Just got finished prepping this one. From what I can see, this dates to around 1913-14. Runs like a champ. Anyone have more insights on this one? TIA
We are entering the world of Yann,..........if only he has the time. I believe he is a reincarnation of a 1920's watchmaker. How do you reincarnate and keep your studies and documents? Ricoflan, please don't do anything till we hear from Yann.
I've got a few of these in various incarnations, I have one at Omega at the moment, its a lovely piece. I've got one in the 'projects drawer' at the moment with the same dial but in a silver case
Is the first digit a 5? Missing the lume on the dial numerals, but I don't see a single crack on this 100 yr. old baby. How about an inside caseback closeup photo? I can't make out what is under "depose". I assume a nickel case? I'm a sophomoric collector but this looks super-cool to me! Size?
Let me see if I can answer everyone properly in one post: * The case serial number is 5782108. * The movement serial number is 4996516 * The case is, I believe, coin silver. I tested it with bleach and got a reaction (does nickel also react to bleach??). * The text on the back is the usual (for this case style) "Depose No. 3846." (There are inside photos of both leaves of the case.) * The dial is a wonder. No cracks, chips, etc. * Diameter is 33 mm. * Is this a hybrid pocket watch/wrist watch? No, I believe you are looking at a very early true wristwatch, cased as such. Happy to be corrected on any this -- appreciate your knowledge and enthusiasm.
I am inclined to agree with you. The 24 hour markings and case serial number dating from around 1916-17 would indicate a strong possibility of this being a WWI era trench watch. More likely that this example was sold in the civilian market to a departing soldier than an issued military model. Looks like silver in the pictures, but a lot of "white" metal alloys look like silver. A jeweler should be able to tell you for sure. Hope this helps, gatorcpa
I assumed there would be a hallmark if silver, I thought the Swiss gov't required them during this era (Precious Metals Control Act 1880). Swiss official hallmarks for watch cases from 1880 to 1933
Agree with UB - if silver it would have a prancing bear hallmark (Bear standing (0.935) Solid Silver ) - which was used in Switzerland from 1882 - 1934 I have a silver WW1 trench (serial number 5.1 million) so a little earlier than the above, with a 12'S movement, dating somewhere from 1915-23 ish
Looks like the same movement and case. The dial is similar, but slightly different. Adam, do you have the case serial number on yours? gatorcpa
I agree about the similarity between the two, even the crowns. Adam, any idea of case metal? Your lume is phenomenal, what a cool watch!
Hi, I'm back home tonight. Nice trench watch. Looks quite similar to this one of mine : (I should clean the case...) Here in a 1917 catalog : Mine is 35mm case, with caliber n° 4750366 and case 5409457, metal (or steel but not silver) case, written dépose 9846 (maybe you could check if yours is really 3846 or 9846). The difference in size could be that mine has a 13lignes and yours a 12 lignes. What is the caliber diameter?