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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Trench watch

Large Antique Swiss Trench Watch

Partially verified

This antique trench watch features a circular nickel case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter, excluding its onion-style winding crown and fixed wire lugs. The seller attributes the timepiece to Switzerland and dates it to circa the 1900s, equipped with a hand-winding mechanical movement. The white dial displays bold outlined Arabic numerals, an outer railroad minute track, cathedral-style hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Fitted with a replacement black leather strap, the watch is covered by a glass lens.

Three-quarter view of the Swiss trench watch showing the nickel case, white enamel-style dial, and onion crown on a black strap
Three-quarter view of the Swiss trench watch showing the nickel case, white enamel-style dial, and onion crown on a black strap — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company / Sellingantiques.co.uk. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Trench watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
SA578370
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1900s
Country
Switzerland

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 Physical Form

The timepiece features a nickel case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter, excluding the winding crown and fixed wire lugs. Observed features include a prominent fluted onion winding crown located at the 3 o'clock position and fixed wire lugs fitted to a black leather strap.

A small pin-set or case protrusion is visibly present on the left side of the case band. The front dial is protected by what the listing describes as a glass lens.

Evidence for this section
  • “39.5mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the fixed wire lugs.”
  • “Prominent fluted onion winding crown at the 3 o'clock position.”
  • “Fixed wire lugs attached to a black leather strap.”
  • “Small pin-set or case protrusion visible on the left side of the case band.”
  • “The nickel case is in lovely condition, as is the glass lens.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white dial detailed with luminescent or outlined Arabic numerals and cathedral-style hands. A railroad minute track surrounds the periphery.

A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock, featuring Arabic numeral markers at 10-second intervals. No maker signature or dial branding is recorded in the source text or visual observations.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with luminescent or outlined Arabic numerals and cathedral-style hands.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial with Arabic markers at 10-second intervals positioned at 6 o'clock.”
  • “The dial is in super condition.”

Movement Attribution and Source Limitations

The listing reports that the watch contains a Swiss hand-winding movement. However, caliber specifications, jewel count, and movement plate signatures are not detailed in the source documentation or visible photographs.

The dating of the piece to the 1900s represents a dealer attribution by The Vintage Wrist Watch Company, cataloged under the broad 1900–1920 period filter. Internal serial numbers, case hallmarks, and definitive production records are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a Swiss hand-winding movement which is working nicely.”
  • “The Vintage Wrist Watch Company has dated this piece to the 1900s.”
  • “1900 - 1920”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber is housed within the nickel case, and does it feature Swiss hallmarks, jewel counts, or maker stamps?
  • Does the protrusion on the case band function as a push-pin for hand-setting, or is it a hinge/lip for opening the bezel or case back?
  • Are there any internal case back hallmarks, patent numbers, or serial stamps establishing exact dating and manufacture origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Large Antique Swiss Trench Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementSwiss hand-winding“The watch has a Swiss hand-winding movement which is working nicely.”
Case Diameter39.5mm excluding crown and lugs“39.5mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the fixed wire lugs.”
Case MaterialNickel“The nickel case is in lovely condition”
StrapNew leather strap“A new leather strap has been fitted.”
Date of Manufacture1900s“The Vintage Wrist Watch Company has dated this piece to the 1900s.”
StrapFitted new leather strap“A new leather strap has been fitted.”
PackagingNew presentation box“The watch will be sent in a new presentation box.”

Visible details

  • White dial with luminescent or outlined Arabic numerals and cathedral-style hands.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial with Arabic markers at 10-second intervals positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Prominent fluted onion winding crown at the 3 o'clock position.
  • Fixed wire lugs attached to a black leather strap.
  • Small pin-set or case protrusion visible on the left side of the case band.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber, jewelling, and maker signatures are unrecorded and not visible in provided photographs.
  • Swiss origin and precise 1900s dating are dealer-reported and not independently verified from hallmarks or serial numbers.

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

Consulted source

Large Antique Swiss Trench Watch, C1900s | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3cf3e05133

Terms in this record

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

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