Here we have a 1943 Birch & Gaydon Land & Water military style watch. It has the 32.5mm Stainless Steel case with the water-resistant screw back. It has the subtly patinated silver sector dial, with the clear Arabic numerals which have the original luminous paint. It has the retailer and model signing, with the large sub-second register, which has the eyecatching grained concentric circles. To the right is the chunky crown. The rear has the 12-sided screw back with the circular brushed finish. Inside it has the inner dust cover which further protects the movement. The watch is powered by the Zenith calibre 106. It is a shockproof manual wind movement which has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.

Collectors are well verses with the earlier, WW1 period Birch & Gaydon Land & Water watches. But the WW2 period 1940s design of Land & Water is very seldomly seen.

It is a model that perfectly combines form and function, providing a trusty companion in the most testing conditions.

The dial is a real joy of this watch. It is the silver base tone which has developed a subtle and even speckled patination. It has also slightly darkened with age. Both are an appealing testament to the watches life and wear, whilst not detracting from the original design. The dial has the sector layout with the exterior having the dash minute track, with thicker markers for the 5 minute graduations. The numerals sit within the outer sector and are bold and legible. They are Arabic numerals which have the original luminous paint within. They have aged to the darkened tone expected over the years. The centre sector of the dial has the ‘Birch & Gaydon Ltd’ makers name with the curved ‘Land & Water’ model text. Above the inset sub-second register is the ‘Waterproof’ text. The sub-second register is simple and neat, with the grained concentric circles catching the eye with their radiating sunburst. To the exterior are the bold 5 second graduation dashes. The hour and minute hands are of the pencil style with the split seconds having the luminous in-fill. They are thermally blued and maintain a bright shine. The sub-second hand is the lollipop style and fits perfectly.

The case is neatly proportioned, measuring 32.5mm x 32mm. The presence is increased on the wrist with the 39.5mm lug-to-lug length. It is a thin watch with a depth of 8.7mm which makes it a comfortable wear. The 18mm lug width allows a well sized strap to be fitted.

It is formed of Stainless Steel and has the notched, bevelled bezel which neatly surrounds the dial and reflects the light. The lugs are tapered with the curved edge. It has the drilled lugs for ease of strap change. To the right-hand side, the case has the cut out for the notched crown. It is a well sized crown for ease of wind. The 12-sided screw back which has the circular brushed finish. It is proudly engraved with the Birch and Gaydon name and address, as well as the Land & Water model name. Inside it has the perlage finish and the serial number ‘8660561’. It has the original lead seal surrounding the lip of the case. The original fitted dust cap sits over the movement, providing further protection from dust and water.

The movement is the Zenith calibre 106. It is a manual wind movement with shockproofing. As well as being a sturdy workhorse, it is also very pleasing to look at with the typical Zenith gilt finishing. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 15 seconds variation a day.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is in good, lightly patinated condition. It has some slight darkening in area, mainly around the exterior. The signing is good and clear, with the original aged luminous paint intact.

Hands:
The hands are original and in good condition. They have the bright thermally blued finish with the original luminous in-fill, which has darkened with age.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a recent replacement which is in good, unmarked condition.

Crown:
The crown is original and is in good cosmetic condition, also functioning as it should.

Case:
The circular case is formed of stainless steel and is in good condition. It has the polished finish with light surface scratching consistent with age. It remains unpolished.

Caseback:
The case back is formed of Stainless Steel. It is in good condition with the crisp circular brushed finish. The maker and model engraving is well defined.

Strap:
It is on a new vintage style leather strap.

Movement:
The movement is a Zenith calibre 106. It is a 15-jewel manual wind movement which is shock proof.

The movement has been recently serviced by our watchmaker. It has a daily variation of 15 seconds, with an amplitude of 235 degrees and a beat error of 0.0m/s.

Case dimensions:
Case width: 32.5mm
Case width with crown: 34.5mm
Case length: 31.8mm
Case length lug to lug: 39.5mm
Case Depth: 8.7mm
Lug width: 18mm