Tony --with respect, I'm not sure your theory is correct. Armistice Day was in 1918, and at least my watch was delivered in 1919. The Engineer Corps weren't frontline troops, and after the war they were active in bridge and road construction.
As Adrian confirmed (thanks by the way), Swiss watches were much less expensive. I can't believe that cost wasn't a material consideration.
1,908 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 4, 2001
Michael, with just as much respect. :) I am not claiming that my theory is the correct one. All I am saying is that no consideration is being given to operation needs in this discussion which, in war times, frequently override costs. The Armistice was signed on 11 November 1918 and, according to the document Jimmy posted, the watches were ordered on 10 August with the war still going and with the German submarines still active in the Atlantic wreaking havoc. It is no surprise some of the watches were delivered only in 1919 in view of the size of the order. I agree that the CoE were not strictly speaking frontline troops, although the first US casualties in the Great War were from the CoE. I should have said war theatre, since frontline is frequently difficult to define.
250 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 24, 2001
I am not sure about the prices. The Hamilton ad won't show the prices paid between two manufacturers and for sure it won't show the prices for a volume order of some thousand watches.
Anyhow I deem it a concern of the CoE procurement to keep the transport way for valueables as short as possible.
With respect to the blackening: Sulphur was used, but as I and the goldsmith I engaged learned the technique to blacken the watch is still known, but nowadays goldsmiths are no longer used to employ this technique. So in case anyhow intends to blacken his watch, please search for an old damaged case for training and a goldsmith used to restore old silver plates.
Regarding the Engineer Corps: You are not entirely correct, Michael. Parts of the CoE weren't frontline troops, but run the railroad system of AEF (These used the Hamilton watches). But about a third of the CoE troops were engaged at the frontline. And it looks like the V&C and IWC were used with those troops on the front or near to the front.
As Adrian confirmed (thanks by the way), Swiss watches were much less expensive. I can't believe that cost wasn't a material consideration.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 25 December, 2012 - 16:41
I am not claiming that my theory is the correct one. All I am saying is that no consideration is being given to operation needs in this discussion which, in war times, frequently override costs.
The Armistice was signed on 11 November 1918 and, according to the document Jimmy posted, the watches were ordered on 10 August with the war still going and with the German submarines still active in the Atlantic wreaking havoc.
It is no surprise some of the watches were delivered only in 1919 in view of the size of the order.
I agree that the CoE were not strictly speaking frontline troops, although the first US casualties in the Great War were from the CoE. I should have said war theatre, since frontline is frequently difficult to define.
clepsydra
ad fontes...
Last edited: 25 December, 2012 - 18:30
Anyhow I deem it a concern of the CoE procurement to keep the transport way for valueables as short as possible.
With respect to the blackening: Sulphur was used, but as I and the goldsmith I engaged learned the technique to blacken the watch is still known, but nowadays goldsmiths are no longer used to employ this technique. So in case anyhow intends to blacken his watch, please search for an old damaged case for training and a goldsmith used to restore old silver plates.
Regarding the Engineer Corps: You are not entirely correct, Michael. Parts of the CoE weren't frontline troops, but run the railroad system of AEF (These used the Hamilton watches). But about a third of the CoE troops were engaged at the frontline. And it looks like the V&C and IWC were used with those troops on the front or near to the front.
Regards
Th. Koenig