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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Trench watch

Swiss trench wristwatch

Partially verified

This early 20th-century trench wristwatch is attributed by the seller to Swiss manufacture and dates to circa the 1920s. It features a cushion-shaped case measuring 28 mm in diameter including the winding crown, fitted with wire-style lugs and a modern replacement black leather strap. The dial shows natural aging and patina, printed with Arabic numerals and an outer minute track, with blued steel hands. The seller reports it is powered by a manual-wind Swiss mechanical movement with a gilt finish.

Front view of the Swiss trench wristwatch on a display cushion
Front view of the Swiss trench wristwatch on a display cushion — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Wristwatch · Trench watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
105724220
Source-reported date
1920s
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

Physical Description and Case Construction

The watch is housed in a polished metallic cushion-shaped case, measuring 28 mm in diameter inclusive of the winding crown. It is equipped with wire-style lugs.

The timepiece is fitted with a black leather strap, which the source describes as a recent installation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cassa: forma cushion (a cuscino)”
  • “Diametro: 28 mm inclusa la corona”
  • “Cinturino: pelle nera di recente installazione”

Dial and Visual Appointments

The dial features Arabic numerals and is described by the source as original and non-restored, exhibiting a uniform patina. An outer railway-style minute track is present.

The watch features blued steel hands, which are identified by the source as original.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quadrante: originale, mai ristampato, con patina uniforme”
  • “Lancette: originali in acciaio azzurrato”

Mechanical Movement and Source Limitations

According to the source, the watch contains a manual-wind mechanical movement of Swiss origin with a gilt finish.

Internal components, including the movement caliber and case back markings, are not visible in the provided photographic evidence. Technical claims regarding the movement's condition are provided solely by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movimento: meccanico a carica manuale Swiss Made”
  • “Finitura del movimento: dorata”

Open research questions

  • What specific movement caliber is housed within the case?
  • Are there manufacturer hallmarks or serial numbers located on the inside of the case back or the movement bridge?
  • Does the movement exhibit specific Swiss hallmarks (e.g., silver purity marks or maker's marks) that can confirm its origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss trench wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Era1920s“Epoca: anni ’20”
Movement typeManual-wind mechanical“Movimento: meccanico a carica manuale Swiss Made”
Movement finishGilt“Finitura del movimento: dorata”
Case shapeCushion“Cassa: forma cushion (a cuscino)”
Case diameter28 mm including crown“Diametro: 28 mm inclusa la corona”
HandsOriginal blued steel“Lancette: originali in acciaio azzurrato”

Visible details

  • Polished metallic case with wire-style lugs
  • Aged patinated light dial with black Arabic numerals and railway minute track
  • Blued steel central hour and minute hands
  • Mounted on a black leather strap over a display cushion

Research qualifications

  • Maker and caliber are not identified on the dial or by the source
  • Internal movement and case back details are not visible in the photograph
  • Movement specifications and Swiss origin are source-reported

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

Consulted source

Rare Swiss Trench Watch – Cushion Case – - Blued Hands – Original Dial - No reserve price - Unisex - 1920 - auction online Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record cd3cf71f0c

Terms in this record

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

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