I'm not an expert on those watches. I just read what others post. Some people are very knowledgeable. Moreso those Longines watches actually have legit markings and they can also be traced back using archives and various other paperwork. There's also a couple of particularities that, usually, military watches of the era had...
That is not a problem. Many Military Surplus watches were given to Pakistan after the War. British engravings were erased and Pakistani Stock Numbers engraved. with the typical Pakistani Numerals. that`s why they can show up as British Delivery. Most famous case were the Panerai`s, given to Pakistan . complete with a Cache of Spare parts and even Watchmakers tools to open the backs for service. Panerai designed Tools. Plus a watchmakers Lathe. And after the Service they were decommissioned . Until one Surplus assigned soldier offered one privately to an Pakistani born British Watchdealer and the first 3 Panerai`s changed hands in a private Deal. the Soldier could not believe , what he got for that old junk. But his commanding Officer heard that and took charge . asked 10 fold, got ten fold and both sides were laughing all the way to the Bank. Military Watches can be Fun...... kind regards. achim
Speaking of this subject I've always been curious about one thing.
Usually Swiss watches were and still are at the top when it comes to all things horological. What I don't understand is how come watches from the highest regarded swiss brands were bought/issued/used by army personnel of poor/underdeveloped/developing countries ?
In the end, were these watches only issued to top brass and, perhaps, elite troops (such as aviators or special forces) ? Is corruption and vanity involved in this whole thing ? (i.e. buying really expensive but useless things for select people instead of using funds for more necessary things such as modernization/training/etc. ? If this Omega is indeed genuine, I don't see it being proper for active combat troops whether on the ground or in the air so was this more of a gift from some dictator to top army personnel ?
I know that watches have gone up in value insanely (in some cases) but there are 2 things to consider here:
1. inflation. 45$ today does not equate to 45$ 50-60 years ago. Back then 45$ was worth a lot more.
2. Peru wasn't a highly developed nation (they still have plenty of problems to this day) so, 45$ was most definitely not a small sum of money.
So, again I ask, was this corruption/vanity or did they pay quite a bit of money for watches that they actually used in their various jobs ? Or maybe a combination of both... I just don't see how and why would undeveloped nations buy these watches and not cheaper ones (maybe locally produced). That's why I'm curious as to who actually received/bought them.
Look, that is British engraving . Not PAF engraving, which was done in Pakistan for ALL PAF watches of this Type. Look at the Numeral Seven. the Pakistani Seven is 2 straight strokes. Nothing curved, like the british Seven. the Pakistani Numeral One has the little downstroke at the Top. This reference is reserved for the British WW2 Alloy Middle Longines Pilots Watch. The very first ones were all stainless steel, but had earlier movement numbers. So, a very healthy Question Mark is in order; even for the MWR Example. Kind regards. Achim
I'm not asking what they issued. I'm asking HOW COME they've issued such expensive/premium watches ? And to whom. Active combat personnel or top brass (generals, admirals, etc.).
As for service numbers I have yet to see a PAF watch of any style or make with nothing but a movement number inscribed which I assume is the service number.
All the PAF watches I ever saw (Citizen, Tissot, Omega) had a broad arrow engraved (long or short tail); this is not a broad arrow. Feels fake to me.
