A Charming 9k Gold Officers Trench Watch With a Beautiful Enamel Dial in Excellent Vintage Condition and Housed in a 9ct Gold Borgel Case, c.1930s

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 and modern wristwatches. The name "wristlet" was used until the early 1930s and was eventually replaced by the modern name "wristwatch".

What’s On Offer 

This is an absolutely charming piece, the dial has been very well preserved and is and bears the Cyma Patent signature which is unusual as most trench watches do not display a brand name. The large Arabic numerals still boast their original lume which has aged to a stunning caramel colour and corresponds with the lume on the original cathedral hands which are also in fantastic shape. The minute track is crisp and the subdial at 6 o'clock is also in good shape. The dial is housed in a  housed in an 9ct gold Borgel case (with London hallmarks) which is in excellent condition. This watch is offered for sale on a very soft leather bund strap and looks great on the wrist. This would be a beautiful addition to any collection. These pieces don't stay in stock for long as they are so rare and especially in such excellent condition. 

Additional information

Made from

Case: 9k Gold 

Dial: White

Crystal: 

Bracelet: 

Technical specifications

Winding: 

Movement Type: Stem wind and set

Calibre:  13''' B

Jewels: 15

Waterproof: 

Power reserve: 

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: 

Date of issue: c.1930s

Warranty: 12 Months VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 33.5mm

Lug width: 13mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 38mm

Wrist size: Adjustable