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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military trench watch

1916 Omega Signal Corps U.S.A. Trench Watch

Partially verified

This 1916 Omega military trench watch was produced following a request from the U.S. Army's Chief Signal Officer for a dedicated military wristwatch. The timepiece is characterized by its white enamel dial bearing the inscription "Signal Corps U.S.A." and large Arabic numerals that have developed a pumpkin-colored patina. It is housed in an oxidized nickel case with fixed strap bars and an onion-style crown. The watch retains blued cathedral hands. It is supplied with a single-pass canvas strap featuring a bakelite buckle. Omega was one of seven Swiss manufacturers to provide watches for the Signal Corps, and today, examples of this specific Omega model are noted as being among the rarer variants of these military-issued trench watches. The watch is currently running, although its service history remains unverified by the vendor.

Front view of the 1916 Omega Signal Corps U.S.A. trench watch showing the enamel dial, cathedral hands, and small seconds register.
Front view of the 1916 Omega Signal Corps U.S.A. trench watch showing the enamel dial, cathedral hands, and small seconds register. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military trench watch
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
OMSGCUSA
Source-reported date
1916
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
50XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The case features an onion-style crown, which the vendor reports appears to be original. The watch is worn on a single-pass canvas strap that includes a brown bakelite buckle.

The dial is white enamel and includes the signature "Signal Corps U.S.A." at the top. It features large Arabic numerals that have acquired a pumpkin-toned patina. The display is completed with blued cathedral hands. There is evidence of minor cracking on the dial surface near the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original oxidized nickel case with fixed strap bars”
  • “The onion-style crown appears to be original to the watch.”
  • “The gorgeous "Signal Corps USA" enamel dial”
  • “some minor cracking present at the top edge of the dial left of the 12 o'clock”

Historical Context

This timepiece relates to the U.S. Army's Signal Corps, a division responsible for communications during World War I. The Chief Signal Officer requested a specific wristwatch design, which required "first class" workmanship, a white enamel dial, and white or blue Arabic numerals.

Omega was one of seven Swiss manufacturers commissioned to supply these watches. The vendor notes that these Omega-produced Signal Corps watches are rarer today than those produced by other identified suppliers such as Zenith.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signal Corps was a specialized military group whose primary charge was to handle communications”
  • “the US Army's Chief Signal Officer put out the call for a wristwatch designed specifically for the Signal Corps.”
  • “Seven Swiss brands answered the CSO's call, including Zenith, Tissot, Cyma, Ulysse Nardin, Rode, Moser, and of course, Omega.”
  • “Omegas like this one being among the rarest.”

Condition and Maintenance

The vendor states the watch is currently operational, although the service history is not known. The external components are described as being in good condition for the age of the watch, with minimal signs of wear reported.

The luminous material applied to the dial and hands has a coloration that matches the aged indices.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is running, but the service history is unknown.”
  • “The lume on the dial and hands was likely restored at some point in the past”

Open research questions

  • What specific movement caliber is contained within the case?
  • Does the case back feature any military issue markings or service engravings?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1916 Omega Signal Corps U.S.A. Trench Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date1916“This Omega trench watch from 1916”
Dial InscriptionSignal Corps U.S.A.“the aforementioned history but also because of a few extra words on the dial—Signal Corps USA.”
StrapSingle-pass canvas strap with bakelite buckle“Single-Pass Canvas Strap W/ Bakelite Buckle”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with 'Signal Corps U.S.A.' signature
  • Onion-style crown
  • Fixed strap bars
  • Small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Service history is unknown
  • The lume on the dial and hands may have been restored
  • The exact material composition of the case is labeled as oxidized nickel

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی نظامی Omega مدل Trench سال ۱۹۱۶ سفارش Signal Corps U.S.A.

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e3a5f1e011

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.