A very rare and early WW1 "trench" style wristwatch with Movado caliber 420 movement in a fancy 3-piece screw together case, an early attempt at dust and moisture proofing for use in the trenches. Also note the oversized onion shape crown used to make it easier for the soldier to wind while wearing gloves. With hallmarks dating this timepiece to 1914, you know this watch most likely rode on the wrist of one of the first British soldiers into action, what a history it has had and still in amazing clean all original condition.
Style: Early Wristwatch, Military
Circa: 1914
Case: Solid sterling silver 3-piece case with screw off back and bezel made by the Dennison Watch Case Co to house this 13 ligne Movado movement. A very sophisticated design in its day, made to protect the mechanism from dust and light moisture. The Birmingham hallmarks inside the back date the case to 1914, right at the beginning of the first world war. The case measures a large 36mm in diameter excluding the original onion style crown.
Dial: Original Movado factory made dial with unique angular/cubist style numbers, red 12 and small seconds at 6:00. Almost perfect condition with only one or maybe two very light hairlines that can only be seen under magnification. Would most likely have had orange radium (radioactive) luminous paint in the numbers, but over time that has either fallen off or been removed.
Movement: Rare Movado caliber 420 manual wind movement with 15 jewels, stamped Swiss Made. It is no wonder this movement is not signed with all of the typical Movado details, these would have been in production during the steep build up to World War One and with extreme pressure to be shipped to the UK for casing, timing and delivery to the soldiers. While this movement does show some signs of moisture in the case, it has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is in overall excellent condition working well.
Strap: Beautiful high quality vintage "trench watch" style genuine leather strap with 12mm central band and wide backing provided by David Boettcher at www.vintagewatchstraps.com. These are the best you can buy for this style of wire lug wristwatch and a joy to wear.