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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Trench watch

Anonymous Dial Borgel Case Gold Officer's Trench Watch

Partially verified

Dating to circa 1915 according to the source, this officer's trench wristwatch features an unsigned white dial fitted in a yellow gold case attributed to casemaker François Borgel. The dial displays stylized Arabic Breguet numerals with a contrasting blue numeral 12, an outer track for minutes, and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The circular gold case measures 34.55 mm across and 38.54 mm in lug height, accented with a reeded bezel and an oversized winding crown at 3 o'clock. Fitted with articulated lugs and a 12 mm leather strap, the watch is powered by a manual-wind mechanical movement of unidentified calibre.

Oblique front view of the gold trench watch showing the white dial, blue 12 numeral, reeded bezel, and articulated lugs
Oblique front view of the gold trench watch showing the white dial, blue 12 numeral, reeded bezel, and articulated lugs — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Trench watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws3508
Source-reported date
c.1915
Country
Not established

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

Dial and Visual Design

The timepiece features a white dial detailed with Arabic Breguet numerals and a contrasting blue numeral 12. A printed outer minute track surrounds the periphery, with running seconds monitored via a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.

Visual inspection notes openwork skeletonized hands for the hours and minutes, paired with a slender seconds hand in the subdial. Minor discoloration is present on the surface of the subsidiary seconds register, though the remainder of the dial and its numerical indexes remain intact.

Evidence for this section
  • “that stunning white dial with its Breguet numerals, blue 12 and a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Recessed subsidiary seconds dial with slight surface discoloration and fine hand at 6 o'clock”

Case Architecture and Construction

The case is crafted in yellow gold, measuring 34.55 mm in width and 38.54 mm in lug height, and is attributed by the seller to casemaker François Borgel. It features a circular form accented by decorative reeded detailing along the bezel.

Articulated wire-style lugs with a 12 mm lug width secure the watch to a leather strap. Manual winding and adjustment are handled through an oversized crown situated at the 3 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is beautifully encased in a gold Borgal Case (François Borgel - master case maker) and has that stunning detailing on the bezel.”
  • “Reeded coin-edge bezel encircling the dial”
  • “Lug Height 38.54 Width 34.55”

Technical Specifications and Documentation Gaps

The watch is fitted with a manual-wind mechanical movement; however, the calibre designation, jewel count, and power reserve are unrecorded in the source documentation. Internal caseback stamps and movement plates are not visible in the provided records, leaving the movement maker and specific gold purity unverified.

The seller assigns an approximate date of circa 1915 and notes that the piece is offered without original box or papers. Because the dial is unsigned, the manufacturer responsible for final assembly is not identified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre Unknown”
  • “Jewels Unknown”
  • “Date of Issue c.1915”

Open research questions

  • What specific calibre and manufacturer markings are stamped on the internal mechanical movement plates?
  • Does the interior of the caseback display the François Borgel FB trademark and official gold hallmarks verifying alloy purity?
  • Were the openwork hands originally intended to hold luminous material?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Anonymous Dial Borgel Case Gold Officer's Trench Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MakerFrançois Borgel“The dial is beautifully encased in a gold Borgal Case (François Borgel - master case maker)”
Case MaterialYellow gold“Crafted From Yellow Gold with a Brilliant White Dial”
Movement TypeMechanical manual wind“Movement Type Mechanical”
Case DimensionsWidth 34.55 mm, lug height 38.54 mm“Lug Height 38.54 Width 34.55”
Lug Width12 mm“Lug width 12mm”
Dial FeaturesWhite dial with Breguet numerals and blue 12“that stunning white dial with its Breguet numerals, blue 12 and a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”
Accompanying ItemsNo box or papers“Box No Dial White Papers No”
Winding TypeManual“Winding Manual”

Visible details

  • Reeded coin-edge bezel encircling the dial
  • Prominent oversized winding crown at the 3 o'clock position
  • Openwork skeletonized hour and minute hands
  • Recessed subsidiary seconds dial with slight surface discoloration and fine hand at 6 o'clock
  • Articulated wire-style lugs attaching to a dark brown leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Movement calibre and jewel count are unrecorded and not visible in the provided image
  • The dial is unsigned, leaving the movement maker and final watch manufacturer unidentified

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

Consulted source

Anonymous Dial Borgel Case Gold Officers Trench Watch - c.1915 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 353e8214d5

Terms in this record

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

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