WW2 Longines C.O.S.D British Military Issue Tuna Can Wristwatch

The Watch . During the Second World War, The Combined Operations Command was established in 1940 by Winston Churchill immediately after the evacuation of Dunkirk and its sole objective was to undertake offensive operations against the enemy via a combination of land, sea and air forces. The property of the Combined Operations Command was marked C.O.S.D which stands for “Combined Operations Stores Depot”. . The Longines C.O.S.D is one of the rarest, sought after and discussed of all the British Military watches from WW2. There is a few theories about the original use but I think it’s generally accepted that they were designed for the Frogmen and Divers. . Frogmen in WW2 were combat divers and underwater demolition specialists used for reconnaissance on beaches, sabotage and amphibious assault support. . What is particularly exciting about this example, is that it has issue markings to the caseback, it is estimated that only around 200 of these were issued in WW2 with only an estimated 34 of these surviving to the knowledge of the esteemed collectors at MWR. You will see some examples offered without the issue markings to the caseback and it is debatable to whether these particular examples were issued to the Frogmen. . The Specs Age: c.1945 Movement: Manual wind with Non-Hacking Centre Seconds. Calibre: 12.68Z Timekeeping: Good. Service History: Serviced 2024. Fully Inspected by John Senior 2026. Dial: Original Longines Military Specification Dial. Case: Chrome Plated Alloy with Stainless Steel Screw Back. Measurements: without/with Crown: 36mm/41mm Bezel: Solid. Water Resistant?: No. Hands: Original. Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal. Crown: Original. Strap/Bracelet: On new 18mm Khaki Military Style Strap with Steel fixtures. Lug Width: 18mm. Fixed Lug Bars. Original. Getting Acquainted . Bits that stand out: - Believed to be issued to an underwater combat diver, is there anything cooler? - Insane Radium Burn to the Dial. -Strong Overall Condition. - Rare Find, even Rarer with the Issue Markings. - Case in Excellent condition. -Correct Fixed Lug bars. . Nitty Gritty: -Some age related Patina & Markings to the Dial. -Some very minor chrome loss to Case. . Overall this C.O.S.D is in Super Vintage condition. The Dial is in lovely condition, with some attractive age related Patina. Chrome Case is in very good nick really for its age and nature, Especially the lugs. Caseback markings are excellent. Original Crown. Crystal in good shape. Hands are in nice order. .