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A Charming and Oversized Cyma World War 1 Trench Watch c.1916 With a Blemish-Free Glossy White Enamel Dial and Blued Steel Leaf Hands. 

The Trench watch (wristlet) was a type of watch that came into use by the military during World War I, as pocket watches were not practical in combat. It was a transitional design between pocket watches and wristwatches, incorporating features of both. 

The very first watch that somebody adapted to wear on a wrist is unknown. The first series of purpose-made men’s wristwatches were produced by Girard-Perregaux in 1880 for the German Navy. During World War I, numerous companies, including Omega, Longines, and others produced wristwatches for the military. These watches were of a virtually identical style with an enamel dial, wide white numerals, and a luminescent radium hour hand. Often they did not bear the name of the manufacturer, though the movement, originally designed in the 1890s for ladies’ pendant watches, was marked "Swiss".

From pocket watches those trench watches inherited hinged front and back covers. The lugs for a strap looked like a thick wire attachment to the classical round shape of pocket watches rather than an integrated part of the body of the later modern wristwatches. The name "wristlet" was used until the early 1930s and was eventually replaced by the modern name "wristwatch".

What’s On Offer 

A rather appealing trench watch from a watchmaker with historical ties to the military.  The glossy white enamel dial with sub-second dial is blemish-free, the Arabic numerals are perfectly sharp. The elegant blued steel, leaf hands are an extravagant and stylish addition to this piece as the process for producing blued steel is rather involved- notably, the tiny second's hand is also in blued steel, a rather lovely detail. 

The substantial proportions (36mm) of this piece really give it a contemporary feel despite its obvious vintage. Best of both worlds! This watch could be styled with various straps to offer different looks, a real unique piece that is sure to be a talking point. This watch is running, however, it would benefit from being serviced as it has not been timed or tested due to its age, still, a stunning find which would make any military collectors day! We can arrange a service, should you wish, then please contact us before you pay for the watch!

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: White Enamel

Crystal: Plexiglass

Bracelet: Brown Leather Bund Strap

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical (Signed Cyma 42040)

Caliber: 574

Jewels: 15j

Waterproof: NO

Power reserve: Unknown

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: Trench Watch

Date of issue: c.1916

Warranty: None

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 36mm

Lug width: 12.5mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 45.5mm

Wrist size: Adjustable