British Palestine Police Longines Watch, c.1920

A very rare Longines Chronograph watch, issued to the British Officers in command of the Palestinian Police, whose history is linked to events in the Middle East, stemming from when the Egyptian Expeditionary Force won the decisive Battle of Gaza in 1917. One month after in December, Jerusalem came under British Martial Law and less than a year later, the Ottoman Empire finally surrendered, leaving the British in full control of Palestine.

Not wishing to appear heavy-handed and to keep the population on side, a civilian authority was created to administer the British Mandate. Simultaneously then, on the 1st July 1920, the Palestine Police were established under the control of Police Commander Lt. Col. P B Bramley OBE. Under his authority were, 18 British Officers supported by 55 Palestinian Officers and 1,144 rank and file, whose role was described as, "Fulfilling the ordinary duties of a constabulary, such as the preservation of law and order and the prevention and detection of crime, to act as their numbers will allow as escorts for the protection of tax collectors, serve summonses issued by the judicial authorities, distribute Government notices and escort Government treasure throughout the country."

The authority responsible for the procurement of equipment decided to purchase this Longines chronograph pocket watch, which they numbered "P.P.9." Certainly a desirable timepiece.

It's a fact that this watch was a very expensive commodity and judging by issue number "9", it would be reasonable to conclude that only a handful of chronographs were purchased. According to archived Longines records in Switzerland, information states that this "Longines watch, serial number 2’975’577 (a silver 0.900 pocket watch), fitted with a Longines' mechanical movement with a chronograph mechanism, calibre 19.73N, was invoiced to Messrs. Kramer, who was for many years, the Longines agent for Egypt, on 23 April 1920." So, this watch was in existence right from the start of the Palestine Police Force. Possibly issued to one of the original 18 Officers and now fitted with a metal rope watch chain and original tunic button by Firmin.

This chronograph is in very good condition, showing subtle signs of what amounts to careful service wear. The movement is in good order and it is running well, however, the Premium Service is recommended for such a complex mechanism, to allow it to continue to give good service.

The recommended Premium Service, including a 12-month warranty, is offered for this timepiece for only £190.

Code: 51268