Mysterious WW1 Era Unbranded Trench Watch with Black Dial

The military trench watch, a pivotal innovation in horology, emerged during World War I as a solution to the impracticality of pocket watches in combat. Soldiers required quick and efficient timekeeping under harsh conditions. Early trench watches were essentially modified pocket watches, featuring leather straps and wire lugs for wrist wear. These timepieces often included luminous dials and hands, essential for visibility during nighttime operations.

What’s on Offer

Although we have been unable to gather much information about this watch’s origin, we are suggesting that it was originally issued to an officer of the British military around the time of World War 1. We are certain it is British due to the Arrow engraving present on the caseback. All timepieces issued to the British forces were engraved with this symbol to mark it as property of the Government.

The watch features a rich black dial with large numerals and sub seconds counter at 6 o’clock. The numerals have been historically repainted with a non-luminous material, most likely due to wear. Also on the dial sits blue steel cathedral hands likely original to the watch. The case material is also a mystery to us, although appearing to be silver it has no hallmarks denoting it to be so. Wear can be seen such as light scratching and blemishes which are often unavoidable over long periods. There is also a light graze to the right side of the crystal. Still, the watch is overall exceptional and completely functional, a truly significant timepiece that has stood the test of time.

This watch came to us as part of a large collection from a valued client of ours. We have been tasked with selling them. This being said, although the watches have been well looked after, they have not been serviced recently. If you do wish for it to be serviced prior to purchasing wed be happy to do so for an additional cost.