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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face military pocket watch

Zenith German military issue pocket watch

Partially verified

This is a Swiss-made open-face military pocket watch by Zenith, dated circa 1944 and reported to have been produced for the German army during the Second World War. The watch features a black-painted metal dial with gold-coloured Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. According to the seller, it is housed in a white metal hermetic case measuring 50 mm wide by 13 mm deep with a screw-on back engraved 'D-8408763-H'. The stem-wound and stem-set gilt three-quarter plate lever movement is reported to be signed Zenith with serial number 3466275.

Dial and case view of the Zenith military issue pocket watch
Dial and case view of the Zenith military issue pocket watch — Atlam Watches / Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face military pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Zenith
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.125 (AB-61085)
Source-reported date
c. 1944
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3466275

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 Configuration

The watch is housed in a white metal hermetic case measuring 50mm in width and 13mm in depth. It features a fixed bezel, a removable movement ring, and a dust cap. The case includes an inner cover intended for movement shock protection.

The case back is a screw-on type. The seller reports that the interior of the back cover is signed 'Zenith' and the exterior is engraved with the designation 'D-8408763-H'.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement comes in a white metal hermetic case which has a fixed bezel, a removable movement ring and dust cap and a screw on back.”
  • “The inner cover providing additional shock protection to the movement.”
  • “The inside of the back cover is signed “Zenith” and the back of the case is engraved “D-8408763-H””
  • “The watch measures 50mm wide x 13mm deep”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a metal dial with a black-painted finish, signed 'Zenith'. It displays gold-coloured numerals and an outer railroad minute track.

The watch is fitted with luminous hands, though it is recorded that these are no longer luminous. A mineral glass crystal is present.

Evidence for this section
  • “black paint on metal dial has gold coloured numbers and luminous hands – no longer luminous.”
  • “The dial is signed “Zenith””
  • “The watch has a mineral glass”

Movement

The timepiece uses a stem-wound and stem-set mechanism. The movement is a gilt three-quarter plate lever type, signed 'Zenith' and marked with serial number 3466275.

The seller notes a cloudy patch on the main plate of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is stem wound / stem set”
  • “the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever.”
  • “The movement is signed “Zenith” 3466275”
  • “a cloudy patch on the main plate.”

Open research questions

  • What is the technical significance of the 'D' prefix and the 'H' suffix in the context of Swiss-made military pocket watches for German service?
  • Can the serial number 3466275 be independently cross-referenced with Zenith factory production records?
  • Does the 'hermetic' case construction conform to specific military procurement standards for the period circa 1944?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Zenith German military issue pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerZenith“This is a Swiss made pocket watch by Zenith”
Movement serial number3466275“The movement is signed “Zenith” 3466275”
Case engravingD-8408763-H“the back of the case is engraved “D-8408763-H””
Dimensions50mm wide x 13mm deep“The watch measures 50mm wide x 13mm deep”
Winding / setting mechanismStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”
Case constructionWhite metal hermetic case“the movement comes in a white metal hermetic case which has a fixed bezel, a removable movement ring and dust cap and a screw on back.”
Claimed OriginGerman military“made for the German military during the Second World War. The case is stamped DH – Dienstuhr Heer – which is an Army designated watch.”

Visible details

  • Black dial signed ZENITH below 12 o'clock
  • Gold-coloured Arabic numerals with outer railroad minute track
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Luminous-filled hands
  • Open-face white metal case with decorative patterned bow above the crown

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back engravings are reported by the dealer but not visible in the provided dial photograph
  • Dealer notes that the dial luminescence is no longer active

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

Consulted source

German military army issue pocket watch by Zenith c1944 in Antique Military Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record ca830cb13c

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face military pocket watch records