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1915 MILITARY ISSUE OFFICER'S TRENCH WATCH IN SILVER, SUPER-RARE DIAL & MARKINGS
Estimated price for orientation: 995 $
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)
This fascinating early military wristwatch dates from World War One (1915) and is finished in solid silver. Silver trench watches are relatively common and very collectable, but this particular example is extremely interesting for a couple of reasons.The first is the original dial is actually signed 'Trench Watch', the phrase obviously more than just a collective name for similarly styled watches from the era. The second it has military markings on the rear, again very rare as most WW1 trench-style watches were bought by officer's from jewellers shops, this was actually issued via the military.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 typically only the officers owned such pieces, hence the term of the ‘Officers’ watch. Pocket watches were issued by the military during WW1 and a few wristwatches from 1917 onwards, but this earlier issued example from 1915 is not something I have come across before.The 33mm silver case is in good condition, it has fixed lugs and hinged case back that opens to reveal the London import hallmarks for silver and 1915 alongside the initials for the case importer, George Stockwell and a reference of 402063. Its outer carries the military reference of 66191E.The white dial is porcelain and the Arabic hours are printed in black Arabic form with a red 12 and subsidiary seconds. The original, blued steel hands are also present and its condition is very good with no hairline cracks even when viewed under an eye-glass. 'Trench Watch Swiss Made' reads clearly across the dial.The 15 jewel movement has a Geneva striped finish, it was last serviced in 2016 and runs keeping good time. The watch impressively comes on its original brown leather strap.Please do take the time to see my other vintage watches and thanks for looking.
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) |
This fascinating early military wristwatch dates from World War One (1915) and is finished in solid silver. Silver trench watches are relatively common and very collectable, but this particular example is extremely interesting for a couple of reasons.The first is the original dial is actually signed 'Trench Watch', the phrase obviously more than just a collective name for similarly styled watches from the era. The second it has military markings on the rear, again very rare as most WW1 trench-style watches were bought by officer's from jewellers shops, this was actually issued via the military.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 typically only the officers owned such pieces, hence the term of the ‘Officers’ watch. Pocket watches were issued by the military during WW1 and a few wristwatches from 1917 onwards, but this earlier issued example from 1915 is not something I have come across before.The 33mm silver case is in good condition, it has fixed lugs and hinged case back that opens to reveal the London import hallmarks for silver and 1915 alongside the initials for the case importer, George Stockwell and a reference of 402063. Its outer carries the military reference of 66191E.The white dial is porcelain and the Arabic hours are printed in black Arabic form with a red 12 and subsidiary seconds. The original, blued steel hands are also present and its condition is very good with no hairline cracks even when viewed under an eye-glass. 'Trench Watch Swiss Made' reads clearly across the dial.The 15 jewel movement has a Geneva striped finish, it was last serviced in 2016 and runs keeping good time. The watch impressively comes on its original brown leather strap.Please do take the time to see my other vintage watches and thanks for looking.