A first World War

"Officers" Wristwatch C.1918.

Please quote Stock # 2969

A truly exquisite example of a classic First World War "Officers" high grade Wristwatch by Longines, in Sterling Silver, C.1918 in almost as new condition.

The case constructed with an extended pendant and overlapping winding button, milled screw-on bezel and case back, all designed to afford maximum protection against water and dust for use by the military or Aviators. ( Cockpits at this time were open to the elements ).

The hinged lugs allowing the watch strap to be threaded through, avoiding any excess strain on the fixing points and to accommodate a mesh "Trench Guard" if required.

The beautiful white enamel dial in perfect and totally original condition, signed "Longines Swiss Made, Page Keen & Page Plymouth", with subsidiary seconds double minute track and Roman Numerals. Together with the original Blued Steel hands, the appearance of this classic vintage original dial is quite superb.

The Longines high grade gilt, Jewelled Lever movement, cal.13.34 first produced in C.1910 is in superb and original condition.

The two piece "Officers" watch strap is a hand made replica of the correct vintage pattern used during the Great War. However, I have in this case, due to the stunning appearance of this vintage Longines, had the finest genuine Crocodile used rather than the usual plain brown calf.

Manufactured from C.1913 to the mid 1920s when production ceased, this particular timepiece was imported into the UK as late as 1930 as indicated by the import marks struck inside the case .

Issued with cumbersome Pocket Watches which were very difficult to get to under rain capes and heavy great coats, many Officers purchased their own "Wristwatches", a new idea and break with civilian fashion and convention but much easier and far more convenient to use especially so under combat conditions.

In civilian life a gentleman would only use a Pocket Watch, wristwatches at that time were considered an item of strictly feminine Jewellery.

In outstanding and original condition, a magnificent example of an early Longines "Officers" Wristwatch.

It was not uncommon for many a top grade County Jeweller to place their name on watch dials during this period.

The now famous and familiar Swiss watch brands were relatively unknown to the general public at the beginning of the last century, with customers relying on the expertise, good name and reputation of their County Jeweller as a guide to quality and reliability.

This practice continued right up until the 1960s, where on some high grade vintage wristwatches there could still be seen the names of well established top retailers along with the famous and internationally well known Swiss brand names.

As with many of the other top Swiss watch manufacturers of the period, Longines produced high quality timepieces for the fledgling Aviation industry as well as the Military.

Such a demanding clientele together with intense competition between the manufacturers increased the need for continued research and development in both the fields of accuracy and durability of the movement and in the protection of the movement from the ingress of water and dust.

This fabulous early Longines Wristwatch is a most handsome example of what was, almost a century ago at the leading edge of Military and Aviation wristwatch case and movement design.

One of the many international awards won by "Longines".

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information on this beautiful vintage wristwatch or indeed any of the items on my web site.

I am open here in the London Silver Vaults, Monday to Friday, from 10.0 until 5.00

and would be delighted to assist if I possibly can.

Copyright © Anthony Green Antiques 1999- 2008