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An Elegant Unnamed, Trench Watch From WW1 with Case back Inscribed "To Arthur from Gertie 1918." Housed in a Silver Hallmarked Case marked Stockwell & Company.
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 a manufacturer, though the movement, originally designed in the 1890s for ladies pendant watches, was marked "Swiss".
What’s On Offer
This is an attractive trench-style watch with a striking black dial boasting bold, Arabic numerals, and a crisp seconds subdial. The elegant cathedral hands still contain their original lume which is a lovely feature and to the caseback, there is a heartwarming message which reads 'To Arthur, from Gertie. 1918'. Clearly, this was a treasured gift and who knows whether Arthur went to war wearing this watch, or indeed made it home, but I'd like to think so. It certainly deserves to be worn having survived this long and would make somebody very happy, as I'm sure it did Arthur.
As a side note - The case marking, G.S, refers to Stockwell & Company, a carrier and shipping agent with their head office at 16 to 18 Finsbury Street, London, and many depots around the UK. They were part of a European-wide network of shipping agents called Messageries Nationales. Stockwell & Company company was founded in the nineteenth century and became a large company moving goods around Britain and, through Messageries Nationales, across the continent. They were used by many Swiss watch manufacturers to transport watches from Switzerland to Britain.
Additional information
Made from
Case: Sterling silver
Dial: Black
Crystal: Glass
Bracelet: Leather
Technical specifications
Winding: Manual
Movement type: Mechanical
Caliber: Unknown but Adjusted to 2 positions
Jewels: 15j
Waterproof: n/a
Power reserve: n/a
Purchase details
Condition: Excellent
Model Reference Number: Trench watch
Guarantee: 6 months by VWS
Dimensions
Width: 33mm
Lug width: 11mm
Lug height: (lug to lug) 42mm
Wrist size: Adjustable Strap