1915 Waltham WW1 Trench Watch,

Creator: Waltham
Case Material: Sterling Silver
Movement: Manual Wind
Case Dimensions: Width: 1.23 in (31 mm) Diameter: 1.23 in (31 mm)
Style: Art Deco
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1910-1919
Date of Manufacture: 1915
Condition: Good Replacements made: Complete Restoration New Crystal Comprehensive service New band Gentle case restoration Dial clean. Repaired: Complete Restoration New Crystal Comprehensive service New band Gentle case restoration Dial clean. Complete Restoration New Crystal Comprehensive service New band Gentle case restoration Dial clean.


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 / WW1 Watch house in a nickel case. The movement is a rare, it is a ?Lady Waltham? 16 jewel, but a rare, not often 3/0 size. This is the crown jewel of this watch; this watch would be a real treat to own!
There were only 500 made in 1915, the total production run was only 5450. This is incredible rare to have such low production numbers and survive 118 years
This offering has the highly coveted WW1/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 / 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 WW1, 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 / 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 (English Manufacturer) Illinois (not affiliated with the Illinois Watch Company) Depollier and Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, Philadelphia, Fortune and many more
The movements. The more common movement was the 7 jewel, 11 Jewel, 15 Jewel, 17 Jewel and 19 Jewel. The higher the jewel count, usually the higher caliber and better quality of the movement. This also was reflective of the customer?s wealth.
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 16MM black ?Buffalo? Leather
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 31.5MM 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.
Lugs are 16MM with a brand new open end ?Buffalo? open end band attached with a bold stainless steel high polished tang buckle.
Grade: Lady Waltham
Manufacturer:Waltham

Manufacturer Location:Waltham, Massachusetts
Movement Serial Number:20305457

Grade:Lady Waltham
Model:1900
Estimated Production Year:1915

Run Quantity:500
Grade/Model Total Production:5,450

Size:3/0s
Jewels:16 Jewel
Movement Configuration:Hunting
Movement Finish:Nickel

Movement Setting:Pendant
Plate:3/4 Plate
Regulator:Patent
Hairspring:Breguet
Railroad Grade: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.
If you need additional pictures please ask. If you need additional information please ask
Thank you for stopping by

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