 1939
(from the) Officer Corps
The clasp is marked with the standard Polish pre-war silver hallmarks with maker initials and a number '2' denoting .875 purity.
Looking forward to seeing other examples of military watches.
Regards,
Tony
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