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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military wristwatch

West End Watch Co Keepsake Prima Military Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 1960s Swiss military wristwatch by West End Watch Co is the Keepsake Prima model, measuring 33.5 mm in diameter across its stainless steel case excluding the winding crown and lugs. The source reports that the watch is powered by a signed hand-winding FHF 676 calibre movement protected by an inner cover that also retains the movement. The black dial features luminescent Arabic numerals, an outer minute track with five-minute markers, and 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom edge. According to the seller, the screw-on case back bears brand insignia, store codes, and a military arrow. The watch is fitted with a black NATO-style strap.

Three-quarter view of the West End Watch Co Keepsake Prima wristwatch on a black NATO strap
Three-quarter view of the West End Watch Co Keepsake Prima wristwatch on a black NATO strap — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company / Antiques Atlas. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military wristwatch
Maker / attribution
West End Watch Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as170a5003
Source-reported date
1960s
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 Exterior Construction

According to the dealer description, the watch has a stainless steel case measuring 33.5 mm in diameter, excluding the winding crown and lugs. The winding crown is described as original and signed with a 'W' logo. The screw-on case back is reported by the seller to feature the West End Watch Co logo along with a military broad arrow and store codes.

In visible observation, the watch is fitted with a black ribbed NATO-style fabric strap with metal keepers, mounted on a clear display stand. The seller states that a new NATO-style strap was fitted. Because the case back is not shown in the available photograph, the reported markings and case-back construction cannot be verified independently.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 33.5mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs.”
  • “The case is stainless steel and it is in good condition with original winding crown signed with the W logo.”
  • “The screw-on case back also has the West End Watch Co logo, together with a military arrow and store codes.”
  • “A new NATO style strap has been fitted.”
  • “Black ribbed NATO-style fabric strap with metal keepers mounted on a clear display stand.”

Dial and Hands

Visible observation shows a black dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and a white outer minute track with Arabic five-minute indicators. Printed dial text reads 'WEST END WATCH CO Keepsake' below 12 o'clock, with 'PRIMA' and a circled plus symbol above 6 o'clock.

Luminous hands are visible, showing cathedral-style ornamentation on the hour hand and a pencil-style minute hand. The dealer notes that the signed dial shows a little marking around some numbers under magnification, and suggests that the hands might have been refinished at some stage because they are a different shade than the numbers.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and white outer minute track with Arabic five-minute indicators.”
  • “Luminous hands showing cathedral-style ornamentation on the hour hand and a pencil-style minute hand.”
  • “'WEST END WATCH CO Keepsake' printed below 12 o'clock, with 'PRIMA' and a circled plus symbol above 6 o'clock.”
  • “The signed dial looks good to the naked eye. There is a little marking around some of the numbers if viewed through a magnifying loupe.”
  • “The hands might have been re-finished at some point as they are a different shade to the numbers.”

Reported Movement and Technical Details

The seller reports that the watch is powered by a signed hand-winding FHF 676 calibre movement. The listing states that an inner cover protects the movement and retains it in position, rendering retaining screws unnecessary and explaining two vacant holes.

Neither the movement nor its inner retaining cover are visible in the single exterior photograph. The 1960s date attribution and military designation also rely solely on the dealer's listing details.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a signed hand-winding movement, an FHF 676, which is working nicely.”
  • “The movement is protected by an inner cover, and this also keeps the movement in position (retaining screws are not required and that is why there are two empty holes).”
  • “1960s West End Watch Co Keepsake Prima military wrist watch.”

Open research questions

  • What specific alphanumeric military store codes and issue markings are stamped on the screw-on case back?
  • Does direct visual inspection of the movement confirm the FHF 676 calibre designation and West End Watch Co signature?
  • What is the physical composition of the luminous compound on the dial numerals and hands, and does ultraviolet inspection support the seller's suspicion of refinished hands?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for West End Watch Co Keepsake Prima Military Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement calibreFHF 676“The watch has a signed hand-winding movement, an FHF 676, which is working nicely.”
Case diameter33.5mm“The watch measures 33.5mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs.”
Case materialStainless steel“The case is stainless steel and it is in good condition”
Winding crownSigned with W logo“original winding crown signed with the W logo.”
Case back markingsLogo, military arrow, and store codes“The screw-on case back also has the West End Watch Co logo, together with a military arrow and store codes.”
StrapNATO style strap“A new NATO style strap has been fitted.”
Lens conditionReported in good condition“The lens is in good condition.”
Movement mounting systemHeld by inner cover without retaining screws“The movement is protected by an inner cover, and this also keeps the movement in position (retaining screws are not required and that is why there are two empty holes).”
Magnified dial conditionLittle marking around some numbers under a magnifying loupe“There is a little marking around some of the numbers if viewed through a magnifying loupe.”

Visible details

  • Black dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and white outer minute track with Arabic five-minute indicators.
  • Luminous hands showing cathedral-style ornamentation on the hour hand and a pencil-style minute hand.
  • Winding crown visible on the stainless steel case showing an embossed logo profile.
  • Black ribbed NATO-style fabric strap with metal keepers mounted on a clear display stand.
  • 'WEST END WATCH CO Keepsake' printed below 12 o'clock, with 'PRIMA' and a circled plus symbol above 6 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement calibre and inner retaining cover are not visible in the supplied photograph and rely entirely on dealer statements.
  • Case back markings including the broad arrow and store codes are concealed from view.
  • Dealer notes that the hands may have been refinished due to color difference with the dial numerals.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - West End Watch Co Keepsake Prima Military Watch as170a5003

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 417e56e454

Terms in this record

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

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