Description
An interesting piece in that G.A stamped Records are exactly the same as WWW Records issued to the British Army.
Ghana was under British rule until 1957, so it’s obvious a batch of these were earmarked for the Ghanaian Army. As can be seen the watch is essentially the same, except for the military caseback engravings, G.A. 1126.
Everything else is indistinguishable from its British counterpart. The 18mm fixed lug case is 36.5mm and chrome topped, the dial and sword hands are the same, and the movement is a 15 jewel 022K. The one difference is production numbers, and where 25,000 WWW’s were produced for the M.O.D, the number for G.A’s seen is small in comparison with only around 75 surfacing so far. When we take into account the size of both armies it is easy to see why the G.A’s are present in such fewer numbers.
In 1957, the Ghana Army consisted of its headquarters, support services, three battalions of infantry and a reconnaissance squadron with armoured cars. Total strength was approximately 5,700 men. Partially due to an over-supply of British officers after the end of the Second World War, only 12% of the officer corps in Ghana, 29 officers out a total of 209 in all, were Ghanaians at independence. Under Major General Alexander Paley, there were almost 200 British officers and 230 warrant officers and senior commissioned officers posted throughout the Ghanaian Army.
This piece has been checked by my watchmaker and although not serviced by me it is running well. 3 months mechanical warranty is included with the sale. Comes on new green NATO band as seen.
Overall the condition is good but please note the hands have been relumed at some point. An interesting watch and a good starter point for anyone building a military collection. This will also be a nice additional piece for those that already own a British WWW Record.