Anonymous Trench Watch, White Enamel Dial, 1918, circa 1914

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

The trench watch was one of the most important developments in horology, marking the transition from pocket watches to wristwatches during the First World War. Many examples were produced by specialist Swiss manufacturers before being sold under the names of retailers or left entirely unsigned. These anonymous trench watches offered the same dependable Swiss engineering as their branded counterparts and today are appreciated for their historical significance, elegant enamel dials and unmistakable early twentieth-century military styling. What's on Offer This attractive anonymous Swiss trench watch captures the understated elegance of the early wristwatch era. Housed in a 935 silver case, it features a beautiful white enamel dial with bold black Arabic numerals and a distinctive red 12, a design detail commonly used to improve orientation at a glance. The dial is complemented by ornate cathedral hands filled with luminous material and a neatly recessed subsidiary seconds register at six o'clock. A traditional chemin de fer minute track frames the dial, while the large fluted onion crown completes the classic trench watch profile. Inside sits a quality Swiss manual-wind movement, visible beneath the hinged caseback, demonstrating the practical engineering that made these early wristwatches so dependable. The case shows honest wear sympathetic with age, while the enamel dial remains remarkably well preserved. Measuring 32.5mm across, it offers excellent wrist presence for an early twentieth-century timepiece and is presented on a black leather strap. A charming survivor from the pioneering years of wristwatch design, it would make an excellent addition to any military or early vintage watch collection. The 935 silver case displays honest age-related wear and a pleasing natural patina consistent with its vintage. The white enamel dial remains in very good condition with only light hairlines visible on close inspection, retaining excellent gloss and crisp printing. The cathedral hands and subsidiary seconds register remain attractive, while the glass crystal presents well with minor marks expected for its age.