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. 
    
The advent of trench watches marked the transition from traditional pocket watches to wristwatches as standard military gear. By incorporating robust cases and shatterproof crystals, they ensured durability on the battlefield.
    
Post-war, the practicality of wristwatches gained civilian appeal, catalyzing a shift in fashion and utility that persists today. The trench watch's legacy is evident in modern military and tactical timepieces, underscoring its enduring influence on watchmaking history.

What's on Offer

This is a beautiful timepiece albeit we don't now much about it as neither the dial or the movement is branded! Still, the dial is stunning and at 40mm is quite a lot larger than most watches of the same ilk. The bold Arabic numerals still boast their original lume as do the charming cathedral hands. A sub-aseconds counter at 6 o'clock completes the dial which is encapsulated underneath Plexiglas. As you can see on the photographs, the movement has been very well preserved and you will note the SR denotation, this marking typically occurs on watches made in Switzerland for export. The SR markings are found on the balance cock, and show the direction that the regulator should be moved to speed up or slow down the movement. "S" stands for "Slow" and "R" stands for "Retard" (which is French for "delay").

The watch is in working order and is perfectly wearable, although we wouldn't suggest it as your everyday watch. In such beautiful condition, we are very pleased to offer this historic timepiece for sale.