Let's See Your Early Wrist Watches
 

Hi Gents,

I have always had a passing interest in old watches but must confess know absolutely nothing about this subject.

I'm sure some of you may have example or know about this topic. So if so can I ask members to share any early military wrist watches they have and also their knowledge?

I for one would be fascinated to learn a little more.

Cheerio,

Roy

Pocket watch
 

Roy

I do not know much about the topic of watches but picked up this pocket watch a few years ago. Was sold by D.E. Black & co. In Calgary Alberta, but was actually an Omega watch.

Black was a supplier of CEF badges, I do not have an example on hand but have seen D.E. Black makers marks on cap badges.

Pocket watch
 

Pic of watch

Roy here's one of mine,
WW1 trench watch on replacement strap, 32mm 9ct gold case with 12mm wire lugs. Swiss movement unsigned. Panda dial with cathederal hands and railtrack outer minute ring, seconds sub dial at 6'o'clock.
https://i.imgur.com/LYVrsew.jpg?1

Watch has original bevelled crystal. The problem with these early watches at 11mm thick they are very easy to knock when wearing them.
https://i.imgur.com/k7t9WKS.jpg?1

Thank you Gents,

Some handsome time pieces indeed and lovely to see.

That's a thought Ron, in regards the thickness. Not having owned an early wristwatch it's something I had not realized.

I know the topic is vast with officially issued examples, privately purchased watches and perhaps some of the most interesting, those few examples I have heard of which have an inscription of some kind. The latter of course being possible with either of the two former groups mentioned.

Nice to see these chaps, looking forward to seeing what else our membership can dig up.

Cheers,

Roy

My contribution. This example belonging to U.S. Navy Admiral Gerry Bogan. It was his WW2 era wrist watch. Admiral Bogan was an early Naval Aviator and later in WW2 Commanding Carriers and Task Groups. Most notably during the "Battle of Leyte Gulf" in late October 1944.

From what I can find this is a Waltham FSSC 88-W-800. They were made specifically for Navy Pilots. Similar to the AAF type A-11 with the addition of a luminous hand set and dial. The dial and hands have been Radium painted. This example still runs and appears to have it's original strap.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4830/4...e2f0397d_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7881/3...5f7d7453_b.jpg

Hi Jack,

That's a cracking example and with such great history too. I have occasionally heard of such watches with inscriptions on and must confess these details really lift this interest in a particular piece. What a treasure, well done and thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Roy

collection
 

Here a couple from my collection .

3 watches - 2 belonging to the original owners and 1 larger watch unknown owner.

1 clock fold away type belonging to a Officer from 1st LH

1 damaged Turkish watch taken by a soldier on Gallipoli from dead Turk

1 damaged watch taken from dead German aviator ( Bomber ) shot down near Furnes by a Australia serving with the R.N.A.S rusty the AWM got rid of it as it beening to far gone for them to keep after he donated it to the after WW1

Cheers Rob

Found 2 more .

watch and fobs to Lt A Wells 37Bn then AFC

watch and chain to Sam Hale 8th LH

Hi Rob,

That's certainly a fascinating group of timepieces, lot of history there.

Lovely to see and thanks for sharing.

Cheerio,

Roy

Indeed, great looking groups with provenance. thanks for posting. Jack

rolex info
 

P.O.W. Rolex Info

1940 Swiss Glycine watch.
15 jewel chrome plate case 33.6mm, AS 1130 movement (wehmachtswerk).
Signed black dial with Arabic numerals, lumed hour markers. Pencil hands that have been refinished. Railway track minute outer ring, subsidiary second dial at 6'0'clock position. Screw backed case marked steel backed and watertight, WW2 German Army property maks DH. Deutche Heer.
https://i.imgur.com/9vLYUFJ.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/fqJkUr1.jpg?1