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1914 Waltham “Swing Lug” WW1…….Trench Watch, Rare Design.

About the Item

My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. Item Description: Rare Waltham Trench Watch housed in a silverode case. This is the crown jewel of this watch; this watch would be a real treat to own! The case has the are feature of “Swing or Articulating Lugs” which is more expensive to build, yet make it more comfortable to wear. The case size is a 3-0 case size. They are getting much more difficult to source, the 0 size cases are more common. Don’t let this one go! There were only 6000 made in 1914, This is incredible rare to have such low production numbers and survive 118 years This offering has the highly coveted World War - Trench watch Shadow Box dial. A beautiful and rare combination. I have been an avid vintage watch collector for years. My soft spot is 1900-1935 American watches. I have an active collection of about 60 pieces. I am constantly refining my collection as time ticks by. The ones that I do not wear very much get sold for other watches that may be hard to find. All my watches for sale are in above average condition, some are pristine. I pride myself in offering the best quality and reasonable prices. Remember, "Price is what you pay, value is what you get". What an amazing offering I have for you. If you have me saved or are following me, you will realize that I have never offered this combination before. First I want to share with you that this is a size 3-0, a bit smaller than traditional Trench styled watches from that era that were 0 sized. What is a “Wire Lug or Fixed Lug” Wrist Watch? What is a Wire or Fixed Lug watch? They were created using 3-0 and 0 size pocket watch movements and installing into watch cases that were meant to worn on the wrist. Let me explain how this new style of watch. Often referred as a wristlet or wrist watch this new watch was partially born for the service man in World War , it was difficult to check the time with a pocket watch. The solution, create cases that would have fixed wire lugs on them, ones that straps could be attached and buckled on the wrist. So many case manufacturers offered a variety of cases just that purpose. What about the movement, well the leading American pocket watch manufacturers already made smaller pocket watch movements, often sold as ladies pocket watches, Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton were the big three in the USA, the sold movements. So this is how a wrist watch would be ordered A customer would go in a see their local jeweler or watch repairman. They would select a wristlet or wire lug case made of a variety of materials. See Below. Case Material: It or often Solid Gold , Sterling Silver Silverode or Gold Filled. The cases could be Hermetic, Snap On without a hinge, Snap on with a hinge. The style and material would often reflect the social status and wealth of the person offering the case. *For more practical purposes, a special alloy was developed which went by several different names, such as, "Silveroid, Silverore, Silverode or Silverine. "Silveroid" appears to have become the standard name for this metal that consisted of 45% nickel, 54% copper and 1% manganese. This metal was fairly hard wearing and could withstand the rigors of everyday use, for instance on the Railroads. Case Manufactures: There were many case manufacturers that made cases for Trench Watches. Some of the more well know were: Depollier and Sons, Dennison, Illinois, Depollier and Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, Philadelphia, Fortune and many more. This case being a 3 0 size, Articulating Lugs make it a real treasure to own. Most has “Fixed Wire” lugs! The movements. The more common movement was the 7 jewel, 11 Jewel, 15 Jewel, 17 Jewel and 19 Jewel. The dial is a bold Shadow Box military style that has never gone out! Very rare to find with an enamel dial! The watch band is a brand new open ended dark brown watch band The case has been gently polished, there is no wear through! Another indication that this watch was taken care of: This is a 3 0 size case. Case Size 31.5 millimeter across Crown appears to be a period correct replacement. The crystal is new The watch was serviced the summer of August 2023 and runs beautifully. Manufacturer: Waltham Manufacturer Location Waltham, Massachusetts Movement Serial Number. 19843044 Grade 361 Model 1907 Estimated Production Year 1914 Run Quantity 6,000 Size: 3-0 size Jewels 7 Jewel Movement Configuration Hunting Movement Finish Nickel Movement Setting Pendant Regulator Patent Hairspring Breguet Railroad Grad No I will package the watch like a china doll to insure its safe arrival. It will be insured against loss as well. I am proud of my offerings. I would only offer watches that I would offer to my own family. I will be here long after the purchase is made. I want repeat business, not just one. I understand the value of legendary customer service.
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Strap Material:
    Leather
  • Case Shape:
    Round
  • Movement:
  • Case Dimensions:
    Height: 0.48 in (12 mm)Width: 1.25 in (31.5 mm)Diameter: 1.25 in (31.5 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1914
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: Case restored New Crystal New Band Completed mechanical service Dial cleaned. Repaired: Case restored New Crystal New Band Completed mechanical service Dial cleaned. Case restored New Crystal New Band Completed mechanical service Dial cleaned.
  • Seller Location:
    Raleigh, NC
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3149220718552
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