Description
An unusually large and early wristwatch, this model dates to the First World War period. Designed to limit the ingress of dirt and moisture, the case is made in two parts, the main body which houses the movement has no opening to the back and is threaded so that the bezel can be securely screwed down onto it. While not a waterproof watch, by eliminating the friction fitted-type closures found on more traditional hinged cases of the period, the case of this watch potentially afforded much greater protection to the movement within. A practical, utilitarian design, it seems likely that this watch may have been intended for military use. Tantalisingly, the movement and case back are both marked ‘Patent’ / ‘Déposé’ but sadly no patent number is inscribed.
The case measures 38mm in diameter and we have fitted the watch with a handmade Christopher Clarke bund watch strap made from Shell Cordovan leather. Scuffs and scratches to the case and some wear to the chromed finish of the bezel; there are a couple of very feint hairlines to the dial visible only under close magnification.
Please note that although the movement of this watch has been serviced, due to age and wear, the timekeeping is outside our usual parameters and a variation of 2 to 3 minutes per day should be expected.
Specifications
[M] Swiss lever movement, compensation balance, 18,000 BPH, stamped Déposé/Patent
[D] white enamel, Arabic numerals, red 12 o’clock, blued steel hands, outer minute ring
[C] nickel chrome two-piece, screw-down knurled bezel, fixed bar wire lugs, stamped Déposé/Patent
Measurements
38mm diameter excluding winding crown
15mm depth to centre of crystal
11.5mm lug gauge
Accompaniments
One Year Guarantee – this watch has been fully serviced
Black Bough box and Black Bough certificate
23022022
£575.00 [Sold]