hi there, here is my silver trench watch that i’ve had for a few years now. have always wanted to know more about it but cannot find any info. has been a bit of a struggle as the text on the dial has worn off over the years. i know it’s a long shot but if anyone knows anything about these marks it would be very interesting to hear from you. looks like it could’ve once said ‘swiss made’ under the sub second but who knows.

 

Its great whatever it is. I’m sure someone here will be able to fill in the blanks.

 

Strap from David B?

 

ahh yes of course

 

Hi,

The watch is made by the General Watch Co/Helvetia.

Have a look at my site here for more info.

https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk/trench-watches

The hallmark dates it to 1909 which is nice and early. It's actually useful for me as at the moment my serial number lookup only goes back to 1914 at about 2,880,000 so knowing 2,670,000 is 1909 is very handy.

Below is an advert with a version of the movement from 1927.



Thanks. Carl.

 

thats amazing thank you very much, i’ve never known anything about it until now. do you know roughly what the text would’ve said on the dial?

 

Until the 1920/30s the text on dial was normally the retailer so I would concentrate on some London jewellers. Looks like possibly "...and St London" Portland St?

Here is an example.





Your watch's serial number is exactly half way between the several 1914 dated watches I have seen and the watch of mine below which is the earliest Helvetia wristwatch I've seen, and as it's base metal I have been struggling to date. A rough calculation using your watch puts the rate of production at about 40,000 a year which is what I have also got from one or two other examples so, with a similar rate pre 1909 would put my watch at about 1904 and amongst the earliest wristwatches.

 

very interesting thank you, unusual one you have with the different orientation. any ideas on the value of mine?

 

Well this one similar to yours but non-working just sold for £80. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-...=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

If yours works I'd say from £100 to £150.

Thanks.

Carl

 

yeah i bought mine for £80 but it works and keeps pretty perfect time. have since added an original style strap with a silver buckle.