This watch

A powerful and historically significant military timepiece, with the clearest sharp original enamelled dial .likely issued to the British Royal Navy during or immediately following World War II, featuring a massive, robust steel case and a high-grade Tissot Central seconds movement . A phenomenal example of a Deck Watch in almost unused condition , Most were designated by the British Admiralty code H.S. 3 (Hydrographic Service Mark 3), a classification assigned to chronometer-quality timepieces used for precise navigation on naval vessels.

During the war, these 60mm oversized watches had a number of applications and not just as deck watches. One version saw them fitted to the Swordfish biplane, however, many were reserved for use on patrol vessels, such as the MTB (Motor Torpedo Boat). In this role, high-precision timekeepers were not essential for short-range navigation but their clear size and robust quality made them perfect for fast-paced naval actions.

Note the solid steel screw back and front case would give very good protection to the movement from the elements at sea.

Extra Points

H. Golay (often linked to the company H. Golay & Fils or similar names) refers to a company or family line of specialist Swiss watch movement makers, sometimes associated with the wider, long-established Golay watchmaking tradition in Geneva (like Golay-Leresche or Golay Fils & Stahl).

Role in Collaboration: In the specific case of the WWII-era H.S. 3 Deck Watches, Mathey-Tissot often acted as the primary assembler, finisher, and supplier, with their name (E.M.T.) appearing on the dial. However, they frequently used large, high-grade movements sourced from specialised movement manufacturers (or ébauche makers). Historical records and collector observations indicate that the movements for these military deck watches were often supplied by H. Golay.

What We Think

This is a true military workhorse, embodying the functional requirements of WWII-era horology. Its design and construction reflects the designation, H.S. 3, places it firmly in the lineage of instruments used by the Royal Navy's Hydrographic Service, which was responsible for mapping and chart production—a literally vital service during the war.

The massive size and screw-down case were design elements intended to be rugged. This watch was likely removed from its protective wooden transit box (often seen with the H.S. 3 watches) and carried by the Officer-of-the-Watch or Navigator, who used the clear dial and sweep seconds hand for crucial tasks like calculating ship position using celestial navigation.

The movement quality is exceptional. Unlike standard pocket watches, these deck watches needed to be adjusted for isochronism in multiple positions to maintain accuracy despite the movement of the ship. The use of Swiss movements from Tissot and other manufacturers highlights the reliance the British military placed on proven, high-quality international suppliers during the conflict.

For a collector, this is a tangible piece of naval heritage—a genuine tool used to win the war at sea. Apparently one of these watches is kept in the collection at the Royal museum at Greenwich.

Most were stored at Herstmonceaux Castle, the RN's Chronometer Depot.

Spec Stuff

Reference : 99373 MTB Deck watch (HS3)

Movement : Emile Matthey Tissot using a movement from H. Golay.

Age :1941/1950
Specific Age : 1940s WW2
Case Size : 62mm
Case Thickness : 19mm
Weight Approx : TBC Grams
Condition : Preowned
Box & Papers : No -
Case Material : Steel
Service History : Serviced 24-Months Mechanical Warranty

Mathey-Tissot

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Mathey-Tissot

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Antique Watch Co Ltd
19 Clerkenwell Road,
London, EC1M 5RD (Appointment Only)