Tissot "Signal Corps. USA" Military Trench Watch, 1916

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Before World War I, most watches came in the form of the pocket variety, with wristwatches being far less popular due to them widely being considered to be exclusively for women. But during the War, when the soldiers in the trenches needed a timepiece that could be read quickly and easily, especially while running or holding a rifle, those pocket watches got modified into wristwatches—or wristlets, as they were often referred to back then—to make them much more usable. Fittingly, those watches came to be known as trench watches. This Tissot trench watch from 1916 is especially interesting, not only because of the aforementioned history but also because of a few extra words on the dial—"Signal Corps USA." The Signal Corps was a specialized military group whose primary charge was to handle communications, which included operating switchboards, taking photographs, managing aviation, and even training the Army's first combat pilots. At the time, the US Army's Chief Signal Officer put out the call for a wristwatch designed specifically for the Signal Corps. Among the specs was that the "workmanship and material throughout shall be first class", that it should have a white enamel dial with white or blue Arabic numerals, and that there should be a wristlet included. Seven Swiss brands answered the CSO's call, including Omega, Zenith, Cyma, Ulysse Nardin, Rode, Moser, and of course, Tissot. For obvious reasons, not many of these watches exist today, which makes the incredible condition of this nearly 100-year-old piece even more remarkable. While the originally-white numerals have aged to a dusty yellow color, the enamel dial is still stark white and the to-spec oxidized nickel case is strong and clean. This is an amazing piece with a really unique, interesting military provenance, and the perfect addition to any enthusiast's collection. SPECS Stock # TSSGCUSA Brand Tissot Style Signal Corps. USA Model Military Trench Watch Serial 32XXXX Size Men's Material Oxidized Nickel Dial White Enamel Millimeters 35 Strap Black NATO Strap CASE & BRACELET The original oxidized nickel case with fixed strap bars is in exceptional condition, especially considering its age, with very few signs of age and honest wear throughout. The onion-style crown appears to be original to the watch. The watch comes supplied on a black nylon NATO strap. DIAL & HANDS The gorgeous "Signal Corps USA" enamel dial is in remarkable condition, remaining bright white and clean of any cracks or marks of note. The large, lumed Arabic-numeral hour markers have aged to a dusty yellow coloration and are in excellent condition. The blued cathedral hands are also in amazing condition and have aged to match the dial perfectly, though there is some minor lume loss present when inspected under UV light. The lume on the dial and hands was likely restored at some point in the past, as this was common practice by military watchmakers to maintain the functionality of the watch. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running, but the service history is unknown.