Imperial Japanese Navy Interwar Chronograph #278

Lépine · 2024-08-16T13:34:16Z

Uncover the Edouard Heuer Ref. 102 A chronograph, an S. Smith & Son timepiece used by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Explore its history and Anglo-Japanese ties.

Lépine

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

20 replies3841 views17 photos

Lépine, a distinguished contributor to WatchProSite, presents a meticulous follow-up to his research on a rare Imperial Japanese Navy chronograph. His latest findings definitively identify the S. Smith & Son timepiece, marked with the identifier #278, as an Edouard Heuer Ref. 102 A. This article delves into the historical context of its procurement and potential use during a pivotal period of Anglo-Japanese technological exchange.

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After some comparative studies with other watch information available on the internet,

we are able to determine that the S.Smith&Son chronograph with the Imperial Japanese Navy

identifier #278 is a Ed. Heuer Ref 102 A.

This watch was most likely procured between 1921-1924. This watch has a serial number in the exact same range and is dedicated in 1924

Note: S.Smith&Son is a known supplier to the British Admiralty and also to the RAF.

chronopedia.club

This is from Konrad Knirim's books.

At this point, I can only speculate to the use of the watch at that time period. So the Imperial Japanese Navy and the British Royal Flying Corp were heavily involved in an exchange of technology in

order to strengthen Japan's naval aviation capabilities. Since these planes were now capable of longer distances and required navigation over water, it may have been an experiment to see if chronographs

could help either time bombs or help navigation to find the newly developed aircraft carriers. As we know, distance and fuel was very difficult to calculate so the amount to time maybe the only alternative

to determine how much fuel is left.

sky soldier

空兵

Sempill Mission

Key Points from the Discussion

The identified Edouard Heuer Ref. 102 A chronograph, procured between 1921-1924, likely served the Imperial Japanese Navy during a period of significant technological exchange with the British Royal Flying Corps, possibly for navigation or timing in early naval aviation.
The historical context reveals a strong relationship between the British and Imperial Japanese Navies, with Britain building ships for Japan and requesting their assistance against the German Navy, which could explain the British-supplied chronographs.
The value of such historical timepieces lies not in luxury or prestige, but as tangible reminders of participants and events from heroic times, appealing to those interested in history and watches identified with specific historical events.
The community expresses strong appreciation for historical watches, emphasizing that luxury status is not a prerequisite for generating interest on WatchProSite.
A fellow collector acknowledges the previously unknown historical connection between Imperial Japan and Great Britain and commends the author's detailed identification of the Heuer movement, while also inquiring about G.W. Gladman and W.E.C. colleagues from the S&M branch.
The author has a proven track record of contributing to significant horological literature, with several of his watches featured in books by John Goldberger and Zaf Basha, indicating a high level of expertise in historical military watches.

The Discussion

amanico

Aug 16, 2024

Thanks again for this super interesting piece of history.

LÉ

Lépine

Aug 16, 2024

Thank you again for the welcome atmosphere of this great forum. It is nice to see there is enthusiasm for all types of watches.

amanico

Aug 16, 2024

Your post bring a lot of richness to our place.

fmc000

Aug 16, 2024

Your posts are always fascinating.

LÉ

Lépine

Aug 16, 2024

Thank you, I don't have luxury watches, so I wonder how I fit in the WatchProSite. I'm more curious about history and watches that are identified with historical events. I'm happy to hear about peoples reactions to some of my obscure watches.

GuyT

Aug 16, 2024

Maybe not luxury but more valuable

for their history and the research, story that you tell us. Thank you.