Original Items: Only One Lot Available. This is a wonderful assortment of items featuring a fantastic example of a WWI Model 1907 Waltham wrist watch. The watch itself is dated 1916 and is a 7 Jewell example. This exceptional example has been fully cleaned, tested, and runs perfectly.

 Prior to the First World War most men still carried pocket watches attached to a chain. Wrist watches were known as “wristlets”, mainly worn as ladies jewelry. The trench warfare of the First World War meant that men needed a watch that could be seen easily. The original “trench watches” were often pocket watches that had been customized to fit onto a leather bracelet.

When World War I began in 1914, soldiers faced a novel problem. In the chaos on and off the battlefield where precise timing was integral to routines, communications, and synchronizing attacks, reliable and accurate timepieces were vital. Many officers had pocket watches, but these had many shortcomings on the battlefield. They were cumbersome to pull out and to open the protective lid with gloved hands, requiring officers to pause their duties. The dials were impossible to read at night and the glass crystals broke easily. In a setting where a second could be the difference between life and death, it was clear that an alternative was needed. Thus, in the muddy trenches of the First World War, the wrist-watch was born.

Towards the end of the war in 1918, trench watches had become a symbol of courage and bravery, which signaled their push towards the mainstream and opened up a mass market in the post-war era.

The dial of the watch is marked with WALTHAM underneath the 12 at the top. The watch measures approximately 1 ⅜” in diameter with a total length of 10” including the leather strap. The watch and straps are in great, functional condition. The watch back is on a hinge but is seized and now stuck closed, unable to be opened.

The shrapnel protector looks to be made from nickel alloy, and is marked with RED DEPOSE on the top. The guard weaves into place and sits rather firmly on the face of the watch with some movement.

This is a fantastic example of a WWI Trench Watch with Shrapnel Guard. Comes more than ready to be displayed!

American Waltham Watch Co.
Grade: No. 360
(Alternatively Grade No. 361)
Manufacturer:    Waltham    
Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts    
Movement Serial Number: 20700121    
Grade:    No. 360    
Model:    1907    
Estimated Production Year: 1916    
Run Quantity:    5,000    
Grade/Model Run:  9 of 19    
Grade/Model Total Production: 90,500    
Size: 3/0s    
Jewels: 7j    
Movement Configuration: Hunting    
Movement Finish: Nickel    
Movement Setting: Pendant    
Plate: 3/4 Plate    
Hairspring: Breguet    
Adjusted: No    
Railroad Grade: No