While Dennison is generally known as a watch case maker, the dial of this Swiss made pocket watch indicates that Dennison sold complete watches at one time. The dial also has the Broad Arrow of the British Govt. over the issue number. The issue number is repeated on the back of the case.

The case back markings indicate a long history of this watch within the Royal Navy. The “P.W” marking was used by the Royal Navy in World War One (1914-1918). The H.S. (Hydrographic Service) series of codes were used from about 1939 through 1946 to indicate the grade or use of a watch by the Royal Navy. In this case the H.S.5 code indicates that this Dennison was inspected and issued for use on a Royal Navy Survey Boat. Survey Boats were responsible for weather prediction and assistance with mines. Thus, we have a watch spanning two world wars.

The last marking is “Bravington’s,” This is an old watch and jewelry business which still has several outlets in England. Given the large number and variety of British military watches with the Bravington’s name on the back, I conclude that this Dennison is one of the surplus watches which Bravington’s sold during the surplus boom following WWII.

There is also a connection between this watch and early U.S. horology - anyone know what it is?

Best regards,
Greg

The back of the case:

Inside the caseback:

Aaron L Dennison, Born 1812 Died 1895,Started watch factory at Roxbury 1853,and at Waltham with Howard 1854. Started Watch case factory in Birmingham England. Ged.

Right on Ged. You got that one.

Best regards,
Greg