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watch details
1915 OVERSIZE 42MM GERMAN MILITARY OFFICER'S TRENCH WATCH, 'MEIN GUTER KAMERAD'.
Estimated price for orientation: 895 $
Category: 1
Class:
Description Condition: Pre-owned: An item that has been used or worn previously. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Gender: Men's Year of Manufacture: Pre-1920 Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding) Brand: MOERIS
This has to be one of the best WW1 era wristwatches I have ever sold over the decades I have been involved in vintage wristwatches. It is a huge (42 mm excluding lugs and original crown) German trench watch by the maker Moeris. Typical trench watches are around 32 mm in diameter, this watch is even large by modern standards. Furthermore, the dial is signed 'Mein Guter Kamerad 1915' which translates as 'My Good Comrade 1915', a classic dial for a WW1 watch.The need for watches for the wrist moved from a bold fashion statement (circa 1906-12) to the practical needs of those involved in the trenches of WW1. This practicality had been aptly demonstrated by the sporting pioneers of the age such as balloonists and aviators – it was obviously easier to view a watch on ones wrists as oppose to fumbling around for a watch on a chain in ones pocket. This, of course, transcended to the trenches, fob watches proving unsuitable as can be imagined. Thus the term ‘Trench’ watch was born. However, even the ownership of a basic pocket watch was the domain of the higher end of society, furthermore the superior costs associated with the new ‘wristwatch excluded all but the fortunate few. In short, in the trenches of WW1 only the high-ranking officers owned such pieces; hence the term of the ‘Officers’ watch. The gorgeous nickel example date from 1915. The watch is by the Swiss maker Moeris. Perhaps not an instantly recognisable maker to many, nevertheless Moeris produced some of the finest movements during and post WW1 leading to them passing the rigorous tests required to become military suppliers in WW2 to the likes of the British Army. The case is in very good condition for its age and it measures an incredible 42 mm in diameter (excluding the fixed lugs and original winding crown). Its inner carries a reference of 1459942.The white, porcelain dial is finished with skeletal Arabic hours and hands and it has a subsidiary seconds dial at the base. The black printed wording of 'Mein Guter Kamerad 1915' reads across the dial that has a few small hairlines and painted chips near the 3 and 5 hours. 'Mein Guter Kamerad' is from a famous German military song I think.The movement is signed and it runs strongly keeping good time having just been serviced. Lastly, the watch comes on black NATO style strap.Thanks for looking and please do see my other vintage watches now for sale.
Description
| Condition: | Pre-owned: An item that has been used or worn previously. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Gender: | Men's |
| Year of Manufacture: | Pre-1920 | Movement: | Mechanical (Hand-winding) |
| Brand: | MOERIS |
This has to be one of the best WW1 era wristwatches I have ever sold over the decades I have been involved in vintage wristwatches. It is a huge (42 mm excluding lugs and original crown) German trench watch by the maker Moeris. Typical trench watches are around 32 mm in diameter, this watch is even large by modern standards. Furthermore, the dial is signed 'Mein Guter Kamerad 1915' which translates as 'My Good Comrade 1915', a classic dial for a WW1 watch.The need for watches for the wrist moved from a bold fashion statement (circa 1906-12) to the practical needs of those involved in the trenches of WW1. This practicality had been aptly demonstrated by the sporting pioneers of the age such as balloonists and aviators – it was obviously easier to view a watch on ones wrists as oppose to fumbling around for a watch on a chain in ones pocket. This, of course, transcended to the trenches, fob watches proving unsuitable as can be imagined. Thus the term ‘Trench’ watch was born. However, even the ownership of a basic pocket watch was the domain of the higher end of society, furthermore the superior costs associated with the new ‘wristwatch excluded all but the fortunate few. In short, in the trenches of WW1 only the high-ranking officers owned such pieces; hence the term of the ‘Officers’ watch. The gorgeous nickel example date from 1915. The watch is by the Swiss maker Moeris. Perhaps not an instantly recognisable maker to many, nevertheless Moeris produced some of the finest movements during and post WW1 leading to them passing the rigorous tests required to become military suppliers in WW2 to the likes of the British Army. The case is in very good condition for its age and it measures an incredible 42 mm in diameter (excluding the fixed lugs and original winding crown). Its inner carries a reference of 1459942.The white, porcelain dial is finished with skeletal Arabic hours and hands and it has a subsidiary seconds dial at the base. The black printed wording of 'Mein Guter Kamerad 1915' reads across the dial that has a few small hairlines and painted chips near the 3 and 5 hours. 'Mein Guter Kamerad' is from a famous German military song I think.The movement is signed and it runs strongly keeping good time having just been serviced. Lastly, the watch comes on black NATO style strap.Thanks for looking and please do see my other vintage watches now for sale.