First World War watches

About First world war watches: designs and variations.

Watches first issued to officers in the First World war were initially very similar to pocket watches used in everyday life. It did not take long for designers to move to wrist watches for convenience, and although at the time this may have been unconventional, it certainly made it easier for those working in the trenches.

A typical design of a First World War watch includes numbering in Roman font, with differently coloured numbers at 12,3 and 9 o'clock. Commonly, a separate small lower dial with a second small hand is featured.

The fully waterproof wrist watch was not developed until after the end of the First World War, however some design features in earlier designs did make the case of the watch more secure and dust proof. Some watches had hinged casings front and back. Some of the dials were made of porcelain. Other watches have the lugs positioned at 11 and 5 o'clock instead of 12 and 6 which lets the user view the time with less wrist movement. The cases were made from varying materials, for example nickel chrome or silver. An example of the movement is a 15 jewel movement. Straps were typically made from leather.

Until the First World war, wrist watches were considered too feminine for men to wear.

Names/inscriptions of First World War jewellers/watch sources:

Liseux, France
Swiss made
JW Benson
Cyma
International Watch Co.
JC Vickery
Longines
THOS RUSSELL AND SON (Liverpool)

The Liberty Replica Newgate First World War Watch - click here for watch details