Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Wrist watch belonging to Damien Parer, c. 1939

Wrist watch belonging to Damien Parer, c. 1939

Wrist watch belonging to Damien Parer, c. 1939

Helbros, Swiss

R 365

Chrome plated with khaki strap

Acquired from Damien Parer jnr, 1964


This watch may have been issued to Parer as part of his uniform as war correspondent for Paramount News.

Helbros (the Helbein Brothers) were middle class Swiss German watchmakers who set out to design and manufacture a quality timepiece that was affordable to the masses. During World War II, the Helbros company became very involved in the War Bond efforts of the United States.


Which watch?

By Damien Parer, 1 August 1943

Parer’s diary entry, Sunday 1 August 1943 (New Guinea):

… Before I left Johnnie Lewin [Lieutenant John Lewin of A Company] gave me one of the Jap watches that the boys had souvenired. It was from the platoon he said – I felt awkward as any thing they [thought] I had done in my short association with the lads was nothing compared to their gallantry; their resistance and spirit.

He said the boys would like you to have it – Hell, what chaps these are.

I thanked him awkwardly and felt very small beside such chaps.