175 - IWC / International Watch Co. - Royal Navy

IWC / International Watch Co. - Royal Navy (*) A Schaffhausen deck watch for the British Royal Navy - Chronometer Section, Hydrographic Department, Ministry of Defense Movement No. 1014898, Ref. H.S.3., Cal. 52 T H6, Case No. 1014898, Dimensions 51 mm, circa 1939, Weight 107 g, Origin: Switzerland Case: Steel, screw-down back, military engraving 'H.S.3'. Dial: Enamel. Movement: 3/4-plate movement, screw-compensated balance. IWC’s Caliber 52 was developed as early as 1893 and is one of the most tried-and-tested movements. Variants H6 (6 mm high) with an added central seconds hand above the plate and T (hand-setting via the crown) were used in aviator’s watches and deck watches such as this one. This classic deck chronometer is in excellent condition, and its distinctive, flawless dial in the steel case, the intricate fine regulation, and an unusual bridge fitted for the indirect sweep seconds make it a truly unique timepiece. The Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty was established by Order-in-Council in 1795 for the purpose of supplying up-to-date charts and hydrographic information to ships of the Royal Navy, initially drawing from a vast amount of unprocessed material accumulated at the Admiralty. In 1809, the Department also assumed responsibility for supplying the fleet with chronometers. Throughout the nineteenth century, the Department’s scope steadily expanded until, by the 1880s, Great Britain became the first nation to offer a worldwide collection of charts and sailing directions for sale to shipping from all nations. Source: Royal Museums Greenwich Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.