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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Vintage 1940's Wyler Waterproof Men's Wristwatch

Partially verified

This catalog entry features a vintage men's wristwatch attributed to Wyler, catalogued as dating to the 1940s. The dial is printed with the brand name and the word 'WATERPROOF' positioned above a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. According to the auction description, the case back bears an engraved inscription reading 'M.G. 1943' and measures approximately 1 inch across the face. The watch is presented on an undulating metal expansion bracelet. Heavy wear and brassing are visible around the bezel and lugs, and the source notes that the movement was not inspected and the piece was not running.

Front view of Wyler wristwatch with expansion band, subsidiary seconds dial, and aged case finish
Front view of Wyler wristwatch with expansion band, subsidiary seconds dial, and aged case finish — One Source Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Wyler
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
280
Source-reported date
c. 1940s
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 Features

The timepiece features an aged dark dial detailed with Arabic numerals, an outer track, and luminous-style hands. Positioned above the 6 o'clock marker is a subsidiary seconds subdial.

The auction entry lists the watch under the title 'Vintage 1940's Wyler Waterproof Men's Wristwatch Watch'. The cataloguer records dimensions for the piece as a '1" diameter face'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Aged dark dial featuring Arabic numerals, luminous-style hands, and an outer track”
  • “Subsidiary seconds subdial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker”
  • “Vintage 1940's Wyler Waterproof Men's Wristwatch Watch”
  • “1" diameter face”

Case Construction and Bracelet

The watch is fitted with a curved-link flexible metal expansion band. Visible inspection reveals extensive plating wear and base metal exposure on the bezel edge and lugs.

The reverse of the case is reported by the seller to feature an engraved inscription: 'It is inscribed M.G. 1943 on the back.' This marking is not visible in the provided catalog photograph, and internal case markings are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fitted with a curved-link flexible metal expansion band”
  • “Extensive plating wear and base metal exposure on the bezel edge and lugs”
  • “It is inscribed M.G. 1943 on the back.”

Condition and Mechanical Inspection Constraints

The internal mechanism was not inspected due to access limitations, with the auction listing noting: 'Can't get the back off to see the specs.' As a result, movement calibre, maker signatures, and jewel count are unverified.

The operational state was catalogued as non-functional, explicitly described as 'Sold in non working condition because of it.' The auction condition report further states: 'It is not running at the time of the auction'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Can't get the back off to see the specs.”
  • “Sold in non working condition because of it.”
  • “It is not running at the time of the auction”

Open research questions

  • What movement calibre, jewel count, and manufacturer marks are present inside the uninspected case?
  • Does the exterior case back feature standard factory Wyler waterproof and patent markings alongside the reported 'M.G. 1943' inscription?
  • What is the manufacturer and composition of the flexible curved-link expansion band?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vintage 1940's Wyler Waterproof Men's Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
InscriptionM.G. 1943 on the back“It is inscribed M.G. 1943 on the back.”
Face Dimensions1 inch diameter“1" diameter face”
Operating ConditionSold in non working condition“Sold in non working condition because of it.”
Case Back InscriptionInscribed M.G. 1943 on the back (reported by source)“It is inscribed M.G. 1943 on the back.”
Face Dimensions1" diameter face“1" diameter face”
Inspection ConstraintCase back could not be removed to inspect specifications“Can't get the back off to see the specs.”
Operating ConditionSold in non-working condition; not running at time of auction“Sold in non working condition because of it.”

Visible details

  • Subsidiary seconds subdial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker
  • Fitted with a curved-link flexible metal expansion band
  • Extensive plating wear and base metal exposure on the bezel edge and lugs
  • Aged dark dial featuring Arabic numerals, luminous-style hands, and an outer track

Research qualifications

  • The auctioneer could not remove the case back, leaving internal movement details, calibre, and authenticity unverified.
  • The case back inscription 'M.G. 1943' is reported by the source and not visible in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Vintage 1940's Wyler Waterproof Men's Wristwatch Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d0589190e3

Terms in this record

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

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